The fastest way to block an app on iPhone

You can block an app on iPhone using Screen Time, which is built into every iPhone. Screen Time lets you prevent yourself or someone else from opening specific apps, and it works even if the app is already installed. You set a PIN code so the block cannot be removed without that code.

The block happens at the operating system level, meaning the app cannot run no matter who tries to open it — they will see a message saying the app is restricted. This is different from deleting the app, which removes it entirely from your phone.

If you want to block an app someone else installed on a shared device, or if you want to prevent a child from opening an app on their own iPhone, Screen Time is the tool to use. If you simply want to stop using an app yourself, deleting it is faster and simpler.

Key Takeaways

  • Screen Time is the built-in iPhone feature that blocks apps; you access it through Settings and set a PIN to prevent removal of the block.
  • A blocked app will not open and shows a message saying it is restricted, but the app remains installed on the device.
  • You can block apps on your own iPhone or on someone else's iPhone if you know their Screen Time PIN.
  • Blocking an app is different from deleting it; blocking keeps the app installed but prevents it from running, while deleting removes it entirely.
  • Screen Time blocks work across all users on the device and cannot be bypassed by restarting the iPhone or logging out.

How to block an app using Screen Time on your own iPhone

Open Settings and tap Screen Time. If this is your first time using Screen Time, tap Turn On Screen Time and choose This is My iPhone. You will be asked to set a Screen Time PIN — this is a four-digit code that prevents anyone from changing your restrictions, so choose something you will remember but others cannot guess.

Once Screen Time is on, go back to the Screen Time menu and tap App Limits. Tap Add Limit and select the app you want to block. Set the time limit to 0 minutes and tap Add. When the limit reaches zero, the app will not open.

Alternatively, you can tap Restrictions (or Content & Privacy Restrictions depending on your iOS version) and then Allowed Apps. Toggle off the app you want to block. This method is faster if you only want to block one or two apps.

How to block an app on someone else's iPhone

If you are setting up Screen Time for a child or another person, the process is similar but you will choose This is My Child's iPhone or This is a Family Member's iPhone during setup. You will create a Screen Time PIN that only you know, so the other person cannot remove the block.

Once Screen Time is set up, follow the same steps: go to App Limits, tap Add Limit, select the app, and set the time to 0 minutes. Or use Restrictions and toggle off the app under Allowed Apps.

The person whose iPhone it is will see that the app is restricted and cannot open it. They can request permission to use the app, which sends a notification to you — you can approve or deny the request from your own iPhone.

What happens when an app is blocked

When someone tries to open a blocked app, they will see a message saying the app is restricted and cannot be opened. The message will include a button to request permission if Screen Time is set up for a family member or child.

The blocked app remains on the home screen and in the App Store, but it simply will not launch. Restarting the iPhone, logging out, or force-closing other apps will not bypass the block. The only way to unblock the app is to enter the Screen Time PIN and remove the restriction.

Blocking apps versus deleting apps

Blocking an app with Screen Time and deleting an app are two different actions with different purposes. Blocking keeps the app installed but prevents it from running — useful if you want to restrict access temporarily or prevent someone else from using it. Deleting removes the app entirely from the iPhone, freeing up storage space.

If you want to stop using an app yourself and do not need to prevent others from installing it again, deleting is simpler and faster. If you want to prevent a child from opening an app, or if you want to keep the app but restrict when it can be used, blocking with Screen Time is the right choice.

You can also use Screen Time to set time limits instead of blocking entirely — for example, allowing an app to be used for 30 minutes per day before it locks. This gives more flexibility than a complete block.

Changing or removing a block

To unblock an app, open Settings, tap Screen Time, and enter your PIN when prompted. Go to App Limits and tap the app you want to unblock, then tap Delete Limit. Or go to Restrictions and toggle the app back on under Allowed Apps.

If you forgot your Screen Time PIN, you will need to reset it. On your iPhone, go to Settings, tap Screen Time, tap Change Screen Time PIN, and choose Forgot PIN?. You will be asked to verify your identity using your Apple ID and password, then you can set a new PIN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone unblock an app if they know my PIN?

Yes. If someone knows your Screen Time PIN, they can unblock any app. Keep your PIN private and do not share it. If you suspect someone has guessed your PIN, change it by going to Settings, Screen Time, and tapping Change Screen Time PIN.

Will blocking an app delete my data or account?

No. Blocking an app does not delete any data, accounts, or settings associated with that app. If you unblock it later, everything will still be there. The app is simply prevented from running while the block is active.

Can I block an app on my iPhone if I do not have Screen Time set up yet?

Yes. Go to Settings, tap Screen Time, and tap Turn On Screen Time. Choose This is My iPhone and set a PIN. Then follow the steps to block the app. You do not need to set time limits for other apps — you can use Screen Time only for blocking.

What if the app I want to block is not showing up in the App Limits menu?

Some system apps cannot be blocked using App Limits. Try using Restrictions instead: go to Screen Time, tap Restrictions, tap Allowed Apps, and toggle off the app you want to block. If it still does not appear, that app may not be blockable on your iOS version.

Does blocking an app stop notifications from that app?

No. Blocking an app with Screen Time only prevents it from opening. Notifications will still arrive. To stop notifications, go to Settings, tap Notifications, find the app, and turn off Allow Notifications.