3 Ways To Block TikTok Access On An Android Device

When your kids are old enough to want a TikTok account but you don’t want them on the social media platform, they’re usually old enough to search for a “workaround.”

You can try telling them they can’t download the app, but they may do it anyway. If you block their access to the Google Play store, they’ll sign up and use TikTok through their phone’s web browser.

Keeping them off of the platform calls for more serious measures.

These methods aren’t just for blocking children’s access, either. Some adult TikTok users who love the app but have little to no self-control can’t stop themselves from logging on, even if they know they’re spending way too much time on social media. They need help, too.

The only surefire approach is blocking access to TikTok on the phone or device they use. If the device is an Android, there are three ways to do it — but they’re not equally effective.

Method #1: Use Digital Wellbeing

Androids have a native setting that’s labeled “Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.” Among other things, the feature can be used to block or limit access to various apps, including TikTok. There are two downsides to this strategy: you have to install TikTok before you can block it, and it won’t stop users from accessing the platform from their phone’s browser.

1. Open the device’s settings menu and scroll down to select “Digital Wellbeing & parental control.”
2. Tap on “App timers.”
3. Choose TikTok from the list of apps.
4. Click “Set timer.”
5. Set the timer to “0,” which allows zero minutes of TikTok access per day.
6. Tap “Done.”

You can essentially do the same thing by using Android’s parental controls if the phone is part of a family Android network. Look for the “Family” menu on a parent’s phone and select the child’s phone to manage. Go to “Manage apps,” choose TikTok, and tap “Block.”

These aren’t foolproof solutions, because of the web browser problem we mentioned above. They’re a start, though.

Method #2: Program Your Home’s Router

This is a simpler approach for those with a bit of computer familiarity.

1. Open a web browser, navigate to your router’s IP address, and log in. The information you’ll need is usually listed on the router itself or in the manual that came with it.
2. Find the router’s “Settings” page and look for “Access Control” or something similar.
3. Block TikTok on the “Apps” list and enter tiktok.com on the “Blocked Websites” list.
4. Save and exit.

Your router’s settings may have different names, but most modern routers allow you to block both websites and apps.

This should work if the Android phone is connecting through your home network, but it won’t prevent your child (or you) from accessing TikTok on a different network. Only the last approach can help with that.

Method #3: Use a Third-Party App

There are many apps you can download to an Android device that will take care of the problem for you — and most have free versions that will do the job.

One of the best choices is called AppBlock.Here’s how it works.

1. Download the app from the Google Play store and install it.
2. Open the app and follow the prompts to give AppBlock permission to block other apps on the phone.
3. Tap on “Quick Block” and choose TikTok from the list that appears. When you’re asked if you want to block the TikTok website as well, click “Block.” You can block other apps at the same time if you’d like.

It’s unfortunate that social media has become such a mess and that blocking access for some people has become a necessity. However, if it means keeping kids safe (or giving adults the ability to control their urge to waste the day online), it’s fortunate that methods like these are available to block TikTok or other apps on Android devices.