How to block apps on Android efficiently can change how you interact with your device, helping to boost productivity and ensure security. As an app developer, I understand the importance of managing app usage.
Whether you’re using built-in options like Digital Wellbeing or seeking third-party solutions from the Google Play Store such as Norton App Lock or AppBlock, knowing your options is crucial.
In this article, we’ll walk through various methods for blocking apps on Android. Expect to cover features like Google Family Link for parental controls, scheduling app usage with Stay Focused, and navigating the Android settings to disable notifications and control permissions.
You will leave this guide with a comprehensive toolkit of practical steps and tools to implement on your device. This isn’t just about blocking apps but about understanding Android’s capabilities to create a secure and controlled environment.
How To Block Apps On Android: Quick Workflow
To effectively block apps on your Android device, there are several methods available, ranging from built-in features to third-party applications. Below are the most common approaches:
Built-in Methods
1. Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
- Access Settings: Open the Settings app on your device.
- Navigate to Digital Wellbeing: Tap on Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
- Set App Timers: In the App timers section, select the app you want to block and set the time limit to zero hours and zero minutes. This effectively restricts access to that app.
2. Google Play Store Parental Controls
- Open Play Store: Launch the Google Play Store app.
- Access Settings: Tap on your profile icon and go to Settings.
- Enable Parental Controls: Under the Family option, enable parental controls and set a content PIN.
- Select Apps to Block: Choose the age range that covers most apps and save your settings.
Third-Party Applications
1. Freedom App
- Install Freedom: Download and install the Freedom app from the Google Play Store.
- Enable Permissions: Grant necessary permissions for app blocking.
- Create Blocklists: Tap on the Blocklists icon, select apps to block, and save your blocklist.
- Start a Session: Begin a session with your blocklist to activate blocking.
2. WallHabit
- Download WallHabit: Install the WallHabit app.
- Select Apps and Duration: Open the app, choose which apps you want to block, and set a duration for blocking. This is useful for temporary restrictions during work or study hours.
3. AirDroid App Blocker
- Install AirDroid: Download AirDroid and pair it with your child’s device if applicable.
- Use App Blocker Feature: Go to App & Content Restrictions, select the apps you want to block, and apply your settings.
Additional Considerations
- Managed Mode for Advanced Users: For those who require more control, using managed mode through Mobile Device Management (MDM) can prevent specific apps from being installed or removed entirely. This is particularly useful in organizational settings.
- DNS Content Policy for Network Management: Implementing a DNS Content Policy can restrict internet traffic for specific apps, effectively disabling them without removing them from the device.
Basics of App Blocking
Built-In Features and Settings
Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls on Android Devices
Android devices come equipped with Digital Wellbeing and parental controls. Digital Wellbeing provides a dashboard that tracks app usage, allowing users to see how much time they spend on each app. Parental controls, often accessed through Google Family Link, allow guardians to manage app activity and screen time for their children.
App Limits and Screen Time Management Tools
Screen time management tools enable users to set app limits. For instance, you can configure specific time periods during which apps can be used. This is particularly useful for managing social media apps or games that tend to consume a lot of time. App limits also work well with other built-in settings, like setting bedtime mode to reduce distractions at night.
Limitations of Built-In Options
Despite their utility, built-in options have limitations. They often lack granular control over individual app settings and real-time enforcement capabilities. Some pre-installed apps cannot be blocked or restricted through these settings. Also, while Digital Wellbeing provides data, it does not offer robust tools for app blocking.
Third-Party App Blockers
Features and Benefits of AppLocker Apps
Third-party app blockers, such as AppLock by DoMobile Lab or Norton App Lock, offer a more sophisticated approach. These apps come with features like password protection, biometric authentication, and customizable schedules to block apps. You can block apps based on categories, which can help in enhancing productivity or securing devices.
