Today we have the option to get thousands of apps at our fingertips. From learning cooking to playing games, there’s an app for everything. However, not all apps are useful. Some apps might waste your time or use too much of your data. This can make you want to know how to block a specific app on an iPhone. So, let’s get going!
How to Block a Specific App on iPhone and App Store
Although you cannot block a specific app, you can block an app if it belongs to a specific category. Sometimes, if you have a young child using a phone, some apps may also have explicit content. To stay away from such issues, it is safer to block the app once and for all.
Is Blocking a Specific App a Wise Decision?
Yes, blocking a specific app can be a wise decision if you feel you are wasting a lot of time or apps have started asking for unwanted permissions. Whether you are looking to use the phone or your child is going to use the phone, putting restrictions and blocking apps will help in time management.
Note: Since not all versions of iOS offer the same features, some features mentioned in the article might not work. The following methods were tried on iOS 17.1.2.
Let’s see how you can block specific apps on iPhone:
Method 1: Using Content & Privacy Restriction Option
The screen time option in the settings app has a lot to offer when it comes to restricting content that you want to stay away from. This also applies if you want to block certain apps. Below are some easy steps that you can follow to block apps on the iPhone
1. Open Settings and go to the Screen Time option.
2. Select Content & Privacy Restriction > Content Restrictions.
3. Now, tap on the Apps option in the list.
4. Select your preferred blocking option.
Method 2: Using Downtime Feature
You can also use Downtime to block certain apps temporarily on your iPhone for the time being. Here’s how:
1. Open Settings > Screen Time > Downtime.
2. Select Turn On Downtime Until Tomorrow.
Note: If you wish to schedule blocking apps, turn on the toggle for Scheduled and customize your preferences.
This way you can block apps according to your scheduled time.
Also Read: 20 Best Social Media Blocker Apps (Free and Paid)
Method 3: Using App Limit Feature
Follow the steps below to put restrictions on the usage of apps:
1. Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits.
2. Tap on Add Limit.
3. Select your preferred apps from the list and tap on Next.
4. Fix a time and day and tap on Add.
Apps will stop working until the timer is over.
Method 4: Using iTunes Option
Using iTunes will not let you download any app from the App Store. Follow the steps below to get started:
1. Follow steps 1 and 2 from the above section.
2. Tap on iTunes & App Store Purchases.
3. Next, tap on the Installing Apps option.
4. Choose Don’t Allow.
There you go! You can no longer download any app from the App Store.
Method 5: Using Third-Party Apps
An iPhone is pretty apt when it comes to content restrictions. However, if you are looking for something more robust and something that your child cannot disable, then going for third-party apps is a great option. Follow the steps mentioned below to use mSpy to block necessary apps on your child’s phone:
1. Download the mSpy app from the App Store.
2. Open the app and complete the setup process by tapping on Continue.
3. Tap on Dashboard at the top left corner.
4. Tap on Block Applications.
5. Select your desired apps and tap on Save.
Now, the apps will be blocked on your iPhone.
Also Read: Fix App Store Missing on iPhone
How to Temporarily Block Apps on iPhone
It is not always necessary that you wish to avoid downloading an app altogether. You might simply want to hold off using an app or maybe temporarily want to block an app on your iPhone. With Downtime setting on, you can use apps only for a limited time. To use the downtime option, follow the steps that are mentioned under Method 2: Using Downtime in the previous heading.
How to Make Sure that the Blocked App Remains Blocked
Once you block an app, it will remain blocked until and unless the settings are changed. If you worry that someone can change the settings on your phone, then you can set up a screen time passcode. Only the person having the screen time passcode can change the settings and unblock the block restrictions.
1. Open Settings and tap on Screen Time.
2. Choose Lock Screen Time Settings.
3. Set a Screen Time password.
4. Enter the Apple ID credentials and tap on OK.
Now rest assured, no one will be able to unblock any apps.
Also Read: 6 Ways to Block Inappropriate Websites on Android
Blocking a specific app can become a necessary measure to avoid several circumstances like fraud, scams, overindulgence, or unproductivity. But now that you know how to block a specific app on your iPhone, you can easily overcome any issues arising.
