Control over the installation of games on a smartphone or tablet Android is a pressing task for parents, employers and even the users themselves, those trying to limit their time playing games. Without the correct settings, children may download inappropriate content, waste money on in-game purchases or be distracted from their studies, and corporate devices risk being loaded with malware disguised as “free” games. Fortunately, Android offers several levels of protection: from built-in functions Google Play to specialized applications and system restrictions.

In this article we will analyze 5 proven methods of blocking - from simple (setting up a password for purchases) to advanced (using MDM solutions for business). You will learn how to limit access to games by age, block installation from unknown sources, and set up parental controls at the account level Google or through third-party utilities. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions Android (from Android 10 to Android 14) and devices of popular brands - Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei.

Important: some methods require administrator rights or root access, but most solutions work without them. If you are setting up a device for a child, we recommend combining several methods for maximum reliability.

1. Blocking through parental controls in Google Play

The simplest and most universal way is to use the built-in function parental controls in Google Play Market. It allows you to restrict access to games and applications by age rating, as well as block purchases. Works on all devices with Google Mobile Services (including Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel), but is not available on some Chinese firmware (for example, on Huawei without GMS).

To activate restrictions:

  1. Open Google Play Market and tap on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
  2. Select Settings → Family → Parental control.
  3. Activate the switch and set PIN code (remember it!).
  4. In the section Restrictions for applications and games select the maximum allowed age rating (for example, 3+ or 12+).

After this, games and applications with a higher rating will be hidden in Google Play Please note: this method does not block the installation of APK from other sources (for example, from sites or through APK files). Additional measures will be required for complete protection.

Is a PIN code set|Are games with a rating higher than the selected one hidden|Are purchases without confirmation disabled|Checked on a second device (if using a family one) library)

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⚠️ Attention: If a child knows the password for your account Google, he will be able to reset PIN code of the parent. control through the account settings. Use a separate account for the child or enable two-factor authentication.

2. Restriction of installation from unknown sources

Default Android blocks the installation of applications from sources other than Google Play. However, many users disable this protection to install games through APK files (for example, from sites like APKMirror or TapTap).If you need to completely block the installation of games "bypassing" the store, follow these steps:

On devices with Android 8.0+:

  1. Go in Settings → Applications → Special access → Install unknown applications.
  2. Select a browser (for example, Chrome or Files) and disable permission Allow installation from this source.
  3. Repeat for all applications through which you can open APK (for example, Telegram, File Manager).

On Android 7.0 and below:

  • 🔒 Go to Settings → Security.
  • 🔍 Find the option Unknown sources i disable it.

This method does not block downloading APK filesbut prevents their installation. To prevent even downloading, you will need to use firewall or specialized applications (we will discuss them below).

Never|Nearby (1-2 times a year)|Often (once a month)|Constantly (weekly)-->

3. Using applications to block games

If built-in funds Android are not enough, you can use third-party utilities. They offer flexible settings: time blocking, application blacklists, traffic control and even remote control. Below are proven solutions with different functionality.

Application Functions Free? Requires root?
AppBlock Blocking games by schedule, launch password, usage statistics Yes (with restrictions) No
Kids Place Parental launcher with a white list of applications, usage timer Shareware No
Net Nanny Content filtering, blocking by category, activity monitoring No (paid subscription) No
AFWall+ Blocking network access to games (requires root) Yes Yes

Suitable for most tasks AppBlock or Kids Place. For example, in AppBlock you can:

  • 🕒 Set a blocking schedule (for example, from 20:00 to 8:00).
  • 🔐 Block the launch of specific games password.
  • 📊 Track time spent in games.

If you need completely deny access games, use Kids Place in "launcher" mode: it creates an isolated environment where the child sees only those you have allowed applications.

How to bypass blocking via AppBlock?

Most blocking applications (including AppBlock) can be bypassed through:

1. Uninstalling an application via ADB (adb uninstall com.raon.block).

2. Reset your phone to factory settings.

3. Using a second user (on some devices).

To avoid this, configure deletion protection in the blocker settings or use solutions linked to your account (for example, Google Family Link).

Google Family Link is an official solution for parental control that allows you to control your child’s device remotely. With it you can:

  • 📱 Block the installation of new games.
  • ⏰ Set time limits for use.
  • 🔍 View activity history.
  • 🛒 Control purchases in Google Play.

To configure Family Link:

  1. Download the application Google Family Link on your device and your child's device.
  2. Create Children's Google account (or link an existing one).
  3. In the child's account settings, select Manage applications → Installed and block unnecessary games.
  4. Activate the option Approval is required to download new applications.

Advantage Family Link — remote control without the need to take the child’s device into hands. However, please note: after 13 years of age (in some countries - 16), a child can independently disable the link to a family account.

