How to block apps on App Store?

October 6, 2025 D. Baumrind App Safety

To block apps on an iPhone, you can use either Apple’s built-in Screen Time features or third-party applications from the App Store.

Using Apple’s Screen Time:

Prevent App Downloads: To stop new app installations from the App Store, navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Installing Apps, and select “Don’t Allow.” This action will also remove the App Store icon from your Home Screen.
Restrict Built-in Apps: For Apple’s pre-installed apps like Safari or FaceTime, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps & Features, and toggle off the apps you wish to restrict. This hides the app from your Home Screen without deleting it.
Set App Limits: To limit the time spent on categories of apps (e.g., Social Media, Games) or individual installed apps, use Settings > Screen Time > App Limits > Add Limit. Once the set time is exhausted, a Screen Time passcode is required to continue usage, although users can sometimes bypass this.
Content Restrictions by Age Rating: You can block apps based on their age ratings by going to Settings > Screen Time > App Store, Media, Web, & Games. This restricts all apps falling under a chosen age category, rather than individual apps.
Hide Apps (iOS 18+): On iOS 18 and later, you can hide an app from the Home Screen and require a passcode for access by long-pressing its icon, selecting “Require Passcode,” then “Hide and Require Passcode.” The app will move to a “Hidden” folder in the App Library.

Using Third-Party App Blockers:

For more granular control over specific third-party apps, several applications are available on the App Store that offer advanced blocking features. These apps typically allow you to:

Block any app (third-party or built-in).
Create customized blocking schedules.
Utilize “Strict Mode” to prevent bypassing restrictions.
Set up password protection for app settings.
Block specific websites.
Some, like Freedom, offer the ability to sync blocking across multiple devices.

Examples of such apps include “AppBlock: Block Apps & Website” and “Freedom: Screen Time Control”. While Apple’s built-in tools provide basic restrictions, third-party solutions often offer more robust features for self-control and parental supervision.