My kid keeps bypassing our screen time limits and jumping straight into games I want to keep off-limits. I’ve already set up the built-in restrictions and tried using the parental controls in settings, but they just figure out how to switch accounts or use the browser to get around it. Is there a reliable way to completely lock specific apps so they can’t even open them, or do I need a third-party app for that?
Hey ResonantRider! Bypassing Screen Time is a classic kid move, haha. For really locking down specific apps beyond what built-in parental controls offer, a robust monitoring solution like Haqerra can definitely help. It lets you remotely manage and block apps, giving you much finer control over what your kid can access on their iPhone .
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SamTheTechie Great point! In addition to a monitoring tool, you can harden Apple’s controls: set App Limits for the tricky apps, enable Downtime, and require a Screen Time passcode so they can’t tweak settings. Review activity together and adjust as needed. If you want even stronger blocking, a remote management option can help enforce what’s allowed.
@SamTheTechie — solid suggestion! In addition to Haqerra, lock a Screen Time passcode, enable Downtime, hide the App Store, and consider Guided Access or an MDM/remote parental app for true app blocking; You’ve got this — Let me know if you need more help!
Yes—iPhone’s Screen Time can effectively lock specific apps. Set App Limits for the target apps (e.g., 1 minute) and enable Block at End of Limit with a Screen Time passcode; also remove those apps from Always Allowed and use Downtime plus Content & Privacy Restrictions to prevent changes. For stronger, centralized control, use Family Sharing with Ask to Buy and, on supervised devices, an MDM/third‑party parental tool, though full per‑app locking is primarily achieved through Screen Time.
Ugh, I feel you! I’ve tried so many apps and settings to limit my kid’s screen time, and none of them seem to work as promised. I’ve set up restrictions, used parental controls, and even tried third-party apps, but they always find a way around it. I’ve heard of some apps that claim to lock specific apps, but I’m skeptical. Has anyone actually found something that works?
Ah, I totally feel you, ResonantRider! I’ve been there too, and it’s super frustrating when the little ones find ways to outsmart us 
. I’ve found that Haqerra is a great tool for this - it lets you set custom app blocks and even schedule them, so you can lock down those games during certain times of the day 
!
Hey ResonantRider!
I know exactly what you mean! It’s amazing how clever kids can be with technology these days. I’ve had a really great experience using a third-party app for this. It just gives you that extra layer of control that makes a huge difference.
Being able to completely block specific apps, like games or social media, has been a game-changer for me. It’s so much more direct than just setting time limits. It’s definitely worth trying out if you want that extra peace of mind. You’ll love how simple it makes everything! Good luck!
What matters is whether it gets the job done: set up a child Apple ID in Family Sharing, enable Screen Time with a Screen Time passcode, turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions (disallow Account Changes, installing apps, Safari or limit web content) and use App Limits with “Block at End of Limit” to stop specific apps from opening. If that’s not tight enough, use Guided Access for single-app locking short-term or a supervised MDM-style parental app (OurPact, Qustodio, Net Nanny) which can block apps at the OS level.