Pros and Cons of Popular App-Blocking Tools
Popular app-blocking tools provide advanced features that built-in settings lack. They offer real-time monitoring, detailed usage statistics, and sometimes even integration with other security apps like Avast Mobile Security. However, these tools also come with their share of drawbacks. They require additional storage and can sometimes affect device performance. Some apps might also come with in-app purchases, which could be a downside for some users.
Risks of Using Untrusted Third-Party Apps
Using untrusted third-party apps can pose significant risks. These apps may not always adhere to privacy guidelines and can sometimes access sensitive information. There’s also a risk of malware or spyware, which can compromise the security of your device. Always ensure you download apps from reputable sources like the Google Play Store and check user reviews and permissions before installing.
Advanced App Blocking Techniques
DNS Content Policy
Definition and Benefits of DNS-Based Restrictions
DNS-based restrictions use Domain Name System protocols to block access to certain websites or apps. This method is powerful because it operates at the network level, providing a comprehensive way to enforce content filters. Benefits include the ability to block risky or inappropriate content, reduce bandwidth usage, and protect against malicious sites.
Customization of Content Filters
With DNS policies, you can customize content filters to suit your needs. Enable SafeSearch to filter out adult content, configure category restrictions to block entire genres like social media, gaming, or adult content. This flexibility allows for tailored solutions, whether the goal is parental control or maintaining productivity.
Applying Policies for Individual Users or Groups
Policies can be applied to individual users or groups, making DNS restrictions ideal for both personal use and organizational control. Configure different levels of access for adults and children within the same household or restrict employee access to non-work-related sites.
Managed Mode on Android and iOS
Setting Up Managed Mode for Enhanced App Control
Managed mode transforms a device to offer enhanced app control. For Android and iOS, this means deploying Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce strict policies. Managed mode restricts app installation and usage, ensuring that devices adhere to predefined rules.
Restricting App Downloads and Settings Adjustments
Managed mode allows the restriction of app downloads and adjustment of settings. It prevents users from installing unauthorized apps by controlling access to Google Play Store and App Store. This guarantees that only approved apps are downloaded, essential for environments where security is a priority.
Benefits of Kiosk Mode for Strict Device Management
Kiosk mode is a specialized feature within managed mode that locks a device into a single or limited set of applications. This is highly effective for corporate devices used in retail, education, or public spaces. It limits the user’s ability to alter device settings or access unauthorized apps, ensuring that the device serves its intended purpose without deviation.
Implementation Steps for Blocking Apps
Configuring Built-In App Blocking
Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls
To use Digital Wellbeing on your Android device, head over to Settings. Scroll down to “Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.” Open it. You’ll see your dashboard.
Tap Parental Controls. If you’re a parent, set up Google Family Link. Follow the prompts to link your child’s device. Android’s Digital Wellbeing tool helps monitor and manage app usage. Simple as that.
Setting Up App Limits and Schedules
Next, you want to set limits. Tap on the app you want to manage in the Digital Wellbeing dashboard. Choose Set Timer. Here, allocate the daily usage time.
For rigid routines, go to Wind Down. Set up bedtime schedules. By doing so, apps will be paused automatically during sleep hours. This adds another layer to your device control.
Using Third-Party App Blocking Tools
Selecting the Right App for Specific Needs
Third-party app blockers can be more powerful. Your go-to options: AppLock by DoMobile Lab or Norton App Lock. Choose one that matches your needs. If security is a priority, Norton might be better. For simplicity, go with AppLock.
Installation and Configuration of AppLocker Apps
Download your chosen app from the Google Play Store. Install it. Open the app and go through the setup wizard. Set a passcode or use fingerprint authentication.
From the main screen, select the apps you want to lock. For example, you can lock social media or messaging apps. Configure custom lock schedules if the app supports it.
Combining App Hiders with Blockers for Added Effectiveness
To take it up a notch, combine app blockers with app hiders. App Hider can disguise or completely hide apps from the app drawer. Open App Hider, select the apps you want to hide, and they vanish from sight. This works in tandem with blockers to enhance control.
