Mobile phones are central to our lives, and with the abundance of phone apps available, they now shape our work, communication, and entertainment. However, blocking apps is critical to maintaining optimum productivity, device security, and parental control. Managing app usage helps promote good mental health and well-being, reduce distractions, and prevent phone addiction.

Considering all these, most people, especially parents, are always on the lookout for tricks on how to block apps. This blog post will explore in-built app blocking features on Android devices and introduce you to an effective parental control tool called KidsGuard Pro.

(Source: FamiEyes)

Why Block Apps or App Downloads?

People are awakening to the effects of prolonged phone use and the inherent risks of uncontrolled app downloads. As such, there has been increased focus on blocking apps and methods for how to block apps from being downloaded. Some of the reasons why this is important include:

• Parental Control: It can be a family tracking app, parents have to safeguard their kids from inappropriate content like sexual or violent media distributed through some apps.
• Improving Productivity: Whether at work or school, having unlimited access to some apps can cause distractions, lead to a lack of focus, and reduce productivity.
• Avoiding In-App Purchases and Harmful Apps: Blocking apps is one sure way to prevent costly in-app purchases, especially by kids. Moreover, blocking some app downloads can keep them from harmful apps.

How to Block Apps on Android

There are several approaches to blocking apps on Android. The preferred choice will depend on your need for flexibility in blocking apps and app downloads. Below are some common methods to achieve this restriction.

How to Block Apps and App Downloads on Android

In today’s digital world, controlling and restricting app usage on Android devices has become crucial, especially for parents, employers, and individuals looking to manage screen time effectively. Blocking apps and preventing app downloads can help minimize distractions, protect privacy, and ensure device security.

This guide explores various ways to block apps and app downloads on Android devices, from built-in parental controls to third-party apps and advanced settings.

Why Block Apps and App Downloads?

Before we dive into the methods, let’s look at some common reasons why blocking apps and app downloads can be beneficial:

1. Parental Control – Prevent children from accessing inappropriate content or spending excessive time on games and social media.
2. Work Productivity – Restrict access to distracting apps such as social media or games during work hours.
3. Privacy and Security – Prevent unauthorized app installations that might compromise sensitive data.
4. Avoid Unwanted Purchases – Stop accidental or unauthorized app purchases, especially by children.

How to Block Apps on Android

There are multiple ways to block specific apps on Android, depending on the level of control you need.

1. Using Built-in Parental Controls (Google Family Link)

Google Family Link is a free tool that helps parents monitor and control their child’s device usage.

Steps to Block Apps with Google Family Link:

1. Download and Install Google Family Link:
   • On your device, install Google Family Link for Parents from the Play Store.
   • On your child’s device, install Google Family Link for Children & Teens.
2. Set Up the Child’s Account:
   • Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to link your child’s account.
3. Block Specific Apps:
   • Open Family Link on your device.
   • Select your child’s account.
   • Tap Manage apps and choose the apps you want to block.
   • Select Block to restrict access.
4. Monitor Usage:
   • You can set daily screen time limits and app usage restrictions.

2. Using Digital Wellbeing & Focus Mode

Android’s built-in Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls lets you temporarily disable apps that cause distractions.

Steps to Use Focus Mode:

1. Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
2. Tap Focus Mode.
3. Select apps to pause.
4. Tap Turn on now to disable access.

This feature is great for managing screen time and increasing productivity.

3. Using Third-Party App Blockers

Several third-party apps offer advanced app-blocking features beyond Android’s built-in tools. Some of the best options include:

a. AppBlock

• Allows blocking apps based on schedule.
• Useful for limiting distractions during work or study hours.

b. BlockSite

• Blocks both apps and websites.
• Helps prevent access to time-wasting apps.

c. Norton App Lock

• Secures sensitive apps with a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint lock.
• Prevents unauthorized access.

4. Disabling Apps via Android Settings

If you want to permanently disable an app without uninstalling it, you can do so through Android’s settings.

Steps to Disable an App:

1. Go to Settings > Apps & notifications.
2. Select the app you want to disable.
3. Tap Disable.

This method is useful for pre-installed apps that cannot be uninstalled.

How to Block App Downloads on Android

Blocking app downloads is essential to prevent unwanted installations. Here are some effective methods:

1. Using Google Play Store Parental Controls

Google Play has built-in controls to restrict app downloads based on content ratings.

Steps to Enable Parental Controls on Google Play:

1. Open Google Play Store.
2. Tap Profile Icon > Settings > Family > Parental Controls.
3. Toggle Parental Controls On.
4. Set a PIN for security.
5. Select Apps & Games and choose the appropriate age limit.

2. Restricting Play Store with a Password

To prevent unauthorized app downloads, you can set up authentication for purchases and downloads.

Steps to Enable Purchase Authentication:

1. Open Google Play Store.
2. Tap Profile Icon > Settings > Authentication.
3. Select Require authentication for purchases.
4. Choose For all purchases through Google Play on this device.

This prevents unauthorized app purchases, especially useful for parents.

3. Using Google Family Link to Block Downloads

As discussed earlier, Family Link can block specific app downloads on a child’s device.

Steps to Prevent New App Downloads:

1. Open Google Family Link.
2. Select your child’s account.
3. Tap Manage settings > Google Play.
4. Choose Only allow certain apps to restrict downloads.

4. Blocking Unknown App Sources

Apps downloaded from third-party sources can pose security risks. You can prevent this by blocking unknown sources.

Steps to Block Third-Party App Installations:

1. Go to Settings > Apps & notifications.
2. Tap Special app access.
3. Select Install unknown apps.
4. Choose the apps and disable the permission.

This prevents APK installations from unauthorized sources.

5. Using Third-Party App Blockers for Downloads

Apps like AppBlock and BlockSite can prevent access to the Play Store and other app marketplaces.

Steps to Use BlockSite:

1. Install BlockSite from the Play Store.
2. Open the app and grant accessibility permissions.
3. Tap Block Sites & Apps.
4. Select Google Play Store and other unwanted sources.
5. Enable the block to prevent downloads.

How to Unblock Apps and App Downloads

If you need to restore access to apps or downloads, follow these steps:

• Google Family Link: Remove restrictions from the app settings.
• Parental Controls: Turn off parental controls in Google Play settings.
• Disabled Apps: Go to Settings > Apps, select the app, and tap Enable.
• Unknown Sources: Re-enable installations from Settings > Install unknown apps.

Final Thoughts

Blocking apps and app downloads on Android is essential for maintaining control over device usage, especially for parents and professionals. Android provides multiple built-in tools, while third-party apps offer advanced restrictions. Whether you want to prevent distractions, improve productivity, or protect your device, these methods ensure a safer and more controlled mobile experience.

By implementing these steps, you can take charge of your Android device and prevent unauthorized or unwanted app access effectively.

Blocking apps and app downloads on Android can help boost users’ focus and productivity. It is also an effective way of preventing unauthorized app downloads that may contain malware and access to harmful content. Digital wellbeing tools and features like app pinning and guest mode work well to block apps on Android.

However, as a parent, you need a reliable parental control tool like KidsGuard Pro that also helps you track in-app purchases. Try KidsGuard Pro today and conveniently block and monitor app activity on your child’s device.