Blocking app downloads on an Android phone It is something that we do not usually do but that can bring many benefits in terms of security and maintenance of the mobile. Today, those who most seek to restrict downloads on their mobiles are parents who have children of an age to take the mobile for entertainment, but what if I tell you that It doesn't matter if you have children or not, you are also interested in restricting the download of these apps.. Let's see How to block app downloads on your mobile and what is it for?
Why block app downloads on Android?
By blocking the download of applications on your phone you will be limiting the apps you download, and this It has many advantages, and few disadvantages.. I tell you.
Increased security and privacy
The first thing we do by blocking the download of apps is that We gained security. In case you didn't know, every app you install is a potential gateway for hackers. Therefore, The fewer apps you have, the less chance there is of some clever person sneaking into your phone.
And when it comes to the privacy of our data, the same thing happens. Actually, Every app you install is like a potential spy that you know is there, watching. Personal data, browsing habits, location… All of that is being collected by the apps. So, basically we have a relationship that would be The fewer apps, the more privacy online.
Better mobile performance
But not only would we be improving our online security, we would also be improving mobile performance for obvious reasons. Every app you have installed, Even if you don't use it, It's there in the background, draining your battery.. So, Fewer apps will mean more autonomy for your mobile battery.
We will be more productive and spend less money
What usually leads us to restrict the downloading of apps on mobile phones is that children use them. We do this so that they do not spend their daily lives with the mobile phone and can take advantage of that time and other healthy habits. If it's good for the little ones, it's good for us adults too.. By this I mean that Restricting mobile downloads will make us more productive and we will be able to move a little further away from the mobile screen.
Although not all Android users make purchases within mobile apps, this can also be another point in favor of blocking the download of applications on the mobile. Logically, If we don't have apps that encourage us to buy within their platforms, we will end up saving money. Following the relationship that I have been commenting on, here we would have fewer apps, so we would also have less temptations for unnecessary spending.
And as for drawbacks, we have practically only one, which is the Limitation of access to new applications that could be useful or entertaining to usBut let's be honest, how many apps do we really need on our phones? Install the ones you need and then block the download of apps on your mobileSo, if you think that limiting app downloads might be good for you, or if you have children of mobile-using age, keep reading because I'll tell you how to block app downloads on Android.
Different ways to block app downloads on Android
If you are convinced that Blocking app downloads on your Android is a good idea, I'm going to explain how you can do it. And don't worry because, despite there being several methods, it's quite simple.
Parental control on Google Play
Google is not stupid and knows that Parents want to keep track of what their children download on their cell phones. That's why they have introduced it on Google Play a parental control feature that works great. With this You can set filters based on age and even ask for a PIN to be entered every time someone wants to download something.It's like putting a digital lock on the app store.
So, to prevent other people, especially children, from downloading apps without your consent, You can activate parental controls in Google Play.
- But Google Play Store.
- Access the «Settings» and select "Parental control".
- Activate it and set a PIN.
- Set the restrictions according to the age you prefer.
Using Fingerprint
You know that feature where you can unlock your phone with your fingerprint? Well, it turns out that you can also use it to prevent anyone from downloading apps without your permission. Basically, Without your finger you cannot access downloads on your mobile, just like in the 90s action movies. Super useful if you don't want to keep entering PINs or if you're afraid someone will steal your code.
Just remember to keep the fingerprint reader in perfect condition so that it doesn't suffer failures and you are left without access. Let's see How to set up fingerprint authentication on Android.
- Go to «Settings» and select "Security".
- register your fingerprint if you haven't done it before.
- Open Google Play and tap on the option «Settings».
- In the new tab tap where it says «User controls» and then select «Fingerprint authentication».
- Activate the option to request the fingerprint before performing any download.
Use a secondary profile
Now, if in the case that you want to continue using your mobile phone as always, but it turns out that you leave it to friends or children, The best thing you can do is set up a secondary profile. This profile You would have to configure it so that new apps cannot be downloaded.. This way, when you give your phone to someone, you can be sure that they won't fill your phone with weird apps. You'll see how great this is if you have children at home.
- Go to «Settings» from your Android mobile.
- Tap on "System" and then click on the option "Multiple users".
- Choose «Guest» or create a new profile.
- Now, in that new profile, Go to Google Parental Controls, which we have seen above and search and click on the option «Applications and games».
- Here you can choose the level of restriction you want. If you want to block all downloads, choose the most restrictive option. "Not allowed".
- Simply switch to that profile when you lend the phone.
Don't forget to block the apks too
You probably know that in addition to downloading apps from the Google Play Store, you can also do so from other places. These apps are They are known as apks because of their format, and They can be obtained from anywhere on the Internet. However, these apps are not guaranteed by Google, so installing them is at your own risk.
So, If you don't want to take this risk and since you are blocking all types of downloads on your mobile, do the following:.
- Go to «Settings» and then touches on «Applications and notifications».
- Choose "Access to special applications».
- Give the option of “Install unknown apps” and make sure it is disabled for all apps.
And that's it. It's really about be a little more aware of what we download and install on our Android phones. While I'm not saying you should become a digital hermit, I'm just saying that a little control doesn't hurt. Your phone, your privacy, and your wallet will thank you for it. So, Do you dare to try any of these methods? Leave me a comment if you do this so I can see how it goes for you blocking apps on your phone.
