Control over the installation of games on devices Android is a pressing task for parents who want to limit children’s access to inappropriate content, and for employers who want to increase employee productivity. Modern smartphones offer several built-in locking mechanisms, but most users are unaware of their existence or use them ineffectively. This article will reveal all available methods - from standard functions to specialized applications with advanced settings. It is important to understand that simply deleting or turning off the Internet will not solve the problem: games can be installed through third-party stores like data-i="38">or even through a browser. Therefore, reliable blocking requires a comprehensive approach. We will consider solutions for different scenarios: from temporary restrictions to a complete ban with password protection, including nuances for devices with Google Play to specialized applications with advanced settings.

It is important to understand that simple removal Play Market or turning off the Internet will not solve the problem: games can be installed via APK files, third party stores like APKMirror or even through a browser. Therefore, reliable blocking requires a comprehensive approach. We will look at solutions for different scenarios: from temporary restrictions to a complete ban with password protection, including nuances for devices with root access and corporate phones managed by Android Enterprise.

1. Built-in parental controls in Google Play

The easiest way to restrict the installation of games is to use the built-in function parental controls in Google Play Store. This method does not require the installation of additional applications and works on all devices with services Google, including smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei (with HMS) and others. The main limitation: the blocking only applies to content from the official store, but not to installation through APK.

To activate control:

  1. Open Google Play Market and go to Profile → Settings → Family → Parental Control.
  2. Enable the function and install PIN code (remember it! If lost, you can only restore it by resetting the device).
  3. In the section Restrictions for applications and games select the maximum age rating (for example, 3+ or 7+).
  4. To completely block games, select Do not show inappropriate content and mark the category Games.

After setting, all games with a rating higher than the selected one will disappear from the search and recommendations. Trying to install a blocked application will require entering a PIN code. Important: this method does not work. blocks updating of already installed games - to do this, you need to additionally disable auto-update in your Google account settings.

📊 Which blocking method do you think is the most reliable?
Built-in parental controls
Third-party applications
Android Settings
Restricting administrator rights
I don’t know

2. Blocking the installation of APK files

Even with parental controls enabled, the user can install the game via APK filedownloaded from the Internet. To close this loophole, it is necessary to restrict the installation option. applications from unknown sources. In modern versions Android (starting from Android 8.0 Oreo) this is done separately for each browser or file manager.

Instructions for Android 10+:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Special access → Install unknown applications.
  2. Select a browser (for example, Chrome or Firefox) or a file manager (for example, Files by Google).
  3. Disable the switch Allow installation from this source.
  4. Repeat the steps for all applications through which you can open APK.

On devices with Android 7.0 Nougat and below, just disable the option Unknown sources in Settings → SecurityHowever, this method is less reliable. since some applications (for example APKPure) can bypass the restriction.

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If the device has Xiaomi or Huawei, check additional settings in proprietary shells MIUI or EMUI. For example, in MIUI there is a separate section Security → Permissions → Installing packageswhere you can globally block the installation of APK.

3. Using third-party applications to block

For advanced control, specialized applications such as Google Family Link, Kaspersky Safe Kids or Norton Familyare suitable. games, but also limit the time you use the device, filter web content, and also receive activity reports. Let's consider the capabilities of each solution:

Application Blocking game installations Filtering websites Limitation by time Cost
Google Family Link Yes (via Google Play) Yes (basic) Yes Free
Kaspersky Safe Kids Yes (full) Yes (extended) Yes Free + premium
Norton Family Yes (via APK blocking) Yes (with category settings) Yes Paid (30-day trial)
AppBlock Yes (via installer blocking) No Yes Free

For example, Kaspersky Safe Kids blocks not only installation via Google Play, but also downloading APK from the browser, and also sends notifications about attempts to bypass restrictions. To configure:

  1. Install the application on your device and on the target one. smartphone.
  2. Create an account and link devices.
  3. In the section Applications select Block installation of new applications.
  4. Activate option Prohibit changes to security settingsso that the user cannot disable protection.
How to bypass Kaspersky Safe Kids blocking?

Some users try to remove the application via ADB or roll back the system. However Kaspersky protects itself from uninstallation without an administrator password. The only reliable way to bypass it is to reset the device to factory settings, but this will lead to the loss of all data.

4. Setting up restrictions through a Google account (for children)

If the device is used by a child under 13 years of age (or older, but with a family account), you can set up restrictions via Google Account. This method is integrated with Family Link and allows you to manage content remotely. data-i="155">(via

  1. Create family group V Google Account (through families.google.com).
  2. Add the child to the group and confirm his account.
  3. In the child’s settings, select Management applications → Age restrictions.
  4. Set the maximum age rating for games (for example, For everyone or 6+).
  5. Activate the option Approval is required to install new ones applications.

After this, all attempts to install games will require confirmation on the parent's device. In addition, you will be able to see the list of installed applications and delete them remotely. The restriction applies even if the child tries to install the game through APK —the system will block the process and send a notification.

☑️ Checking Family Link settings

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5. Blocking through Android settings (without third-party applications)

On devices with Android 9.0 Pie and newer there is a hidden function Restricted profilethat allows you to create a separate user profile with limited rights. This method is suitable for tablets or smartphones that are used by several people (for example, in a family or at work).