Leveraging Advanced Management Tools
Connecting Devices to a DNS Content Policy
Add DNS-based restrictions for broader control. Go to Settings -> Network & Internet -> Advanced -> Private DNS. Choose “Private DNS provider hostname.” Enter a DNS hostname that enforces content policies.
This step ensures malicious or inappropriate sites are blocked before they reach your device.
Creating Blocklists for Apps Using Mobile Device Manager Plus
Use Mobile Device Manager Plus to create blocklists. On the dashboard, navigate to App Management. Add apps to your blocklist. This tool manages app restrictions and is particularly useful for organizational needs or child safety.
Locking Devices into Kiosk Mode for Controlled Environments
Lock devices into Kiosk Mode for controlled environments. In Mobile Device Manager Plus, find Kiosk Settings. Enroll the device into single app mode, restricting access to just one application.
Features and Capabilities of Modern App Blocking Tools
App Blocklisting
Differentiating between User-Installed, Pre-Installed, and Managed Apps
Modern app blockers distinguish between user-installed, pre-installed, and managed apps. User-installed apps are those added by the device owner, like social media apps, games, or messaging platforms. Pre-installed apps come with the device, such as system utilities or default browsers. Managed apps are deployed and controlled via Mobile Device Management (MDM).
Understanding these differences helps in creating effective blocklists. For instance, blocklisting user-installed apps might target distractions, while pre-installed app blocks could focus on limiting inherent device functionalities.
Examples of Apps Typically Blocklisted for Productivity or Security
For productivity, apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Candy Crush often make the blocklist. These aren’t inherently bad, but they’re known time-eaters.
From a security standpoint, apps posing risks include unknown third-party app stores and file-sharing services. Blocklisting such apps can prevent data leaks and unauthorized access.
Notifications and Remediation
Options for Handling Blocklisted Apps: Uninstall, Notify, or Block
Handling blocklisted apps offers multiple approaches. You can uninstall them outright for a clean break. Notifications can alert users when they attempt to access a blocked app, providing immediate feedback. The app can also remain installed but blocked from launch. This flexibility allows tailored responses based on the situation or user needs.
Customizing Email Notifications for Users
Customizing email notifications helps keep users informed. Whenever a blocklisted app is accessed, an automated email can be sent detailing the incident. These notifications can include reasons for the block, suggested alternative actions, or even direct links to relevant support resources.
Comprehensive Device Control
Restricting App Installations
Restricting app installations is the next step. Using MDM tools, you can set policies that prevent users from downloading new apps from the Google Play Store or other sources. This keeps the system clean and focused on essential applications.
Limiting Device Functionalities (e.g., Disabling VPNs, Hiding Settings)
Limiting device functionalities like disabling VPNs or hiding settings adds another layer of control. Disabling VPNs ensures that internet traffic goes through monitored and safe channels, preventing bypasses of content filters.
Hiding settings prevents tampering, keeping device configurations stable and compliant with organizational policies.
Enforcing Remote Configurations for Organizational Compliance
Enforcing remote configurations is vital for compliance. Tools like Mobile Device Manager Plus allow admins to push settings and policies to enrolled devices remotely. This is particularly useful for maintaining standards across a fleet of corporate devices, ensuring all are aligned with company requirements.
Integrating App Blocking into Broader Digital Management
Combining Multiple Methods
Using Built-In Features with Third-Party Tools for Layered Security
Combining built-in features with third-party tools offers a robust solution. Use Digital Wellbeing for initial controls. Monitor app usage and set limits easily.
Then, add AppLock by DoMobile Lab or Norton App Lock on top. These tools provide password protection and real-time blocking. This combination ensures that if one layer fails, the other picks up the slack. It’s about stopping gaps.
Blending DNS Content Policy with Managed Mode for Full Control
Creating a combo of DNS content policy and managed mode is like building a fortress. Set up a DNS Content Policy to block risky domains at the network level. This cuts off unwanted traffic before it even reaches devices.
In managed mode, control app installations and settings. Managed mode ensures policies stay in place, even if users try to change settings. Together, these tools cover all bases, making it harder for users to bypass restrictions.
