How to Block an App From Being Downloaded on iPhone [Updated 2025]

Can you block an app from being downloaded on iPhone? Yes!

To block a specific app from being downloaded, there are two options:

• Option 1: Use the built-in Apple Screen Time feature

• Option 2: Install an app designed to block apps from being downloaded: Refocus

Now, there's a caveat: this will not just block one app from being downloaded. It will block ANY app from being downloaded. There is no way to block just one app from being downloaded on the iPhone, but there are some workarounds at the bottom of this article.

Option 1: Apple Screen Time

Choose this option if you want to avoid installing another application. However, you lose powerful features and flexibility.

Steps to block apps from being downloaded on iPhone using Apple Screen Time:

1. Open Apple "Settings" app

2. Select "Screen Time"

3. Select "Content & Privacy Restrictions"

4. Select "iTunes & App Store Purchases"

5. Select "Installing Apps"

6. Select "Don't Allow"

Open Apple "Settings" App

Select "Screen Time"

Select "Content & Privacy Restrictions"

Select "iTunes & App Store Purchases"

Select "Installing Apps"

Select "Don't Allow"

Optional: Lock The New Setting Behind a Passcode

To prevent someone from changing this setting, in Apple "Settings" app > "Screen Time" settings, scroll to the bottom and select "Lock Screen Time Settings."

Option 2: Refocus

The best option to block installing apps if you are willing to install another application. Refocus allows you to schedule when to block downloading apps.

Steps to block apps from being downloaded on iPhone using Refocus:

1. Install "Refocus" from the Apple App Store

2. Open Refocus app

3. Complete the onboarding steps. The onboarding will show you how to block apps!

4. Select "Start" at the bottom

5. Select "Schedule Blocking"

6. Select to block "App Store"

7. Select "Strict Mode" (Normal)

8. Select "Deep Focus" Strict Mode & Schedule Blocking

9. Optional: Go To Refocus Settings > Advanced Settings > Toggle "Disable App Installation"

Install Refocus

Select "Start" At The Bottom Of The Screen

Select "Schedule Blocking"

Select To Block "App Store"

Select "Strict Mode" ("Normal")

Select "Deep Focus" Strict Mode & Schedule Blocking

Optional: Go To Refocus Settings > Advanced Settings > Toggle "Disable App Installation"

View The Blocked App Store

How to Block Specific Apps From Being Downloaded On iPhone (Instead Of All)?

As mentioned earlier, on the iPhone, it is not possible to block a single app from being downloaded - only all. However, there are potential workarounds:

1. Block the app you don't want to use

2. Lock the app you don't want to use