⚠️ Attention: Family Link does not block the installation of games via APK files. For complete protection, combine it with the restriction Unknown sources (see section 2).

5. Blocking at the system level (for advanced users)

If you need completely block the installation of any games (for example, on a corporate device), you can use system tools:

Method 1: Via ADB (without root)

Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) you can disable the ability to install new applications. To do this:

  1. Connect the device to the PC and activate USB debugging in the developer settings.
  2. Run the command: 
    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.packageinstaller

    This will disable the standard installer APK.

To return the ability to install, use: 

adb shell pm enable com.android.packageinstaller

Method 2: Through MDM solutions (for business)

Companies often use Mobile Device Management (MDM) to manage corporate devices. Popular solutions:

  • 🏢 Microsoft Intune (integration with Azure AD).
  • 📱 VMware Workspace ONE.
  • 🔒 Hexnode MDM (there is a free plan).

These systems allow you to:

  • Block the installation of games through black lists.
  • Restrict access to Google Play.
  • Customize kiosk mode (allowed applications only).
💡

If you use Samsung Knox, use built-in Knox Configure to block games. This function is available even without connecting to MDM and works at the kernel level Android.

6. Alternative methods: from firewall to host blocking

If the previous methods are not suitable, you can take a “workaround” and block access to game services at the network level or system.

Method 1: Blocking through the hosts file

By changing the file hosts, you can block access to domains associated with games (for example, play.google.com or servers of popular games). data-i="212">Get

  1. Get root access or use ADB (on some firmware).
  2. Edit the file /system/etc/hostsby adding lines like: 
    127.0.0.1 play.google.com

    127.0.0.1 lol.secure.dyn.riotcdn.net

  3. Save the changes and restart the device.

This method does not block installationbut makes it impossible to update games and access their servers.

Method 2: Using a firewall

Applications like NetGuard or AFWall+ allow you to block network traffic for specific games. For example, you can:

  • 🎮 Deny Internet access for Clash of Clans or PUBG Mobile.
  • 📴 Limit the background activity of games (saves battery power).

For work AFWall+ required root, and NetGuard works without it, but with restrictions.

💡

Blocking at the network level (hosts or firewall) does not delete already installed games, but makes them unusable. This method is suitable if you need to “cut off” a child from online games without completely blocking them from starting.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When setting up game blocking, users often encounter typical problems. prevent:

  1. The child is resetting the settings.
    Use Google Family Link or Kids Place linked to an account. On some devices (for example, Samsung) you can enable Reset protection in the security settings.
  2. Games are installed through workarounds.
    Combine blocking Google Play with restriction Unknown sources and firewall.
  3. The blocker interferes with the operation of the necessary applications.
    Configure white lists in applications like AppBlock or Net Nanny.

If you use Xiaomi, Huawei or Samsung, check the branded parental control tools:

  • 📱 Xiaomi: Settings → Parental control (requires an account Mi).
  • 🌐 Huawei: Settings → Security → Parental controls (works without GMS).
  • ⚙️ Samsung: Settings → Digital well-being and parental controls.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) some methods (like Family Link) may not work correctly. Before setting, check the compatibility in the official firmware documentation.
Is it possible to block games without password?

Yes, but such methods are less reliable. For example, you can:

  • Hide game icons in the launcher (via Settings → Applications → Hide on some firmware).
  • Use guest mode (available on Android 5.0–8.0).

However, a child or other user can easily bypass these restrictions.

How to block games on a tablet without Google Play?

On devices without Google Mobile Services (for example, on some models Huawei or Amazon Fire):

  1. Use proprietary tools (for example, Huawei Parental Controls).
  2. Install a third-party launcher (for example, Kids Place) and configure the white list.
  3. Disable the installation APK through the security settings.
Will the lock work after resetting the settings?

No, resetting to factory settings removes all restrictions, including:

  • Settings Google Family Link.
  • Parental control PIN codes.
  • Firewall rules (NetGuard, AFWall+).

To prevent a reset, you can activate Reset protection on some devices (for example, on Samsung via Find My Mobile).

Is it possible to block games on Android TV?

Yes, for Android TV (for example, on NVIDIA Shield or Xiaomi Mi Box) will be suitable:

  • Google Family Link (if the device is linked to an account).
  • Setting Restricted profile in the settings Android TV.
  • Blocking the installation via ADB (similar to smartphones).
How to unblock games if you forgot your PIN code?

Methods depend on the blocking method:

  • Google Play Parental Control: reset the PIN via families.google.com (Account access required).
  • AppBlock/Kids Place: Reinstall the application or reset the settings (data will be lost!).
  • ADB/hosts: Run the command adb shell pm enable com.android.packageinstaller or edit hosts back.