You may want to know how to block apps on iOS and Android. In an era dominated by mobile applications, our smartphones have become indispensable tools for communication and entertainment. However, with the vast array of apps available, it’s easy to get distracted or overwhelmed.
Blocking certain apps is especially needed for children and those seeking a more focused digital experience. If you are looking to regain control over your digital life or ensure a safer online experience for your family, this article is for you. In this guide, we will delve into the essential methods and techniques on how to block apps on iOS and Android.
We will also discuss how to unblock apps so that you may access the apps you want in the future. Whether you are a curious parent or a technology enthusiast, you will find everything in this article to have full control of your apps.
Let’s begin.
How to block apps on iPhone?
Blocking apps on an iPhone can be a useful way to curb distractions, manage screen time, or ensure a safer digital environment for yourself or your family. Apple provides built-in features to help you achieve this.
You can block apps on iPhone using the following ways:
Using Screen Time restrictions
You can use the Screen Time restrictions with the following steps:
- Open the “Settings” > “Screen Time” > “App Limits.”
⭐️ Note
You’ll be prompted to do so if you haven’t already set up Screen Time. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a Screen Time passcode and choose whether the iPhone is for you or your child.
2. Tap “Add Limit.”
3. Choose the app category (e.g., Social Networking) or specific apps you want to restrict.
4. You can customize which days the time limit applies if needed.
5. To establish a digital curfew, go to “Downtime” within the Screen Time settings.
This feature allows you to schedule a time period during which only essential apps will be accessible.
Using the app deletion restrictions
You can prevent the deletion of apps on your iPhone to ensure that certain apps remain blocked.
Use the following steps to do so:
- In the Screen Time settings, tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions.” Enable it and go to “iTunes & App Store Purchases.”
2. Under “Deleting Apps,” select “Don’t Allow.”
Now, the apps you’ve blocked using Screen Time will remain restricted, and you won’t be able to easily delete them.
How to block apps on Mac?
Blocking apps on a Mac is a useful way to enhance productivity and minimize distractions during work or study sessions. You can achieve this by using macOS’s built-in features. Here’s how to block apps on your Mac:
Using App Limits with Screen Time
Let’s find out how you can limit apps using the Screen Time feature on iPhone:
1. Look for the Apple logo on your iPhone’s screen and go to “System Preferences” > “Screen Time.”
⭐️ Note: If you haven’t set up Screen Time previously, follow the automatic instructions to create a Screen Time passcode.
2. In the Screen Time sidebar, select “App Limits” and then click the “+” button to add a new app limit.
You can choose to set a time limit for app categories or specific apps. For example, you can select “Social Networking” to limit all social media apps collectively or choose “Add” to select specific apps.
3. Set the desired daily time limit for the chosen app or category, then click “Add.”
To customize the days when this limit applies, click “Customize Days” and select the appropriate days of the week.
4. Click “Done” to confirm the app limit.
Now, the apps you’ve selected will be restricted on your Mac according to the time limit you’ve set. You’ll receive notifications as you approach your time limit. Once the limit is reached, access to those apps will be blocked until the next day.
Using third-party apps (Optional)
While macOS’s built-in Screen Time feature is effective for app blocking, you can also consider using third-party apps like Google Family Link and FlashGet Kids for more advanced app blocking and website blocking capabilities.
These apps allow for greater customization and flexibility in managing your digital distractions. The app blockers in these third-party apps are helpful in blocking undesired apps immediately.
How to block apps on Android phone?
Android offers several effective methods to block apps, allowing you to regain control over your device’s usage or ensure a safer online experience, especially for children.
Here are different ways to block apps on your Android phone:
Google Play Store
You can use Google Play Store to block apps on your Android phone using the following steps:
Step 1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device and tap your Google account in the top-right corner.
Step 2. Tap “Settings.”
Step 3. Scroll down to “Family.”
Tap the “Parental Control” option.
Step 4. Turn on parental controls.
Set your PIN code.
Parental Control will be on.
