How to Block Apps on Android

Written by Travis Boylls

Last Updated: September 22, 2021 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to gain control over your Android by blocking certain app downloads (including automatic updates), as well as how to prevent apps from sending you notifications.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Google Family Link

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1
Download and install Google Family Link. Family Link is Google's official parental control app. You will need to install the Google Family Link for parents on the parent phone and Google Family Link for children and teens on your child's phone.
- Use this method to block apps that have already been installed on your child's device.
You will need to sign in to the parent's Google account on the parent's phone and the child's Google account on the child's phone.

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It has an icon that resembles a yellow, green, and blue icon.
It has a profile image of your child.
It's the card that lists different apps your child has installed.
This displays options for that app.
This disable the app so that it can't be launched on your child's device.^{[1]
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Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Blocking App Downloads from the Play Store

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1
Open the Play Store
. You can find it on your Home screen or Apps menu.
- Use this method to set up parental controls that restrict users from downloading age-inappropriate apps.
2
Tap the Google profile image. It's the circular image in the upper-right corner.
- If an image has not been selected for the Google account, it will appear as a colored-circle with an initial in the middle.
It's near the bottom of the menu next to an icon that resembles a gear.
It's near the bottom of the Settings menu. This allows you to set parental controls for the Google Play Store.
It's the second from the last option at the bottom of the Family menu.
You will now be prompted to set up a PIN.
Choose something that you'll remember, as you'll need this PIN to bypass these controls in the future.
Parental controls are now enabled.
A list of age groups will appear.
10
Select an age rating limit. This depends on what you want to allow people to download. App developers enter these age ranges when adding their apps to the Play Store.
- If you want to block apps with mature or adult content, for example, but are okay with “Teen” content, select Teen.
- To block all apps except those rated as “Everyone” (all ages), select Everyone.
This message just lets you know that future app downloads from the Play Store will be restricted based on your selection.
12
Tap SAVE. Now that you've enabled parental restrictions, users of this Android will not be able to install apps from the Play Store outside of their age group.
- To disable these restrictions, go back to the Parental controls screen and slide the switch to the off position.
- Alternatively, you can apply parental controls to Google Play downloads and purchases using the Family Link app. To do so, open the Family Link app and select your child. Tap Manage Settings and tap Controls for Google Play. Tap Apps & Games and tap your parental control level.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Blocking App Updates

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1
Open the Play Store
. You'll usually find it in the app drawer.
- Use this method to prevent apps from automatically updating to their latest versions.^{[2]
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2
Tap your profile image. It's the circular image in the upper-right corner.
- If you have not selected a profile image for your Google account, it will appear as a colored circle with your initial in the middle.
It's near the bottom of the menu next to an icon that resembles a gear.
It's the second menu in the Settings menu. This expands the Network Preferences menu.
A pop-up menu will appear.
6
Tap Do not auto-update apps. It's the first option in the list. App updates will no longer download automatically.
- To manually update an app, open the Play Store, tap your profile icon, select My apps & games, tap Updates available (or tap Update all to update all apps), tap an app you want to update, and then tap Update.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Blocking App Notifications

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To do so, swipe down from the top of your screen and tap the icon that resembles a gear. Alternatively, you can open the Settings app in your Apps menu. It has an icon that resembles a gear.
Depending on what model Android device you have, it may say "Apps", "Apps & Notifications", or something similar.
This opens the app's info screen.
It's below "App Settings."
Depending on your Android model, the toggle switch may be labeled "Show all" or "Block" or something similar. Tap the toggle switch to turn off Notifications.

Community Q&A

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Question

Is there away around the parental controls if I don't know the pin?

Community Answer

Sadly, no. Unless you know the pin, there is no way around it, other than uninstalling the app.

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Question

How can I block a number on my Mobicel Android R6 phone?

Snakey006550

Top Answerer

To block a number on your Mobicel Android R6, go to the Phone app, select the contact or number, tap the menu icon, and choose Block contact. If the phone is lost or stolen, use Find My Device to lock it and protect your data. For permanent blocking, contact your carrier to block the phone’s IMEI number.

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If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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Question

How can I block my Mobicel R6 Android phone?

Snakey006550

Top Answerer

To block your Mobicel R6, contact your carrier and report it as lost or stolen. You can also use Google’s Find My Device to lock or erase it. Provide your IMEI number to your carrier to block it on all networks.

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Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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