Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To ask AI crawlers not to collect or fetch your site, add crawler-specific Disallow rules to a robots.txt file at the root of each relevant site origin. For a stronger technical block, use server, firewall, WAF, or edge controls: robots.txt is a voluntary instruction, not access control. Choose crawler rules by purpose, because training, AI search, and user-requested retrieval may use different bots.

Choose what you want to block

Decide whether you want to opt out of training collection, AI search crawling, user-directed retrieval, or all of them. Blocking one crawler does not automatically block an operator’s other bots. OpenAI says its crawler settings are independent; it documents GPTBot for potential model training and OAI-SearchBot for ChatGPT search. Anthropic documents ClaudeBot, Claude-SearchBot, and Claude-User for different uses. See the OpenAI crawler overview and Anthropic’s site-owner guidance.

Goal Documented tokens to consider Tradeoff
Block training collection GPTBot; ClaudeBot Signals that content should be excluded from the operator’s training collection under its published policy; does not necessarily block search or user-requested retrieval.
Block AI search crawling OAI-SearchBot; Claude-SearchBot Can reduce or remove the site from that operator’s search answers. OpenAI says sites opted out of OAI-SearchBot will not be shown in ChatGPT search answers, although navigational links may still appear; Anthropic warns that disabling search crawling can reduce visibility.
Block user-directed retrieval Claude-User Can prevent that operator’s user-triggered web retrieval from fetching site content, reducing the chance it appears when users ask about the site.
Block requests technically Server, firewall, WAF, or edge rules Can deny access rather than merely signal a preference, but rules must be configured to avoid blocking legitimate visitors and useful crawlers.

Add crawler rules to robots.txt

  1. List every site origin to cover. A robots file applies only to the protocol, host, and port where it is served. For example, the file on https://example.com/robots.txt does not govern https://shop.example.com/ or a different protocol or port. Create and check a file for every relevant host or subdomain. See Google’s robots.txt specifications and Anthropic’s guidance.
  2. Choose the documented user-agent token for each purpose. Use the operator’s exact token, not a guessed brand name. The examples below cover OpenAI training and search and Anthropic’s documented bots; add only the categories you intend to block.
  3. Add a separate group for each crawler you want to exclude. Put the file at the site root as /robots.txt. For a whole-host opt-out from the listed bots, use:
    User-agent: GPTBot
    Disallow: /
    
    User-agent: OAI-SearchBot
    Disallow: /
    
    User-agent: ClaudeBot
    Disallow: /
    
    User-agent: Claude-SearchBot
    Disallow: /
    
    User-agent: Claude-User
    Disallow: /
  4. Use path rules if you only want to exclude part of the site. Replace Disallow: / with the specific path you want the matching crawler not to crawl, such as Disallow: /private-content/. Confirm how the target operator interprets your rules before relying on path-specific behavior.
  5. Check the served file, not just the file you edited. Visit https://your-host/robots.txt for each origin and verify that the live response contains the intended groups. Review CDN, server, and WAF settings too; an edge service may manage or combine robots rules with an existing file.

Google documents User-agent, Allow, and Disallow as supported fields. Its parser selects the most specific matching user-agent group rather than combining that group with the wildcard group, so avoid assuming that a general User-agent: * group will add rules to a crawler-specific group. A robots disallow rule prevents crawling under the specification, but does not guarantee that a URL will be removed from search results. See Google’s robots.txt documentation and its blocking guidance.

Know what robots.txt can and cannot do

A robots rule asks compliant crawlers to stay away; it does not require them to obey, authenticate visitors, or technically prevent a request. Anthropic says its bots respect standard robots.txt directives, but that is the operator’s stated policy, not an access-control guarantee. If content must be inaccessible, protect it with authentication or an appropriate server or edge rule rather than relying on robots.txt alone.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

Robots rules also do not undo access or collection that has already occurred. The supported claim is that the rule communicates a crawl preference for compliant bots going forward; it should not be treated as a way to erase existing copies or guarantee a particular model or search outcome.

Enforce a block with server, WAF, or edge controls

When a voluntary preference is not enough, configure your hosting platform, firewall, WAF, or CDN to deny the relevant requests. Cloudflare, for example, documents AI Crawl Control and policies for Search, Agent, and Training behavior, including options to block across a zone, block on pages displaying ads, or allow classified traffic. Its settings and defaults can change, so verify the current dashboard behavior and test the effect on your site before applying a policy. See Cloudflare’s robots.txt setting documentation and AI bot reference.

Rank #2
Sale
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
  • Cloudflare notes that a mixed-purpose bot may fall into more than one behavior category; check the classification and resulting policy rather than assuming one label maps to one use.
  • Cloudflare says Bot Management customers can use detection IDs in WAF rules. Other plans can use user-agent matching in robots.txt or WAF rules, subject to the capabilities of the plan and configuration.
  • Test enforcement against legitimate search crawlers, site visitors, and any AI search or retrieval services you want to keep. A broad rule can have a broader visibility cost than intended.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Verify coverage and revisit the rules

  • Open the live /robots.txt URL for each protocol, host, port, and subdomain you intend to cover.
  • Confirm each token against the operator’s current documentation before adding or removing it. Bot names and purposes evolve; Cloudflare’s bot reference is a useful starting list, not a permanent universal blocklist.
  • Check edge and server policies separately from robots.txt. A correct file does not prove that requests are technically denied, and a WAF block does not prove that all relevant origins are covered.
  • If you use Crawl-delay, treat it as operator-specific. Anthropic says it supports the non-standard extension; Google says its parser does not.

Additional tokens listed in Cloudflare’s reference include PerplexityBot, Perplexity-User, Google-CloudVertexBot, Bytespider, CCBot, meta-externalagent, meta-externalfetcher, Applebot, Amazonbot, and DuckAssistBot. Verify each bot’s purpose with its operator before blocking it: names alone do not establish whether it is used for training, search, or another function.

Best Value
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.