Android devices are an integral part of our daily lives. Without these devices and the applications in them, our day-to-day tasks would be difficult to execute. In fact, according to a recent survey[1], there were over 2.6 million apps available on the Google Play Store in 2023, which were downloaded 113 billion times. These numbers showcase how these devices and applications are indispensable for us.
However, there are situations where we have to block these apps on Android devices. Whether for professional purposes or simple parental control, blocking apps on these devices is necessary. With that note, Let’s understand how to block apps on Android devices.
In this comprehensive guide, we will understand how to block apps on Android devices. We will also explore the importance of blocking apps and how an organization can use Scalefusion MDM to seamlessly restrict apps on their business devices.
What is App Blocking on Android?
App blocking on Android involves restricting access to specific applications on a device, preventing users from opening or using them. This feature is useful in various scenarios, such as enhancing productivity in workplaces, ensuring focus and safety in educational environments, and managing app usage for children. By implementing app blocking, administrators can control which apps are available on a device, thereby maintaining security and compliance with organizational policies.
To block apps on Android devices, various tools and solutions can be employed. Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions provide robust apps to block features that allow administrators to remotely manage and enforce app restrictions across multiple devices. These solutions often come with additional features, such as real-time monitoring and reporting, ensuring devices remain secure and compliant with the set guidelines.
How to Block a Specific App on Android Device?
Understanding how to block an app on Android is essential for effectively leveraging these benefits, providing step by step instructions for control over device usage, and enhancing productivity, security, and performance.
Method 1: Using Built-in App Management Features to Restrict Apps
Android provides built-in features to manage and restrict app usage. Follow these steps on how to block a specific app on Android using the native app management settings:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and tap on Apps & Notifications or Application Manager (may vary depending on your device).
- In the list of installed apps, select the app you want to block.
- Tap on Permissions or App Info (again, this may vary based on your device).
- Disable the Allow app or Enable option to block the app.
Using built-in app management features is a straightforward method to block individual apps on your Android device. However, it may not provide advanced blocking options or offer a comprehensive solution for managing a list of apps simultaneously in a blocklist. Understanding how to restrict apps and websites on Android through these settings can be beneficial for basic app management needs.
Method 2: Using Google Play Parental Controls to Block Apps
Google Play offers efficient parental controls to block certain apps from being installed on Android devices, making it easy for parents to manage what their children can download and access. Here’s how to block Android apps using parental controls:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
- Tap on the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
- Select Settings.
- Tap ‘Parental Controls’ and turn it on.
- Create a PIN to protect the settings.
- Tap ‘Apps & Games’ and set the desired restrictions based on age ratings.
Using Google Play parental controls is an effective way to restrict app downloads and ensure your child only accesses appropriate content. For more detailed information, visit Google Play Help.
By combining the mentioned methods, you can efficiently learn how to block an app on Android and ensure a secure and controlled digital environment.
Method 3: Third-party App Management Solutions like Scalefusion MDM
With Scalefusion’s Android MDM, blocking apps on Android devices is efficient and straightforward. IT admins can block applications available from Play for Work for enterprise devices. For non-corporate environments like schools, parental controls can be enforced to block apps on Android phones and tablets. Devices can also be locked into single-app mode for specific purposes, ensuring they are used appropriately.
Using Scalefusion MDM to manage app installations and restrictions provides a comprehensive solution for controlling app usage on Android devices.
How to Block Apps on Android Devices using Scalefusion MDM
Let’s have a look at the step-by-step guide on how to block an app on Android devices with Scalefusion:
Step 1: Go to the Device Management section and select Device Profiles.
Step 2: Device Profiles consist of policies designed to control and secure the device. Assign a suitable name to the Device Profile, select the Android operating system, and begin creating the profile.
Step 3: Now, you can start allowing the applications that you want to be available on the enrolled Android device. You can also choose to enable and make visible the application on the end device.
Step 4: You can select Scalefusion Launcher Mode or Scalefusion Agent Mode. Note that in Agent Mode, you can further restrict applications with the help of EMM settings.
Step 5: Move to the Restrictions tab > Application Management Settings. In the App Blocking settings, you can control the application restriction. This will block apps on Android devices that are not approved by you.
Step 6: To approve applications, you have to navigate to the Application Management section of the dashboard and select Play for Work Apps.
Step 7: Now, you can add apps from the Play for Work store (For EMM devices). Search the application of your choice using the Search and Add button.
Step 8: You can see all the applications available on the Play for Work store. You can choose an application and approve it.
Step 9:. Once an app is approved in this step, you can allow it on enrolled Android devices.
With Scalefusion MDM, it is easy to block apps on Android devices. You can also block all apps on an Android device and allow only enterprise apps to be available on it.
Simplify App Management with Scalefusion
Blocking apps on Android devices using the Scalefusion dashboard is a straightforward and effective method for managing device usage. By following the step-by-step guide, you can ensure that only approved applications are accessible, enhancing productivity and security.
Scalefusion offers comprehensive control over app management, utilizing features such as installation settings, app blocking, and scheduled blocking.
Get in touch with our experts for a demo. Sign up for a 14-day free trial.
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FAQs
1. How to block specific apps from being downloaded on an Android device?
Use parental controls in Google Play to block specific apps on Android devices. Go to Settings > Parental Controls, enable them, and set restrictions based on content ratings. This ensures only appropriate apps can be downloaded, preventing access to unwanted applications.
2. How to block an app in the Play Store?
Activate Play Store parental controls to block a specific app on Android devices. Navigate to Settings > Parental Controls, enable them, and configure the settings to limit access by app category or rating. This restricts the download of apps that don’t meet specified criteria.
3. How to permanently block apps on android device?
To block apps on Android, use a third-party app blocker or parental controls. Install the app blocker for Android, adjust the settings to restrict specific apps, and prevent their installation. This method ensures those apps remain blocked indefinitely, enhancing device control.
4. How To Hide Apps on Android Without Disabling?
Use a launcher app to hide specific apps on Android without disabling them. Install a launcher from the Play Store and configure its settings to make desired apps invisible. This allows you to keep the apps installed while keeping them hidden from view.