Customizing Strategies for Different Needs
Personal Use: Enhancing Focus and Productivity
For personal use, focus and productivity are key. Use Screen Time Management Tools to set app limits. Combine with App Hiders to keep distractions out of sight, out of mind. Apps like Stay Focused help set strict usage schedules.
Parental Controls: Protecting Children from Harmful Content
For parental controls, safety is the priority. Leverage Google Family Link for broad control over what kids can access. Add in Kaspersky Safe Kids for more nuanced monitoring and blocking. This two-pronged approach ensures harmful content is filtered at multiple levels.
Organizational Requirements: Securing Corporate Devices
Securing corporate devices demands robust solutions. Start with Mobile Device Manager Plus to enforce blocklists and control app installs across all devices.
Layer on Kiosk Mode to lock devices into a single function or app. It ensures employees use devices strictly for work-related tasks. DNS-based restrictions add another layer, blocking unwanted websites network-wide.
FAQ on How To Block Apps On Android
How can I block apps on Android without rooting my device?
You can use built-in features like Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls. Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
You can also download third-party apps like Norton App Lock or AppBlock from the Google Play Store. These allow app blocking without rooting.
Which app is the best for blocking apps on Android?
Google Family Link is excellent for parental controls. For general use, AppBlock and Norton App Lock are highly rated. These apps help manage app usage, ensuring secure and restricted access efficiently.
How do I block apps during specific times?
Use AppBlock, which allows scheduling app blocking. In Digital Wellbeing, navigate to Dashboard and set specific times for app limits. This helps maintain productivity during work or study hours by blocking apps during scheduled periods.
Can I block apps for my child on Android?
Yes. Google Family Link is specifically designed for this purpose. Install Family Link on your and your child’s device. You can manage app usage, set screen time limits, and restrict app installations directly from your device.
How do I disable social media apps on Android?
Digital Wellbeing offers a simple way to limit app usage. Navigate to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls. You can set daily limits for social media apps. Alternatively, use third-party tools like Stay Focused to block social media apps entirely.
Are there parental control features built into Android?
Yes, Android comes with built-in Parental Controls via Google Family Link. You can manage your child’s device from your phone. Set app limits, approve or block app downloads, and monitor screen time directly from the app.
How can I block app notifications on Android?
Navigate to Settings > Apps & notifications, select the app, and click on Notifications. Here, you can block all notifications from the app. You can also use Do Not Disturb mode from the quick settings panel to silence notifications universally.
How do I block apps without using third-party apps?
Use the built-in Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls in Android. These features allow you to manage and restrict app usage effectively. Navigate to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls to configure these options.
Can I set app usage limits on Android?
Absolutely. In Digital Wellbeing, go to Dashboard, select the app, and set a daily limit. Once the limit is reached, the app gets blocked for the rest of the day. This feature helps in managing screen time efficiently.
How do I unblock apps once they are blocked?
If using Digital Wellbeing, go to Dashboard, select the app, and remove the usage limit. In third-party apps like AppBlock or Norton App Lock, you can disable the blocking rules from within the app’s settings easily.
Conclusion
How to block apps on Android effectively requires understanding the tools and techniques available, from built-in features like Digital Wellbeing and Google Family Link to third-party applications like AppBlock and Norton App Lock.
Utilize the Google Play Store to explore app management solutions that cater to your specific needs, whether it’s for parental controls or enhancing productivity. Leveraging Android’s system settings can help you restrict notifications and limit app permissions without needing to root your device.
By implementing screen time controls and app restrictions, you can create a safe and controlled environment for yourself or your child. Using Android device administration, you can seamlessly integrate these features into your daily routine, ensuring both security and effective app usage management.
In conclusion, knowing how to block apps on Android equips you with the ability to maintain control over your device. Whether you use native features or third-party tools, you have the flexibility to enhance your digital wellbeing and make informed decisions about app accessibility.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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