How to block apps on Google Play?

D. Baumrind App Safety

To block apps on Google Play, there isn’t a direct feature to permanently prevent a specific app from being downloaded on a personal account. However, several methods can restrict app downloads and usage:

  1. Google Play Store Parental Controls:
    • Access from the Play Store app by tapping your profile icon, then navigating to Settings > Family > Parental controls.
    • Turn it on, create a PIN, and set age restrictions under Apps & games (e.g., choose “Everyone” to block apps with higher age ratings).
  2. Google Family Link:
    • Parents can use Family Link to manage app purchases and downloads from the Google Play Store for their child’s account.
    • It allows parents to approve or block apps their child attempts to download.
  3. Third-Party App Blockers:
    • Applications like AirDroid Parental Control can block apps or set usage time limits on Android devices.
  4. Digital Wellbeing:
    • This Android feature, found in Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental control, allows you to set daily time limits for apps using “App timers.”
    • Note that users can disable this setting.