How to Block Apps on Your Child’s Phone

3 Methods to Block Apps on Android

Method 1: Native Android Settings (free, limited)

Android has some built-in protections, but they are designed for adults, not children:

1. Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing
2. Select the app you want to limit
3. Set a daily time limit

Limitation: your child can easily bypass these limits from settings. There is no PIN protection.

Method 2: Google Family Link (free)

1. Install Family Link on your phone
2. Set up a child account on your child’s device
3. From the parent app: select your child > Apps > block specific apps
4. You can also set “no new apps without approval”

Limitation: the block applies when opening the app, but older children often find workarounds via the browser.

Method 3: Nami Kids (recommended for ages 6–12)

1. Download Nami Kids from the Play Store on your child’s device
2. Download Nami Parents on your phone
3. Complete setup (3 minutes)
4. Enable Device Administrator permissions when prompted
5. From the parent dashboard: go to Apps and set rules for each app

With Nami Kids you can:

• Block apps completely or by time slot
• Set time limits by category (games, social, video)
• Enable the “Safe Wall” for inappropriate content
• Receive notifications when your child tries to open blocked apps

Apps Parents Block Most Often

• YouTube: replace with YouTube Kids or set time windows (e.g. 1 hour max)
• TikTok: not suitable for under-13s — full block recommended
• Roblox/Fortnite: limit to 45–60 minutes on school days
• WhatsApp/Telegram: assess case by case — many children need them for school
• Chrome browser: replace with a child-safe browser

How to Stop Your Child Bypassing the Block

• Enable Device Administrator: prevents uninstalling the control app
• Set a PIN on Settings: Settings > Security > Settings Lock
• Remove or restrict the Play Store: your child cannot install new apps
• Block the default browser: many blocked apps are accessible via the web if the browser is unrestricted