How to set up a limited profile:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Multiple users (the path may differ on some devices: Settings → Users and accounts → Users).
  2. Click Add user → Restricted profile.
  3. Set profile name (for example, “Child” or “Work”) and click OK.
  4. In the profile settings, disable access to Google Play Market and the file manager.
  5. Return to the main profile and block switching between users with a password (in Settings → Security → Blocking users).

In a limited profile, the user will not be able to install new applications, change system settings, or access files of other profiles. This method is reliable, but requires manual switching between profiles, which is not always convenient.

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The limited profile is the only one a built-in way to completely block the installation of any applications (including APK) without using third-party software. However, it is not suitable for devices with a single user.

6. Advanced methods for devices with root access

If received on the device, you can use system tools for deep blocking root access, you can use system tools for deep locking. For example, using the application AppOps or commands ADB you can disable permissions for the package installer (Package InstallerThis method is suitable for advanced users and administrators of corporate devices.

Instructions via ADB:

  1. Connect the device to the PC and activate USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
  2. Run the command to block package installation: 
    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.packageinstaller
  3. To unlock, use: 
    adb shell pm enable com.android.packageinstaller

For permanent blocking, you can delete Package Installer via Titanium Backup or edit the file /system/app/PackageInstaller/PackageInstaller.apk (knowledge of working with root). Attention: these actions may violate operation of the system, so it is recommended to first create a backup copy.

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On devices with Magisk you can use the module App Systemizerto convert Package Installer to a custom application and then delete it without consequences for systems.

7. Corporate solutions (Android Enterprise)

For work devices managed through Android Enterprise (previously Android for Work), administrators can set up policies that completely block the installation of games. This is relevant for companies that issue business smartphones to employees. Management is carried out through. console Google Admin or MDM solution like Microsoft Intune, VMware Workspace ONE.

Basic steps:

  1. In the console Google Admin go to Devices → Android Management → Application Policies.
  2. Create a new policy and select Prohibit installation of applications from unknown sources.
  3. In the section Google Play check Block installation of games and specify the allowed categories (for example, only Business or Productivity).
  4. Apply the policy to the desired group of devices or users.

Enterprise solutions also allow you to:

  • 🔒 Block access to Google Play completely;
  • 📱 Delete installed games remotely;
  • 🔄 Disable the ability to reset settings;
  • 📡 Limit mobile traffic for gaming applications.
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Android Enterprise is the only way to guarantee blocking of games on work devices without the possibility of bypass. Policies are applied at the system level and do not depend on user actions.

8. Alternative methods: DNS blocking and firewalls

For advanced users, there are network blocking methods. level. For example, you can redirect domains associated with downloading games to non-existent IP addresses via DNS filtering. This works for both Google Playand third-party sources.

Implementation methods:

  • 🌐 Use OpenDNS FamilyShield (IP: 208.67.222.123 i 208.67.220.123) or CleanBrowsing in the Wi-Fi router settings;
  • 📱 Install on device DNS client like 1.1.1.1 for Families (from Cloudflare);
  • 🔥 Use firewall (for example, AFWall+ for root-devices) to block traffic Google Play and browsers.

Disadvantage of the method: the user can bypass the blocking by switching to the mobile data or changing the DNS settings manually. Therefore, it is advisable to combine DNS filtering with other methods, for example, with parental. control.

How to check if DNS blocking is working?

Open a command line on your PC and run nslookup play.google.com. If the response shows the IP address of your DNS provider (for example 208.67.222.123 for OpenDNS), blocking is active.

⚠️ Attention: Setting up DNS at the router level will block access to games on all devices online, including your personal ones. If you need to restrict only one smartphone, use local DNS settings on the device itself.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to block the installation of games without a password?

No, all methods require setting a PIN code or password to protect the settings. Without this, the user can easily disable restrictions. The exception is corporate devices with Android Enterprisewhere policies are applied. administrator.

A child bypasses the blocking via VPN. What to do?

If a child uses VPN to bypass DNS filtering, block the installation of VPN applications via Google Family Link or disable permission VPN for all applications in the settings Android (Settings → Applications → Permissions → VPN).You can also manually add VPN service domains to the router's blacklist.

Will the blocking work after a reset? settings?

No, resetting to factory settings removes all restrictions, including parental controls and settings. To prevent the reset, set up a lock via Family Link. To prevent a reset, set up a lock via Android Enterprise (for working devices) or use applications like Kaspersky Safe Kidsthat require a password for uninstallation.

How to block games on Huawei without Google?

On devices Huawei without services Google use a proprietary application Huawei Parental Controls (available in AppGallery). It allows you to block installation via AppGallery and restrict access to Huawei Mobile Services. To block APK disable Unknown sources in Settings → Security.

Is it possible to block only certain games?

Yes, Google Family Link i Kaspersky Safe Kids there is a blacklist function Add specific games to it (for example, PUBG or Free Fire, and they will be blocked even if their rating meets age restrictions. You can prohibit installation by package name (for example, Android Enterprise you can prevent installation by package name (for example, com.tencent.ig for PUBG Mobile).