How to Block Downloading Apps on an iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to rein in those impulsive app downloads on your iPhone, whether it’s to protect your child’s screen time or simply curb your own digital spending habits? You’ve come to the right place! This guide provides a detailed, expert-level walkthrough of how to block app downloads on your iPhone, giving you granular control over your device.

The most direct way to block app downloads on an iPhone is through Screen Time, a built-in feature designed for exactly this purpose. You’ll be leveraging the Content & Privacy Restrictions within Screen Time to accomplish this, effectively disabling the ability to install new apps from the App Store. Let’s dive into the specifics.

Blocking App Downloads via Screen Time

The key to blocking app downloads lies within the Screen Time settings. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Access Screen Time: Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap on “Screen Time“.
2. Enable Screen Time (if necessary): If Screen Time isn’t already enabled, tap “Turn On Screen Time” and follow the prompts to set it up. This involves choosing whether the iPhone is for you or a child.
3. Activate Content & Privacy Restrictions: Tap on “Content & Privacy Restrictions“. If it’s toggled off, switch it on. This is the gatekeeper for controlling app downloads.
4. Navigate to iTunes & App Store Purchases: Within Content & Privacy Restrictions, tap on “iTunes & App Store Purchases“. This section governs what actions are permissible within the App Store.
5. Set Installing Apps to “Don’t Allow”: Here’s the magic! Tap on “Installing Apps“. You’ll be presented with three options: Allow, Don’t Allow, or Require Password. Select “Don’t Allow“.

With these settings in place, the App Store icon will remain on the Home Screen, but any attempt to download or install a new app will be blocked. The “Get” button will disappear or be greyed out, preventing any further downloads.

Password Protection for Added Security

For ultimate control, especially if you’re restricting access for a child, consider setting a Screen Time passcode.

1. Return to the Screen Time Main Menu: Navigate back to the main Screen Time menu.
2. Set a Screen Time Passcode: Tap on “Use Screen Time Passcode“.
3. Create a Strong Passcode: Enter a passcode that is different from your iPhone unlock passcode. Confirm the passcode. You’ll also be prompted to enter an Apple ID for passcode recovery, which is highly recommended.

With a Screen Time passcode enabled, any changes to the Content & Privacy Restrictions, including re-enabling app downloads, will require this passcode, preventing unauthorized modifications. Remember the passcode!

Removing Apps vs. Blocking Downloads

It’s important to distinguish between removing an app already installed and blocking the download of new apps. Blocking app downloads prevents future installations, while removing an app deletes it from the device. To remove an app, simply press and hold the app icon on the home screen until it jiggles. Then, tap the “x” icon to delete it (or the minus icon on newer iOS versions).

Alternative Methods & Considerations

While Screen Time is the primary method, here are a few additional points to consider:

• Family Sharing: If you have Family Sharing set up, you can manage your child’s app downloads and purchases directly from your own device. This provides even greater parental control.

• Restrictions (Older iOS Versions): Prior to iOS 12, Restrictions was used to manage these settings. However, Restrictions has now been integrated into Screen Time.

• MDM (Mobile Device Management): For businesses or institutions managing a large number of iPhones, MDM solutions offer advanced control over app installations and usage policies. This is beyond the scope of a typical user.

• Third-Party Apps: Although not generally recommended due to privacy concerns, some third-party apps claim to offer app blocking features. Exercise caution when using these, as they may request extensive permissions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about blocking app downloads on an iPhone:

1. What happens if I block app downloads?

When you block app downloads using Screen Time, the ability to install new apps from the App Store is disabled. The “Get” button will disappear or be grayed out, preventing any further installations.

2. Can I block specific apps from being downloaded?

Unfortunately, Screen Time does not allow you to block specific apps from being downloaded. You can only block the installation of all apps. For specific app control, explore MDM solutions or consider using the “Age Ratings” within Content & Privacy Restrictions to limit app downloads based on age appropriateness.

3. How can I allow app downloads again after blocking them?

To re-enable app downloads, go back to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Installing Apps. Change the setting from “Don’t Allow” to “Allow“. If you have a Screen Time passcode enabled, you’ll need to enter it to make this change.

4. Will blocking app downloads prevent app updates?

No, blocking app downloads does not prevent app updates. You’ll need to separately control app updates within the iTunes & App Store Purchases settings. You can choose to “Require Password” for free downloads as well as in-app purchases.

5. Does blocking app downloads affect apps already installed?

No, blocking app downloads only affects the ability to install new apps. It doesn’t affect the functionality or existence of apps already installed on the device.

6. Can someone bypass the Screen Time restrictions?

If someone knows the Screen Time passcode or has access to the Apple ID used for passcode recovery, they can bypass the restrictions. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep the Screen Time passcode secure and choose an Apple ID that is not easily accessible.

7. What if I forgot my Screen Time passcode?

If you forgot your Screen Time passcode, you’ll need to erase the iPhone and set it up as new, then restore from a backup without the Screen Time passcode. Alternatively, if you set up an Apple ID for passcode recovery, you can use that to reset the passcode. The process involves verifying your identity and creating a new passcode.

8. Does blocking app downloads work for both free and paid apps?

Yes, blocking app downloads prevents the installation of both free and paid apps. The “Get” button will be disabled regardless of the app’s price.

9. Can I block in-app purchases?

Yes, you can block in-app purchases within the iTunes & App Store Purchases settings. Set “In-app Purchases” to “Don’t Allow”.

10. Will blocking app downloads prevent me from downloading apps I’ve previously purchased?

Yes, it will. Even if you’ve previously purchased an app, blocking app downloads will prevent you from re-downloading it until you re-enable app downloads.

11. How does Family Sharing affect app download restrictions?

With Family Sharing, the family organizer can set up Ask to Buy for children. This requires children to request permission before downloading or purchasing apps. The organizer receives a notification and can approve or deny the request.

12. Can I use a VPN to bypass app download restrictions?

Using a VPN will not bypass app download restrictions imposed by Screen Time. Screen Time restrictions are enforced at the system level and are not affected by VPN usage.