“Blocking apps” on iPhone can mean a few different things.
Some people want to block TikTok after 9 PM. Some want to block an app completely for a child. Others want to hand their phone to someone without them opening anything else.
The good news: iPhone already has built-in tools for all of this, mostly through Screen Time, plus one very underrated feature called Guided Access.
Let’s set it up the smart way (and avoid the usual “I set limits but it still works” frustration).
Key takeaways
- Downtime blocks apps and notifications during specific hours, while letting you choose which apps are allowed.
- Content & Privacy Restrictions can block apps, purchases, features, and more (stronger “parental control” style restrictions).
- Guided Access can temporarily lock your iPhone to a single app (perfect when you’re sharing your phone).
First: What kind of “block” do you actually want?
Pick the outcome first, then the method becomes obvious:
- Block apps at certain times (bedtime/work hours) → Downtime
- Block apps after X minutes/day → App Limits (Screen Time)
- Block installs/purchases/certain app types (kid-safe mode) → Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Lock the phone to one app temporarily (hand phone to a child/friend) → Guided Access
Step 0: Turn on Screen Time (the control panel for blocking apps)
Go to: Settings → Screen Time
Apple explains Screen Time is where you:
- schedule time away from the screen
- set limits for apps
- manage usage for yourself or a child in Family Sharing
Important (especially for kids): set a Screen Time passcode so the limits can’t be changed easily.
Method 1: Block apps at certain times with Downtime
If your goal is “no social apps after 10 PM” (or “no games during school”), Downtime is the cleanest tool.
Apple’s iPhone guide describes Downtime like this:
- It blocks apps and notifications during the scheduled period
- During downtime, only calls, messages, and apps you allow are available
How to set Downtime
- Settings → Screen Time
- Tap Downtime
- Turn it on and set the schedule (daily or custom)
Then review which apps are allowed during downtime (Apple explicitly notes you choose what stays available).
Best use case: predictable schedules (sleep, work blocks, study blocks).
Method 2: Block apps after a daily time limit (App Limits)
If your goal is “Instagram gets 30 minutes/day” – App Limits is the right move.
Apple explains Screen Time lets you set limits for app use.
How to set App Limits
- Settings → Screen Time
- Tap App Limits
- Add a limit by app or category
- Set time + days
Tip: Don’t forget exceptions. If you allow something in the “always available” list, your limit won’t feel like it’s working (this is why people think Screen Time is “broken”). Apple’s Screen Time model includes the idea of allowing selected apps during restricted periods.
Best use case: daily boundaries.
Method 3: Block apps, installs, and purchases with Content & Privacy Restrictions
This is the “harder lock” layer – especially useful for kids or shared devices.
Apple’s iPhone User Guide explicitly covers using Screen Time to block:
- apps
- app downloads
- websites
- purchases
- features
Where to find it
- Settings → Screen Time
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Turn it on, then set what you want to block/restrict
This is the area to use when you want things like:
- “no installing apps”
- “no deleting apps”
- “no in-app purchases”
- “no explicit content”
Best use case: parental controls and “can’t bypass easily” restrictions. Apple also frames Screen Time as a parental controls toolkit for children’s devices.
Method 4: Lock iPhone to ONE app using Guided Access
This is the underrated power move when you’re sharing your phone.
Apple describes Guided Access as a way to temporarily restrict iPhone to one app – great when you let a child use your device or when you want to stay focused.
How to enable Guided Access
- Settings → Accessibility
- Tap Guided Access
- Turn it on and set a passcode
How to start it
- Open the app you want to allow
- Triple-click the Side button (or Home button on older iPhones)
Now your phone stays in that app until you end the session.
Best use case: handing your phone to someone without them browsing around.
Bonus: Lock or hide an app (privacy option, not “blocking”)
If your goal is more privacy than “restriction,” iOS also supports locking or hiding apps.
Apple explains:
- Locking an app requires Face ID / Touch ID / passcode to open
- Hiding moves it to a Hidden folder in App Library
- Locked/hidden status is only on that device (doesn’t sync via iCloud)
This is great for “peace of mind” but it’s not the same as Screen Time-level blocking.
Related Articles:
- How to See Which Apps Use the Most Data on iPhone & Android?
- How to Hide Apps on Android (No App Required)
- How to Find Hidden Apps on Android?
FAQs
How do you block apps on an iPhone for a child?
Use Screen Time and turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions, plus Downtime/App Limits if needed. Apple specifically positions Screen Time as a parental controls system for kids’ devices.
How do I block apps at certain times?
Use Downtime. During scheduled downtime, only calls/messages and allowed apps are available.
How do I stop someone from opening other apps when I hand them my phone?
Use Guided Access to lock iPhone to a single app temporarily.
Why do app limits sometimes feel like they don’t work?
Usually because:
- the app is still allowed during downtime,
- limits weren’t applied to the right category/app,
- or someone knows the Screen Time passcode.
(That’s why passcode + reviewing allowed apps is key.)
Wrap-up (the simplest setup that works)
If you want the “do this once and you’re done” version:
- For schedules: Downtime
- For daily limits: App Limits
- For kids/hard blocks: Content & Privacy Restrictions
- For sharing your phone: Guided Access
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