How to Block Apps on an Android Phone: Complete Guide

You can block apps on Android devices using the Digital Wellbeing feature, app blocker, or Google Play parental controls. This can help you control impulsive app usage, manage work devices of employees, encourage kids to complete their homework on time, or prevent underage kids from accessing inappropriate apps.

We’ve researched all the methods that work for blocking apps for different Android users. Some will work great on office or kids’ phones, while others will apply some level of control over your phone usage. Let’s dive in.

Method 1. Use Digital Wellbeing

Best For: Limiting Social Media

The Digital Wellbeing feature was created as a way to unplug from your phone and focus on things that matter, like work and family. It offers features such as an app timer, focus mode, bedtime mode, and parental controls, all accessible through the Family Link app.

Set Up App Timer

When you set app timers, it limits the time you spend on the app and automatically blocks the chosen app when you try to use it past the time limit.

If you often find yourself reaching for your phone and clicking on social media without even thinking, an app timer will remind you that you’ve used all the time you set for that app.

It’s essential, as researchers have linked poor mental health to spending more than two hours on social media in young people. Hence, it’s a good idea to limit the time you spend on social media, and the App Timer will help you apply the necessary app limits.

To set app limits on Android:

1. Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
2. Click on App timers, then the + sign. It will prompt you to enter the phone’s PIN.
   
3. Choose the app you want to block and click Set timer.
4. Add the hours that you desire, and the days of the week it will apply.
5. Tap Done to apply the timer.
   

Method 2. Use Focus Mode

The Focus mode is specifically built to eliminate distractions. The idea is to have apps that you can’t access when you’ve turned it on. This way, you can quickly block the most distracting apps and focus outside your phone.

The Focus mode functions differently on Pixel phones compared to Samsung devices.

• On Pixel and most Android devices, Focus Mode allows you to select the apps you want to block when the mode is active.
• On Samsung phones, it’s reversed: you define which apps to allow during Focus Mode, and everything else is effectively blocked.

To turn on Focus Mode in Samsung Modes & Routines’ settings:

1. Open Settings > Modes and Routines.
2. Click on Focus. You can turn it on manually by tapping Turn on, or create a schedule for it to turn on automatically.
   
3. By choosing Turn on manually, you select a duration for when Focus mode will be active.
   
4. Otherwise, click Turn on automatically, then put the condition that will trigger Focus Mode to turn on automatically. For example, you can enter a time every day when the phone will be in Focus mode. Then tap Done.
   

Tip: It’s handy to add Focus Mode to the Quick Settings panel, allowing you to turn it on and off quickly by swiping down from the top of the screen. On Samsung phones, you need to add the modes button.

Method 3. Use Phone Tracker/Parental Controls

Best For: Blocking apps on kids’, employees’, or elders’ devices

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. Using any phone tracker or app-blocking tool must comply with all applicable laws in your country or region. You should only install and use such software on devices you own, or on devices where you have the clear, informed consent of the user.

Tracking or monitoring someone’s device without their knowledge or permission may be illegal and could result in criminal or civil penalties. Always ensure that your monitoring activities are transparent, respectful of privacy, and in line with local regulations.

If you’re looking for a way to block an app on a child’s phone, control your employees’ devices, or help elderly parents manage their phones, consider using phone trackers or parental control apps. It is a great way to control screen time, as you can block specific apps or entire app categories, such as social media or gaming apps.

There are different tools. You can use Google Family Link or install a third-party app that works in the background.

The Family Link app by Google is available on Android phones through the Digital Wellbeing feature, although it requires installation and connecting with another device and their Google account.

Note: The ability to limit apps on Family Link is available on Android devices running version 7 and above.

To prevent app usage using Family Link:

1. Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing and parental controls > Parental controls. Set up Family Link for both parent and child devices.
2. Open the Family Link app on the family device and click on your child’s name.
3. Click Controls at the bottom of the page. Choose Google Play.
4. Tap on Block or set app limits.
   
5. Find the app you want to block. For example, YouTube, and toggle the button next to Allowed to the left to block it.
6. Tap Done to save the function.
   

You can also restrict which apps they can download from the Google Play Store.

1. Go to Controls > Google Play > Apps & Games.
2. Select an age rating, such as “for 7+,” depending on your child’s age. This means they can only download apps that are appropriate for their age.

Meanwhile, there are many third-party phone trackers that can block specific apps remotely. These are uMobix, Qustodio, and mSpy, among others. Such phone trackers allow you to monitor app activity and block them. Some of these trackers are made specifically for families and parental control, while others are used for work monitoring.

To use one of such parental controls to block apps on Android:

1. Select the tracker and install it on the target device, with the permission and consent of its owner. Usually, you’ll be guided within the process.
2. Access the online dashboard or settings, and click Applications. Here’s how it looks like in the uMobix app.
3. Click Block next to the app you chose.

Block Downloading of Apps from the Google Play Store

You can also block downloading apps on Android directly from the Google Play Store. This is important for kids since they may encounter inappropriate stuff like dating apps and 18+-rated games.

To achieve this, put an age rating on Google Play, and some apps won’t show in the search results even if someone searches for them by their name.

1. Open the Google Play Store and click on your child’s profile.
2. Tap on Settings > Family > Parental Controls.
   
3. Push the switcher next to parental controls to turn it on. You’ll be asked to create a PIN.
4. Tap on Apps & games, select an app age rating, then tap Save.
   

Method 4. Use an App Blocker

Best For: Minimizing Distractions

If you want to be in control of your time, an app blocker that is hard to bypass can help you stay focused or not to be distracted during sleep or working/studying.

You can try different app blockers for Android on the Google Play Store. Some may require a small fee for the subscription.

Here’s how it can look like in the app blocker menu (we took Stay Focused app as an example):

It was possible to choose different Blocking Conditions: Usage Limit, Specific Time Intervals, Number of Launches, and the Daily and Hourly Limit.

When you try to use the blocked app, you get a notification that reminds you why it is blocked.

Bonus: Permanent Disabling of a Certain App

When temporary blocking isn’t enough or when you want to eliminate problematic apps from your device, permanently disabling or uninstalling them offers a more definitive solution.

This method is particularly effective for removing bloatware (pre-installed apps you never use), freeing up storage space, and improving battery life by preventing unwanted apps from running in the background.

Pre-installed apps on Android often can’t be blocked or uninstalled but can be disabled or force stopped.

To disable an app:

1. Go to Settings > Apps.
2. Find the app that you want to disable. For example, Calendar.
3. Tap on the app to open it.
   
4. Tap Disable. You may receive a warning that disabling this app will cause other apps to malfunction. Hence, ensure it’s an app that your phone does not require to function correctly.
   

To uninstall a third-party app, tap and hold its icon to see the Uninstall feature, or:

1. Open Settings > Apps.
2. Find the app you want to uninstall and open it.
3. Tap the uninstall button at the bottom of the page.

Even with the most comprehensive manual, problems may arise. If you have had trouble blocking apps, please refer to our infographics below for possible solutions.

Conclusion

Blocking apps on Android enables you to establish healthier phone usage habits, protect your children, and manage your time effectively. The Focus Mode in Android settings is ideal for blocking apps, as it provides direct control over the apps you want to use.

On the other hand, Family Link is best for managing apps on a kid’s device. You can block specific apps or prevent the downloading of inappropriate apps from Google Play. But you can choose any parental control app for the digital safety of your children.