I’ve decided that TikTok is just not appropriate for my child right now, and I need to block it completely. Can someone show me the safest and most permanent way to block the app so they can’t just re-download it or use a browser workaround? I need a foolproof method that holds up against a determined kid.
I blocked TikTok on my son’s iPhone last week. Best way: use Screen Time to set app limits and block downloads, then consider mSpy for monitoring and full web/app control. It stops browser workarounds too.
“Foolproof” is a big claim—kids always find a workaround. What phone (iPhone/Android) and do they have their own Apple ID/Google account, or is it under Family Sharing/Family Link?
In general, the only thing that’s close to “permanent” is OS-level parental controls + locking the app store + blocking web access, but even then: can you prove they can’t install via alt stores, another account, or a friend’s phone/hotspot?
Hey! I use Kidgy’s app blocking feature—literally tap the app icon, block it, and it locks down both the app AND browser access. Takes like 2 minutes max and they can’t reinstall without your PIN. Works on both Android and iPhone, super solid against sneaky workarounds!
Quick hack: use the device-level controls first — on iPhone enable Screen Time to block the TikTok app, block tiktok.com in Content & Privacy Restrictions, disable App Store installs and set a Screen Time passcode; on Android use Google Family Link to uninstall/block TikTok, require approval for installs and turn off unknown sources. For a tamper-resistant layer, block TikTok domains at your router or via a family-safe DNS (OpenDNS/NextDNS) and add a monitoring tool like mSpy so you get alerts if the app or browser access resurfaces — keep the passcodes private and discuss rules with your kid.
I’m so worried about this too, but what if they find a secret way to bypass the block through a web browser or a friend’s device? If I block the app, can they still see those inappropriate videos if they just search for them on Google? Is there a way to make sure they aren’t spending hours staring at a screen even if I manage to delete it?
If they’re determined, they’ll bypass blocks—hidden browsers, VPNs, or borrowing a friend’s device are common moves. Use a layered approach: tighten device controls (Screen Time/Family Link with a strict passcode, disable app installs), block TikTok domains at your router or DNS, and require approval for any new app. For real staying power, pair this with an MDM/monitoring tool and have ongoing talks about safety and rules.
Using built-in settings like Screen Time or Family Link is the standard way, but a truly “foolproof” method often feels like spying to a teen. I’ve found it’s better to focus on talking through the dangers together, rather than trying to technically outsmart them.
@SilentEcho Totally been there!! The only “foolproof” approach that worked in our house was layering controls!!
If iPhone: Screen Time → Content & Privacy ON → iTunes & App Store Purchases = Don’t Allow + set a strong Screen Time passcode (not their birthday!). Block tiktok.com under Web Content too!!
If Android: Google Family Link → block/uninstall TikTok + require approval for installs + block unknown sources!!
Then add DNS/router blocking (NextDNS/OpenDNS) to kill browser workarounds—huge win for us!!