You can now restrict app downloads and content based on maturity levels.
Google Family Link
You can also block apps using the Google Family Link app. Here are the steps:
- Install the Google Family Link app on your device.
- Follow the setup process to create a family group and add your child’s account (if applicable).
- From the parent’s device, open the Family Link app.
- Select your child’s account and tap “App activity.”
Here, you can set daily usage limits for specific apps and monitor their activity.
FlashGet Kids App Blocker
FlashGet Kids is an app with all the control features that you can use to monitor and block apps and activities for your children.
You can use the following steps to block apps using FlashGet Kids App Blocker.
- Download and install the FlashGet Kids from the Google Play Store.
- Launch the app and follow the setup instructions.
- Create a profile for the device user, whether it’s yourself or a family member.
- Use FlashGet Kids to set app restrictions screen time limits, and monitor app usage.
App lockers
You can use third-party app lockers like AppLock or Norton App Lock to individually lock and password-protect specific apps. These apps allow you to secure access to apps you want to block behind a PIN or password.
Device settings
Some Android devices have built-in options to block apps. Try to look for the “App Permissions” or “App Management” options on your device.
You may find features that allow you to restrict or disable certain apps.
How to unblock apps?
Unblocking apps on your device can be necessary when you want to regain access to previously restricted apps.
Whether you’ve blocked apps on your iPhone, Android phone, or another device, you can unblock them using the following steps:
Unblock apps on iPhone
If you’ve used Screen Time to block apps on your iPhone, follow these steps to unblock them:
Step 1. Open the “Settings” > “Screen Time” > “App Limits” or “Always Allowed.”
If you’ve set up app limits, you’ll see a list of categories or specific apps with time limits. Tap the one you want to unblock.
Step 2. On the next screen, tap “Delete Limit.”
You’ll be prompted to confirm the removal of the limit. Confirm it, and the app will be unblocked.
If you’ve used a different method to block apps on your iPhone, such as restrictions or parental control apps, refer to the respective settings or apps to unblock them.
Unblock apps on Android phone
If you have employed Google Play Family Link or employed alternative approaches to restrict apps on your Android phone, you can unblock them by adhering to these general procedures:
Step 1. Open the parental control app or settings that you used to block the apps.
In this example, we’ll use Google Family Link.
Step 2. In the Family Link app, select the child’s account and tap on “Manage settings” > “Apps” or “App activity.”
Step 3. You’ll see a list of blocked apps. Tap on the app you want to unblock and toggle the switch to “Allowed.”
Confirm the changes, and the app will be unblocked.
For other methods or third-party app blockers, refer to the respective settings or apps to unblock specific apps.
Unblock apps on Mac
follow these steps to unblock the macOS’s Screen Time:
Step 1. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences” > “Screen Time” > “App Limits” in the sidebar.
Find the app or category you want to unblock and click on it.
Step 2. Click the “Delete Limit” button.
The best option to block apps on iOS and Android
Managing app usage is essential for productivity and a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re a concerned parent looking to safeguard your child’s online experience or an individual striving for better digital discipline, you’ve learned various methods to block and unblock apps on iOS and Android devices.
But what is the best option to block apps on iOS and Android devices? To simplify and enhance your app-blocking experience, you must have noticed that the FlashGet Kids App Blocker has many advantages. With its comprehensive features, including app restrictions, screen time scheduling, and app monitoring, FlashGet Kids empowers you to create a safer, more controlled digital environment for yourself and your family.
Take charge of your digital life today with FlashGet Kids App Blocker, and enjoy a more focused and mindful online experience.
FAQs
How do I block an app from the App Store?
You cannot directly block apps from the App Store, but you can restrict access to them using your App Store account.
What happens if you block an app?
Blocking an app limits or prevents its usage on the device, helping you avoid distractions and maintain focus.
How do I turn off parental permission on Android apps?
You can manage parental permissions in the Google Family Link app by selecting the child’s account, tapping “Manage settings,” and adjusting app permissions as needed.
