How to protect your child's Chromebook with WhitelistVideo

Set up WhitelistVideo on your child's Chromebook to filter YouTube videos. Chromebooks are one of the most secure platforms for families because they only run Chrome and approved apps.

Required Chromebook setup

1. Install the WhitelistVideo Chrome extension on the child's Chromebook
2. In Family Link: block Guest mode and Incognito, and require your approval for apps and extensions
3. Turn off Family Link's own YouTube restrictions, so they don't interfere with WhitelistVideo

Don't block youtube.com: the extension needs it to play the videos you approve.

Optional: block google.com (Google results play video snippets) and set DuckDuckGo (privacy-focused) as Chrome's default search engine.

What do I need to protect a Chromebook?

• Your child's Chromebook (ChromeOS device)
• Google Chrome browser (pre-installed)
• A WhitelistVideo account
• About 2-5 minutes depending on device type

How does WhitelistVideo work on Chromebooks?

WhitelistVideo for ChromeOS uses the browser extension only. Unlike Windows and Mac, there is no desktop installer on ChromeOS. Managed device enrollment is required for tamper-resistant force-install.

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What protection levels are available?

Level 1: Extension only (personal Chromebook)

• Install the Chrome extension from the Web Store
• Child can remove it by going to chrome://extensions
• If they uninstall it, you're alerted by email (the dashboard also shows the device as "Inactive")
• Best for: trying WhitelistVideo out; complete the Family Link steps (Level 2) for everyday use

Level 2: Extension + Family Link (personal Chromebook)

• Install extension via Family Link supervised account
• Family Link requires your approval to install extensions — and to re-install after removal
• Child CAN still disable or remove the extension (this is a ChromeOS limitation, not something any app can prevent)
• You're alerted by email if your child uninstalls the extension
• Family Link blocks guest mode so the child can't browse without the extension via guest profile
• Best for: every personal Chromebook (this is the required setup)

Level 3: Google Workspace + Admin console enrollment (personal Chromebook, tamper-resistant)

• Parent buys a Google Workspace subscription (about US $5 per month; check Google's pricing for your region), sets themselves up as the administrator and enrolls the device in their own Google Admin Console
• Extension is force-installed — child cannot remove, disable, or modify it
• Admin policies block developer tools, guest mode, and incognito
• Requires a one-time Powerwash (factory reset) to enroll the device
• Best for: Families who need managed, tamper-resistant protection on a personal device

Level 4: School-managed device (strongest)

• School IT admin installs extension via Google Admin Console
• Extension force-installed and cannot be removed by student
• Admin blocks developer tools, guest mode, incognito, Powerwash, and Linux/Crostini
• Requires enterprise Google Workspace for Education
• Best for: All students on school-issued Chromebooks

Chromebook protection comparison

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Chromebook security advantages

Chromebooks offer unique security benefits for families:

• Chrome-centered environment — Browser access is centered on Chrome, while approved Android apps still need review
• No desktop software — Can't install programs that could bypass filtering
• Built-in Google integration — Family Link works seamlessly with ChromeOS
• Automatic updates — Security patches apply automatically

Quick start guides

Which setup should I choose?

For personal Chromebooks

The required setup for every child:

1. Set up Family Link on the Chromebook
2. Install the extension and approve via Family Link
3. In Family Link, block guest mode and Incognito and require app and extension approval
4. Turn off Family Link's own YouTube restrictions
5. If the extension is uninstalled, you're alerted by email

For families who need managed enforcement on personal Chromebooks

For tamper-resistant force-install without relying on a school:

1. Buy a Google Workspace subscription (about US $5 per month; check Google's pricing for your region) and set yourself up as the administrator
2. Powerwash the Chromebook and enroll it in your Google Admin Console
3. Force-install the WhitelistVideo extension via Admin Console policies
4. Block developer tools, guest mode, and incognito via policies

For school-issued Chromebooks

For maximum protection on school devices:

1. Contact your school's IT department
2. Provide them the school-managed setup guide or the IT request template
3. IT admin deploys extension via Google Admin Console
4. Activate the extension with your PAC code

School IT request template

Use this template to email your child's school IT department:

Subject: Request to install WhitelistVideo YouTube filtering extension

Hi [IT Admin Name],

I'd like to request that the WhitelistVideo Chrome extension be force-installed on my child's school Chromebook. It filters YouTube at the channel level — only parent-approved channels can play.

Extension details:

• Name: WhitelistVideo – Safe Videos for Kids
• Extension ID: mapkkanjgaongckjkhklbhekefemookh
• Chrome Web Store: Link (opens in a new tab)
• Requires: Chrome 90+, no special permissions beyond YouTube access

Recommended Google Admin Console setup:

1. Go to Devices → Chrome → Apps & Extensions → Users & Browsers
2. Add the extension by ID: mapkkanjgaongckjkhklbhekefemookh
3. Set installation policy to "Force install"
4. Optionally block all other extensions to prevent bypass tools

Firewall/network requirements:

• *.whitelist.video (API and dashboard)
• *.googleapis.com (YouTube API)

Support contact: support@whitelist.video — our team can help with enterprise deployment questions.

The detailed IT setup guide is at: https://whitelist.video/docs/devices/chromebook/school-managed (opens in a new tab)

Thank you!

Chromebook troubleshooting

My child removed the extension

This is expected behavior on personal Chromebooks — ChromeOS does not allow any third-party app to lock an extension in place without managed enrollment.

What to do:

1. Check the email alert we sent you (the dashboard also shows the device as "Inactive")
2. Have a conversation with your child about why they removed it
3. Re-install: if using Family Link, the child will need to request installation again
4. For tamper-proof protection, consider Google Workspace + Admin console enrollment or ask your school IT to force-install

The extension won't install

• Check that Chrome Web Store access isn't blocked
• On school devices, contact IT — extensions may require admin approval
• Try signing out and back into Chrome
• Clear browser cache and try again

My child uses guest mode to bypass filtering

• Guest mode doesn't load extensions by design
• On school/enterprise-enrolled devices, guest mode is blocked by policy
• On personal devices, use Family Link to disable guest mode
• Monitor device access and establish trust-based rules

Extension works but videos aren't filtered

• Check that the extension is activated with your PAC code
• Click the extension icon to verify activation status
• Make sure your whitelist has approved channels
• Try deactivating and reactivating the extension

More Chromebook troubleshooting →