How to Block Apps on Android

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This wikiHow teaches you how to gain control over your Android by blocking certain app downloads (including automatic updates), as well as how to prevent apps from sending you notifications.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using Google Family Link

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  1. . Family Link is Google's official parental control app. You will need to install the Google Family Link for parents on the parent phone and Google Family Link for children and teens on your child's phone.
    • Use this method to block apps that have already been installed on your child's device.
  2. You will need to sign in to the parent's Google account on the parent's phone and the child's Google account on the child's phone.
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  3. It has an icon that resembles a yellow, green, and blue icon.
  4. It has a profile image of your child.
  5. It's the card that lists different apps your child has installed.
  6. This displays options for that app.
  7. This disable the app so that it can't be launched on your child's device. [1]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Blocking App Downloads from the Play Store

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  1. You can find it on your Home screen or Apps menu.
    • Use this method to set up parental controls that restrict users from downloading age-inappropriate apps.
  2. It's the circular image in the upper-right corner.
    • If an image has not been selected for the Google account, it will appear as a colored-circle with an initial in the middle.
  3. It's near the bottom of the menu next to an icon that resembles a gear.
  4. It's near the bottom of the Settings menu. This allows you to set parental controls for the Google Play Store.
  5. It's the second from the last option at the bottom of the Family menu.
  6. You will now be prompted to set up a PIN.
  7. Choose something that you'll remember, as you'll need this PIN to bypass these controls in the future.
  8. Parental controls are now enabled.
  9. A list of age groups will appear.
  10. This depends on what you want to allow people to download. App developers enter these age ranges when adding their apps to the Play Store.
    • If you want to block apps with mature or adult content, for example, but are okay with “Teen” content, select Teen .
    • To block all apps except those rated as “Everyone” (all ages), select Everyone .
  11. This message just lets you know that future app downloads from the Play Store will be restricted based on your selection.
  12. Now that you've enabled parental restrictions, users of this Android will not be able to install apps from the Play Store outside of their age group.
    • To disable these restrictions, go back to the Parental controls screen and slide the switch to the off position.
    • Alternatively, you can apply parental controls to Google Play downloads and purchases using the Family Link app. To do so, open the Family Link app and select your child. Tap Manage Settings and tap Controls for Google Play . Tap Apps & Games and tap your parental control level.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Blocking App Updates

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  1. You'll usually find it in the app drawer.
    • Use this method to prevent apps from automatically updating to their latest versions. [2]
  2. It's the circular image in the upper-right corner.
    • If you have not selected a profile image for your Google account, it will appear as a colored circle with your initial in the middle.
  3. It's near the bottom of the menu next to an icon that resembles a gear.
  4. It's the second menu in the Settings menu. This expands the Network Preferences menu.
  5. A pop-up menu will appear.
  6. It's the first option in the list. App updates will no longer download automatically.
    • To manually update an app, open the Play Store , tap your profile icon, select My apps & games , tap Updates available (or tap Update all to update all apps), tap an app you want to update, and then tap Update .
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Blocking App Notifications

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  1. To do so, swipe down from the top of your screen and tap the icon that resembles a gear. Alternatively, you can open the Settings app in your Apps menu. It has an icon that resembles a gear.
  2. Depending on what model Android device you have, it may say "Apps", "Apps & Notifications", or something similar.
  3. This opens the app's info screen.
  4. It's below "App Settings."
  5. Depending on your Android model, the toggle switch may be labeled "Show all" or "Block" or something similar. Tap the toggle switch to turn off Notifications.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is there away around the parental controls if I don't know the pin?
    Community Answer
    Sadly, no. Unless you know the pin, there is no way around it, other than uninstalling the app.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 16
  • Question
    Can kids find a way around this? Can they just delete the app and then reinstall it?
    Devman2023
    Community Answer
    No. Since the app is blocked, it is like an IP block. No one can bypass the app unless they know the password.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    My brother is addicted to games. How can I restrict those game apps?
    Community Answer
    Discuss it with your parents. Leave the restricting to them.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/families/answer/7103028?hl=en#zippy=%2Cblock-or-unblock-an-app
      2. ↑ http://www.tomsguide.com/faq/id-3063682/prevent-apps-installing-permission-android.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open the Play Store.
      2. Tap the menu.
      3. Tap Settings .
      4. Tap Parental controls .
      5. Toggle on the switch.
      6. Create a PIN.
      7. Tap Apps & Games .
      8. Select an age rating limit.
      9. Tap OK .
      10. Tap SAVE .

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