How to Block App Downloads on iPhone (New & Old)

This guide shows you how to stop apps from being downloaded or installed on any iPhone, whether you’re using the latest iOS or an older version. You’ll learn to use Screen Time restrictions to block app installs, deletions, and even in-app purchases. No special tools are needed—just the Settings app and your passcode.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone running iOS 12 or later (for Screen Time restrictions). If you have an older iOS, the steps are similar under “Restrictions” in Settings.
The iPhone’s passcode (the one used to unlock the screen). If you don’t know it, you’ll need to ask the device owner.
A second passcode for Screen Time (optional but recommended to prevent changes).

Step-by-Step

Open Settings. Tap the gray gear icon on your home screen.
Tap Screen Time. On newer iOS versions (iOS 12 and later), it’s usually near the top, below Do Not Disturb. On older iOS versions (iOS 11 and earlier), look for “Restrictions” instead—the steps are similar.
Turn On Screen Time (if not already on). If you see a “Turn On Screen Time” button, tap it, then tap “Continue” and “This is My iPhone” (or “This is My Child’s iPhone” if you’re setting it up for a child).
Set a Screen Time Passcode (if prompted). If you haven’t used Screen Time before, you’ll be asked to create a 4-digit passcode. This is different from your phone passcode. Enter it twice and remember it. If you skip this, anyone can change your restrictions.
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. If it’s off, toggle it on. This is the master switch for all restrictions.
Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases. This is where you control app installs and deletions.
Tap Installing Apps. You’ll see three options: Allow, Don’t Allow, and Ask. Choose Don’t Allow to completely block downloading any new apps. If you choose “Ask,” the iPhone will prompt for the Screen Time passcode before each download—useful if you want to approve each install.
Tap Deleting Apps. Choose Don’t Allow to prevent the user from deleting existing apps. This is a good companion to blocking installs.
Tap In-app Purchases. Choose Don’t Allow to block in-app purchases. This prevents spending money inside apps, which is often a bigger concern than the download itself.
Go Back and Set Other Restrictions (Optional). While in Content & Privacy Restrictions, you can also block specific content (like explicit music or movies), change privacy settings, or restrict other features. For app downloads, the above steps are enough.
Test It. Try to download any free app from the App Store. You should see a message that the app can’t be installed because of restrictions. If it still works, go back and double-check that you’ve set “Installing Apps” to “Don’t Allow.”

Common Mistakes

Not setting a Screen Time passcode. Without it, anyone can go into Settings and turn the restrictions off. Always set a passcode.
Turning on Content & Privacy Restrictions but not changing the purchase settings. The master switch alone doesn’t block downloads; you must also set “Installing Apps” to “Don’t Allow.”
Confusing the Screen Time passcode with the iPhone passcode. They are separate. If you forget the Screen Time passcode, you’ll have to reset it (see Troubleshooting).
Blocking only “Installing Apps” but forgetting “Deleting Apps.” If the user can delete apps, they might remove a restriction app or just clutter the phone. Block both for full control.
Thinking this blocks updates. This method does not block app updates. To block updates, you’d need to disable automatic updates in Settings > App Store, but that doesn’t prevent manual updates. There’s no built-in way to block all updates without also blocking installs (which this does, but updates are still possible if you allow them). Actually, blocking “Installing Apps” does not block updates—updates are separate. If you want to block updates, you’d need to set “Installing Apps” to “Don’t Allow” and also turn off automatic updates. But manual updates will still be possible unless you use a different method.

Tips

Use “Ask” instead of “Don’t Allow” for flexibility. If you want to approve each download personally, choose “Ask.” The user will need the Screen Time passcode to proceed, which you can enter yourself.
For a child’s iPhone, set up Family Sharing. This allows you to manage Screen Time remotely from your own iPhone, approve purchases, and set downtime. It’s more convenient than handling the child’s phone directly.
Hide the App Store entirely (older iOS only). On iOS 11 and earlier, you could go to Settings > General > Restrictions and toggle off “Installing Apps” to hide the App Store icon. On newer iOS, the App Store remains but downloads are blocked.
Write down the Screen Time passcode. Store it somewhere safe, like a password manager, because you’ll need it to change restrictions later.
Use “Downtime” to limit when apps can be used. Even if you allow downloads, you can schedule times when only certain apps are available. This is a different feature but complements download restrictions.

Troubleshooting

Downloads still work after setting restrictions. First, make sure Content & Privacy Restrictions is toggled on (green). Then go back to iTunes & App Store Purchases and confirm “Installing Apps” is set to “Don’t Allow.” Also, check if you’re using an old iOS version where the menu is called “Restrictions” instead of “Screen Time.” If you have a managed device (e.g., from a school or employer), the restrictions might be overridden by a configuration profile.
Forgot the Screen Time passcode. On iOS 13.4 and later, you can reset it using your Apple ID. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Forgot Passcode? Enter your Apple ID and password. If that fails, you may need to erase the iPhone and restore from a backup (which will lose the passcode). On older iOS, you might need to restore the device.
Can’t find Screen Time. If you’re on iOS 11 or earlier, look for “Restrictions” in Settings > General. If you don’t see either, your iPhone might be managed by an organization, or the settings are hidden. Check for a configuration profile in Settings > General > Profiles.
“Ask” option doesn’t prompt for a passcode. If you set “Installing Apps” to “Ask,” the iPhone should prompt for the Screen Time passcode when a download is attempted. If it doesn’t, try toggling Content & Privacy Restrictions off and on, then re-set the option. Also, make sure you’re not already logged into the App Store with a different Apple ID that has different restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this block free app downloads too?

Yes, setting “Installing Apps” to “Don’t Allow” blocks all app downloads, free or paid. There’s no way to allow free apps but block paid ones through Screen Time.

Will this stop my child from making in-app purchases?

Yes, if you also set “In-app Purchases” to “Don’t Allow.” It’s a separate setting, so make sure you change it as well.

Can I block app downloads without a passcode?

You can turn on restrictions without a passcode, but anyone can then turn them off. It’s highly recommended to set a Screen Time passcode to keep the restrictions in place.

Does this work on all iPhone models?

Yes, the steps are the same for all iPhones running iOS 12 or later. Older iPhones with iOS 11 or earlier use the “Restrictions” menu, but the concept is identical.

Can I allow specific apps to be downloaded while blocking others?

No, Screen Time doesn’t allow you to whitelist specific apps for download. You can only block all downloads or use “Ask” to approve each one manually.

Will blocking downloads also stop app updates?

No, blocking “Installing Apps” does not block app updates. To block updates, you’d need to turn off automatic updates in Settings > App Store, and even then, manual updates can still be performed. There’s no built-in way to block all updates without also blocking installs (which this does, but updates are still possible if you allow them).

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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