If you’re tired of scrolling through TikTok the entire afternoon, find out how to block it on your iPhone with this ultimate guide.
September 2, 2022
TikTok is a platform where you can quickly watch forwards, memes, and other crazy stuff that can be addictive. In fact, its algorithm makes it almost impossible to run out of entertaining videos to watch.
But while there's absolutely no problem with using this app, people with ADHD often struggle to control their time on TikTok.
The good news is, you can manage your daily app usage on your phone by simply blocking it.
In this guide, we’ll teach you different ways to block TikTok on your iPhone.
You can block TikTok on your iPhone using the Downtime feature. Although this tool won't completely prevent you from using the app, it can help you manage your time.
To block TikTok through Downtime, simply follow these steps below:
First, go to the Screen Time panel to maximize the benefits of the Downtime feature. You can find it on your iPhone's Settings.
On this page, you'll see a summary of your app usage and most used apps. This breakdown is helpful because it can remind you to limit your time on TikTok.
There are several features available on the Screen Time panel: Downtime, App Limits, Always Allowed, and Content & Privacy Restrictions. Each tool has its own unique strengths and disadvantages.
For this step, you want to ensure that TikTok isn't part of your Always Allowed apps. If it is, tap TikTok and remove it.
You'll have complete control over your schedule away from your iPhone through Downtime. In addition, you can decide when you can access TikTok and all your other apps.
Tapping Downtime will bring you to a different page where you can enable or disable it. To block your access to TikTok, enable Downtime and ensure the toggle button is green.
Now, you can set your Downtime schedule. You’ll have the option to turn this feature on every day or any day from Mondays to Fridays.
Once you've scheduled your Downtime, you'll no longer have access to most of your apps. You can only answer phone calls and use your Always Allowed apps.
Alternatively, you can block any app on your iPhone such as TikTok through App Limits. But unlike Downtime, you'll still have access to other app categories.
Here’s how you can block TikTok through App Limits:
Before you can limit your time on TikTok and other social networking apps, you'll have to go to the Screen Time panel first.
Under the Screen Time panel, tap App Limits so you can manage your time for a particular app category.
Upon tapping, you'll be directed to a different page. Simply press Add Limit to set up a specific time for TikTok and other apps under the same app category.
There are many app categories available on your iPhone. But to block your access to TikTok, choose the Social Networking category or All Apps & Categories.
The Social Networking category restricts your time on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. That means you'll also have limited access to these apps when the App Limit feature is on.
Meanwhile, the All Apps & Categories cluster will restrict your access to all app categories. That would include apps classified as Games, Social Networking, Productivity, and many more.
Once you've selected the Social Networking category or All Apps & Categories, you can begin setting up your daily usage. There's also an option to customize how frequent this limit will be.
Apart from Downtime and App Limits, you can block TikTok by modifying your iTunes & App Store Purchases settings. But take note that you'll need to delete the app if you use this method.
Here’s what you can do:
After deleting TikTok, go to the Screen Time panel on your iPhone's Settings.
For this method, you'll need to tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. You'll find this menu below the Always Allowed option.
Once you've moved to a new page, you'll need to enable Content & Privacy Restrictions to modify the settings under it. The toggle button must turn green to indicate that it's enabled.
By tapping iTunes & App Store Purchases, you'll have the option to block new downloads and in-app purchases.
Since you want to block TikTok, tap Installing Apps under the Store Purchases & Redownloads section.
Tapping Installing Apps will bring you to a new menu where you can allow or stop downloads of any app from the App Store. Simply select Don't Allow to prevent yourself from downloading and reinstalling TikTok.
If you want to continue downloading new apps from the App Store, you can still block your access to TikTok using Content Restrictions. This method will hide the app from sight.
Follow these steps below:
Look for your iPhone's Settings and tap Screen Time to modify your time and content restrictions.
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and enable its complete features. Make sure the toggle button is green.
Under the Content & Privacy Restrictions menu, tap Content Restrictions. This option should be below Allowed Apps.
Upon tapping, you'll be brought to a new page that contains different settings to limit the content you consume. Simply tap Apps.
Finally, modify the age restriction and set it to 9+. You can also select Don't Allow Apps instead.
Modifying this restriction will hide your TikTok app on your home screen. It will also hide all your other apps with the same age restriction.
TikTok, like many other social media sites, is designed to be addictive.
Even if you downloaded TikTok with good intentions, it's hard not to fall victim to the addictive algorithm. Soon, you're receiving hundreds of reactions to your most recent video and watching video after video.
If you're looking for a way to block TikTok so you can be more present in your life, Opal is here to help. Opal, the #1 Screen Time App, is designed to help you schedule your days, block distracting apps and focus fully, on any device.
Yes, it's that easy! While you'll still be able to open the TikTok app or visit the website, you won't be able to refresh your feed and see any new posts.
Say hello to focusing on better things.
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