How to Prevent Installing Apps on iPhone
Stop yourself (or your kid) from installing distracting or risky apps on iPhone. Full Screen Time setup plus how to seal the settings.
How to Prevent Installing Apps on iPhone
Whether you're trying to stay off Instagram, block your kid from downloading TikTok, or stop yourself from reinstalling Chrome around your porn blocker — here's how to disable app installs on iPhone.
Step 1: Open Screen Time
Settings → Screen Time → Turn On Screen Time (if not already on)
Step 2: Open Content & Privacy Restrictions
Toggle Content & Privacy Restrictions on.
Step 3: Disable installing apps
- Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases
- Set Installing Apps to Don't Allow
The App Store icon will disappear from your Home Screen entirely.
Step 4: Also block deleting apps (important)
In the same menu, set Deleting Apps to Don't Allow.
Why? If you can delete apps, you can delete the apps that block you, then re-enable installs from someone else's phone... messy. Block both.
Step 5: Block in-app purchases (optional)
Set In-app Purchases to Don't Allow if you're trying to stop spending or your kid making accidental purchases.
Step 6: Set a Screen Time passcode
Use Screen Time Passcode → 4-digit code. This is required to ever change the above.
Step 7: Don't set a recovery email
If you add your Apple ID for recovery, you can reset the code in seconds. Skip recovery, or use someone else's Apple ID.
Step 8: Seal the passcode with LockIn
This is the part most guides skip. You knowing the passcode = no real restriction.
LockIn generates the Screen Time passcode for you, hides it, and locks it for as long as you choose. No reinstalling apps. No undoing. No "just for a minute."