How to block apps on android?
Updated: July 31, 2024Understanding the Need to Block Apps
Blocking apps on an Android device can be essential for various reasons such as parental controls, productivity enhancement, and maintaining security. Whether you're a parent trying to ensure safe usage for your child or an adult aiming to minimize distractions, knowing how to block apps can be highly beneficial.
Built-In Features for Blocking Apps
Android devices come with some built-in features that allow you to restrict app usage. The most notable among these is the Digital Wellbeing and parental controls.
Digital Wellbeing
1. Open Settings: Navigate to the 'Settings' app on your Android device.
2. Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls: Scroll down to find and tap on 'Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls'.
3. Dashboard: Select 'Dashboard' to see a list of your most-used apps along with the time spent on each.
4. Set Timers: Tap on the hourglass icon next to the app you want to limit and set a daily usage limit.
Parental Controls
1. Open Settings: Go to 'Settings'.
2. Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls: Select 'Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls'.
3. Parental Controls: Tap on 'Parental Controls' and follow the setup instructions.
4. Restrict Apps: Once set up, you can restrict or block specific apps.
Third-Party Applications for Blocking Apps
For more advanced features, numerous third-party applications offer comprehensive solutions for blocking apps.
AppBlock
1. Download and Install: Go to the Google Play Store, search for 'AppBlock', and install it.
2. Create a Profile: Open the app and create a profile specifying the apps you wish to block and the duration.
3. Activate: Activate the profile to start blocking the apps as specified.
Stay Focused
1. Download and Install: Find 'Stay Focused' in the Google Play Store and install it.
2. Set Up: Open the app and set up restrictions on apps by specifying daily usage limits or blocking them outright.
3. Activate: Enable the restrictions to start blocking the apps.
Advanced Techniques for Blocking Apps
For those who are tech-savvy and looking for more granular control, there are advanced techniques such as using ADB commands or custom ROMs.
Using ADB Commands
1. Enable Developer Options: Go to 'Settings' > 'About Phone' and tap on 'Build Number' seven times to enable Developer Options.
2. Enable USB Debugging: Navigate to 'Developer Options' and enable 'USB Debugging'.
3. Install ADB: Download and install the ADB tool on your computer.
4. Connect Device: Connect your Android device to your computer via USB.
5. Execute Commands: Open a command prompt and use commands like adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 [package name] to disable specific apps.
Custom ROMs
1. Unlock Bootloader: Unlock the bootloader of your device (this varies by manufacturer).
2. Install Custom Recovery: Install a custom recovery like TWRP.
3. Flash Custom ROM: Flash a custom ROM that offers more granular app control features.
4. Configure: Use the custom ROM's features to block apps as needed.
Blocking Apps Using Network-Level Solutions
For those looking to block apps at the network level, using router settings or specialized network devices can be an option.
Using Router Settings
1. Access Router Settings: Open a web browser and enter your router's IP address to access the settings.
2. Parental Controls: Navigate to the parental controls section.
3. Block Applications: Add the app URLs or IP addresses associated with the apps you wish to block.
Using Specialized Network Devices
1. Purchase Device: Get a device like Circle by Disney.
2. Set Up: Follow the setup instructions to connect it to your network.
3. Configure: Use the device's app to block specific apps across all devices on your network.
Using Google Family Link for Parental Control
Google's Family Link is an excellent tool for managing a child's device.
Setting Up Family Link
1. Download Family Link: Install the Google Family Link app on both your device and your child's device.
2. Link Devices: Follow the instructions to link your device with your child’s device.
3. Manage Apps: Use the app to block or restrict app usage on your child's device.
Exploring the various methods for blocking apps on Android can help you choose the best approach for your needs. Be it built-in features, third-party applications, advanced techniques, or network-level solutions, each method offers unique advantages. Understanding the intricacies of these options can empower you to make informed decisions, ensuring that your Android experience aligns with your goals and preferences.
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