- Google intends that the environments in which families move are safe for everyone
- Allows parents to block app downloads and hide some of the installed ones
- What are the steps to follow to avoid exposing minors to inappropriate content?
Although it is not recommended, many times we lend the mobile to small children to have fun. There would be nothing wrong with this, if it weren’t for the fact that beyond developing a certain addiction to these technologies, they probably also access content that is not recommended for minors. Eventually, knowing how to block the download of apps on Android step by step can be very important so that your children – or someone else’s – cannot install insecure applications for your understanding.
It is that even if we take the trouble to eliminate the occasional app that we do not want them to have on hand, Tinder to cite a common example, they may already have the ability to download them again. So, there is no other way out than to block the installation of apps on Android to be calm.
Fortunately, Google engineers consider that this is a transcendent function, and they make it available to all its users, in a quite simple way; although we are going to teach you how to do it with another program. It is appropriate, in such a situation, that you have all the existing information for blocking downloads.
How to block the download of apps on Android?
Most apps have an age rating that helps establish which ones are appropriate. Depending on the age, you can block apps with android parental controls, in seconds.
- Open the Google Play Store and in the upper right corner, tap your profile icon
- Go into Settings and scroll to the bottom, to User Controls
- Once there, go to Parental Controls and activate this feature
- Create a PIN and tap OK, then confirm the PIN and tap OK again
- Go to Apps and games, select an age limit and press Save to apply changes
- Apps rated above that age limit will not be able to be downloaded to your mobile in the future
Yes indeed, remember that apps above that age limit that were previously downloaded will still be present on your devicethey will not disappear, so we recommend you continue reading to be able to hide them.
Google Family Link, a somewhat more complete option
A good alternative is to opt directly for Google Family Link, a Google program or platform designed to allow us to control the digital well-being of the whole family, determining limitations on the use of mobile phones and tablets, including app downloadin-app purchases or screen time.
Download Family Link on your Android from this link and add your family members, selecting from the menu of three horizontal lines, the accounts of your children that from now on you want to control from yours.
- In the Settings section, go to Manage, Google Play, Content restrictions, and Apps and games
- Indicates the appropriate age limit above which apps will not be able to be downloaded to their devices
- Just like on your own device, previously downloaded apps will stay there, not be removed
This is the most basic use of Family Link, although we recommend that you take a look at it because it comes with several interesting solutions in terms of keeping children away from potentially bad content.
How to hide already downloaded apps so as not to uninstall them?
Sometimes you don’t want your kids, someone else’s kids, or anyone else to see what apps you have installed. Manufacturers like Samsung have specific functions for them, which we will break down below, while If your Android does not have them, you should resort to third-party programs, such as Nova Launcher.
In your Samsung terminal, all you have to do to hide apps is follow these steps:
- Go to Settings, tap on Display and then on Home screen
- Click on Hide apps at the bottom of the menu
- Select the apps you want to hide and tap Done
The flagged apps will no longer be displayed, and They will be visible only in the app drawer.
When you want to return them to the home screen, repeat the steps but uncheck the checked apps quickly deselecting them so they all reappear on the first screen of the mobile.
Do you want to know more about it? Check out this article on how to hide items on Android.
