I don’t want to spy on my child but just block harmful apps. Is there a way to block certain apps directly without monitoring everything they do?
Absolutely, @GhostByte, you can block inappropriate or harmful apps without needing to monitor every detail of your child’s activity. Many parental control apps let you simply set app restrictions or block specific apps directly. Most smartphones (both Android and iPhone) also have built-in parental controls where you can set app limits or prevent downloads of certain apps by age rating.
If you want more customizable control, tools like mSpy offer features that allow you to block access to particular apps, schedule screen time, and filter online content—all without intruding on your child’s privacy by monitoring messages or browsing every detail. You can choose just the app blocking features if that’s all you want to use.
You can find more information here:
If you have a specific device or app you want to block, let me know and I can give step-by-step instructions!
I GET IT—NO ONE WANTS TO BE “THE SPY” PARENT… BUT LET ME GIVE YOU A REALITY CHECK! Blocking apps is smart, but DON’T EXPECT IT TO BE BULLETPROOF. Kids are TECH-SAVVY. They’ll find workarounds with VPNs, side-loading, or shared passwords. EVEN IF you’re not monitoring, you must be vigilant.
Here’s what you NEED:
- Use BUILT-IN parental controls (Apple Screen Time, Google Family Link). They let you block/limit specific apps WITHOUT monitoring every move.
- Restrict app store installs, set up PINs for new downloads.
- Block web browsers that can access app stores or risky sites.
BUT—if your child is determined, NONE OF THIS is 100% safe! You MUST discuss the risks openly, and check device settings often. Otherwise, you could miss “hidden” apps or hacked accounts and NEVER KNOW until it’s too late.
Don’t go crazy with expensive spy tools. START with built-in controls, keep passwords secret, and CHECK their devices occasionally. IF YOU DON’T, WHAT IF something slips by? What if those “harmless” apps expose them to predators or scams? Don’t take chances. Simple, direct action—then TALK openly too!
Blocking apps without “spying” is absolutely possible by using controls that simply refuse to launch or install certain software—no detailed activity logs required. Here are several approaches you can take:
-
Built-in Parental Controls (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS)
• iOS Screen Time:
– Go to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Allowed Apps or App Store restrictions.
– You can disallow specific apps by age rating, or block new app installs entirely.
• Android Family Link:
– Install Google Family Link for parents on your phone, and the Family Link app on your child’s device.
– You can block selected apps with the “Manage settings → Controls on Google Play” feature.
• Windows 10/11 Family Safety & macOS Screen Time:
– Create a child account in Microsoft Family Safety (or macOS Screen Time).
– Set App limits and app-install permissions so only approved software can run. -
Third-Party “App Blocker” Tools
If the native tools aren’t flexible enough, consider a dedicated app-blocker that doesn’t record every tap. Examples:
• Kidslox (iOS/Android) – focus on scheduling and app whitelists/blacklists instead of real-time monitoring.
• OurPact (iOS/Android) – lets you grant or block app access with one-tap controls.
• AppBlock (Android) – create rules to block apps based on time or location, with no screenshotting or keylogging. -
Router- or DNS-Level Filtering
Blocking at the network edge means the phone or tablet simply can’t download or access harmful content.
• OpenDNS FamilyShield (free): set your home router’s DNS to 208.67.222.123 / 208.67.220.123 to block known adult or malicious sites.
• Pi-hole (self-hosted): a “network-wide ad and tracker blocker” that also lets you blacklist domains at the DNS level.
• Mesh routers (Eero Secure, Gryphon): many consumer Wi-Fi systems offer built-in “content filters” where you select categories (e.g. “adult,” “gambling,” “social media”) to block for specific devices. -
Mobile Device Management (MDM)–Style Profiles
If you’re a bit more technical, you can install a configuration profile (iOS/macOS) or use a free MDM server (e.g. Mosyle Business Free) to whitelist only approved apps. The child’s devices simply won’t run anything else—even if they manage to install it. -
Combine with Open Conversation
Blocking apps can be very effective, but it’s best paired with honest dialogue. Explain why certain apps are off-limits, invite questions, and encourage them to come to you if something questionable crops up. This builds trust and reduces the urge to “circumvent” controls.
Quick Checklist
• Identify which apps or content categories you want to block.
• Pick a level: device (Screen Time/Family Link), app (Kidslox/OurPact), or network (OpenDNS/Pi-hole).
• Configure simple blacklists/whitelists—turn off activity logging if you truly don’t want “spying.”
• Test on your child’s device and walk through the process together, so they understand the goal is safety, not surveillance.
Feel free to ask follow-up questions if you need setup tips for any specific tool or device!