Restrictions are a necessity in the age of easy internet access. Now the Google Play Store is filled with a plethora of apps for users to try out. While each one deserves a place, many apps are considered unsuitable, especially due to concerns over privacy and security.
So, it becomes important for parents, employers, and individuals to block such specific apps from being downloaded in order to keep the device safe.
But the question is – how to do that on Android? We are to guide you in today’s blog. So, without any delay, let’s get straight into it.
How to Block a Specific App from Being Downloaded
Apps with intrusive data collection practices or known vulnerabilities pose security risks. Moreover, many of them also have age-inappropriate content from which your child needs to be protected.
Whatever the reason may be, it is necessary to block the download of such apps.
Note: Since smartphones don’t have the same Settings options, and they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Hence, ensure the correct settings before changing any on your device. These steps were performed on the Samsung S20 FE 5G, as shown in the illustrations below.
Method 1: Directly Via Google Play Store
Google Play Store also offers Parental controls that can block you or anyone else from installing apps without authentication.
1. Open the Google Play Store, tap on your profile picture at the top right corner, and select Settings from the context menu.
2. Turn on the toggle for Parental controls are on, enter a 4-digit PIN, and re-enter it to confirm and enable the feature.
3. Now tap on Apps & games, and pick the age range as desired. You can even select all of them. Finally, tap on Save.
Also Read: How to Block a Specific App on an iPhone
Method 2: Parental Controls via Family Link (Built-in Android Defense)
Android devices offer parental control features with which you can restrict access to specific apps or set usage limits for them. Here’s how to restrict downloads using this feature:
1. Open Settings, and tap on Digital Wellbeing and parental controls.
2. Tap on Get started at the bottom right corner and choose Who will be using this device?
3. Tap on the Next button at the bottom right corner.
You will be asked to install the Google Family Link app.
4. Tap on Get Family Link at the bottom right corner and then tap on Install in the Google Play Store.
5. Once installed, open the Google Family Link app, select your account, and tap on Continue.
6. Select Yes or No as per your choice for Does your child have a Google Account? and then follow the on-screen instructions to set up parental controls.
Once your child’s Google account is connected to yours through the Family Link, follow the steps:
7. Open Google Family Link, tap on Manage settings, and then select Google Play.
8. Tap on the Require approval for option and select All content.
Method 3: Third-Party App Blockers
You can even use any of these third-party app blockers to block specific apps on Android.
1. AppBlock
- Block apps by time, location, usage count, or specific days.
- Schedule Focus Sessions to block distractions.
- Offers password protection and detailed usage reports.
- Free version has limited features
2. Kidslox
- Comprehensive parental control suite, great for families.
- Block apps, websites, games, and more.
- Set screen time limits, track location, and monitor app usage.
- Web filtering and internet pause function.
- Subscription-based and some features can be overwhelming for casual users.
3. Norton Family Parental Control
- Blocks apps, websites, and videos.
- Set time limits, track location, and monitor online activity.
- App blocking works across multiple devices.
- Offers a comparatively expensive subscription and the user interface is not so friendly
4. FocusMe
- Can block apps and websites for set periods to boost productivity.
- Pomodoro timer integration, website whitelisting, and detailed usage reports.
- Simple and clean interface, focus on productivity
- Free-to-use with premium upgrades.
- Limited app blocking features compared to others and no parental control options.
5. Freedom:
- Blocks all distractions, including apps, websites, calls, and notifications
- Frozen mode completely disables internet access
- No granular app blocking
- Paid app with no free or trial version
Also Read: 20 Best Social Media Blocker Apps (Free and Paid)
Method 4: Disable Installation from Unknown Sources
If you are concerned about the potential risks of apps downloaded from third-party websites, here’s how to block them:
1. Open the Settings app, tap on Security and privacy, and then on Install unknown apps.
2. Turn off the toggle for all the sources you want to block.
How to Temporarily Block Apps on Android
You can use the Digital Wellbeing feature on Android to block certain apps on Android temporarily. Follow the steps:
1. Open Settings, tap on Digital Wellbeing & parental controls, and then tap on the Dashboard icon at the top to view your app usage.
2. Tap on App timers and select the app that you want to temporarily block.
Note: If you want to select all apps, tap on All at the top-left corner.
3. Tap on Set timer at the bottom right corner, set it as preferred, and tap on Done.
Now the app will be grayed out on your home screen and inaccessible until the timer runs out.
We hope our guide helped you block a specific app from being downloaded on your Android device.
If you have any queries or suggestions for us, do let us know in the comments section and stay tuned to TechCult for more informative blogs.