Ever wondered if you can block Snapchat on your iPhone? While this app lets you have better connections, some netizens raised concerns about inappropriate content being shared on the app. Also, just like other social apps, Snapchat can be addictive if you use it too much. So, wondering whether or not you should block it isn’t that odd.
Let’s explore why you should block Snapchat on your iPhone, how to do it, and other tidbits surrounding this app.
Why Should You Block Snapchat on iPhone?
These are the reasons why you should block Snapchat on your iPhone:
- You’re Using It Too Much.
If you’re always using Snapchat to the point that you no longer have time for other things, then it’s a good idea to block it. Overusing any digital app can affect your mental health. Blocking Snapchat on your iPhone will help improve your well-being. - Your Child Is Using the iPhone.
Snapchat can sometimes contain content that’s not suitable for kids. It’s a good idea to block the app on their iPhones to keep them away from that content. This keeps things safer and simpler.
As a parent or a guardian, it’s perfectly normal to worry about what your child is exposed to. Blocking any app that might negatively affect them is a good move.
How to Block Snapchat on iPhone
Although Snapchat has a parental control guide, parents are still scared that their children will encounter age-inappropriate content. This is totally understandable since the digital world is full of predators that might harm your child. So, to be safe, parents should take extra precautions and block potentially unsafe apps.
These are the methods to block Snapchat on iPhone:
Method 1. Use iPhone’s “App Limits” Feature
Here are the steps to use iPhone’s “App Limits” feature to block Snapchat on your child’s iPhone:
- Step 1. On your iPhone, go to “Settings” then tap “Screen Time > App Limits”.
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Step 2. Select “Add Limit > Social > Snapchat”.
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Step 3. Tap “Next” & assign a usage limit on your Snapchat app on your iPhone.
As for the usage limit, you can put 1 minute to block Snapchat on your iPhone.
Here’s Apple Support’s guide on setting limits for app use.
Method 2. Use the “Content & Privacy Restrictions” Feature
Here are the steps to use the “Content & Privacy Restrictions” feature to block Snapchat from being downloaded on iPhone:
- Step 1. Go to “Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions”.
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Step 2. Toggle “Content & Privacy Restrictions” on.
- Step 3. Go to “Content Restrictions > Apps”.
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Step 4. Select the age you prefer to restrict apps.
By following these steps, your child can only use age-appropriate apps. They won’t be able to use Snapchat at all.
You can also use all the parental controls on the iPhone. Check Apple Support.
Method 3. Use the “Remove App” Feature
Apple also has this feature where the app can stay on your phone, but you won’t be able to find it unless you manually search for it. This would be useful for parents who still want to use Snapchat but don’t want to let their children use it. It’s ideal for a parent and child sharing one iPhone.
These are the steps to use the “Remove App” feature to block Snapchat on iPhone:
- Step 1. On your iPhone, tap & hold the Snapchat icon.
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Step 2. Select the “Remove App” option from the available choices.
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Step 3. Tap “Remove from the Home Screen”.
Further details on the “Remove App” feature are here in Apple Support.
Note: This method doesn’t remove Snapchat from your iPhone; it only hides it.
Can You Lock Snapchat on iPhone?
Yes, you can lock Snapchat on your iPhone using the Shortcuts app. The app sets your phone to go to the lock screen when the app is opened. It’s designed to work with popular apps on your iPhone. Check out the Shortcuts user guide on Apple Support to learn more about it.
These are the steps to lock Snapchat on iPhone:
Step 1: Open or Download the Shortcuts App if You Don’t Have It
Step 2: Tap “Shortcuts” Then Click on “+ > Add Action”
The “Shortcuts” tab is in the lower left section of the screen, while the “+” icon is in the upper right corner.
Step 3: Search and Select “Lock Screen” > Tap “Done”
Step 4: Go to the “Automation > +” & Search “App”
Step 5: Click on “Choose”, Type in & Select “Snapchat”, & Press “Done”
Step 6: Make Sure “Is Opened” Is On, Then Tap “Run Immediately > Next”
Step 7: Choose What Happens When Snapchat Is Opened
To do this, click on “My Shortcuts > Lock Screen”.
Once you have completed the previous steps, opening Snapchat on your iPhone will take you to the lock screen. This is an effective method to block Snapchat on your child’s iPhone. Although it technically doesn’t block the app, it prohibits your child from using it.
Does your child use a Chromebook for school purposes? They can get Snapchat on a Chromebook despite it’s restrictions, so make sure you check that, too!
Why Can’t You Block Snapchat on Screen Time?
Here is why you can’t block Snapchat on “Screen Time”:
- App & Website Activity Isn’t On.
If this is off, you won’t be able to block Snapchat on “Screen Time”. Turn it on by navigating to “Settings” and searching for “App Limits”. - You Need to Troubleshoot “Screen Time” Settings.
To do this, select “Always Allowed”, approve all the apps you want to block and close them. Next, open “Screen Time” and remove the apps from the “Always Allowed” list and then close “Settings”. - Your Child Keeps Finding Ways to Fix It.
Many children are now familiar with using tech gadgets. They may have searched for ways to use Snapchat on their iPhones.
If this is the case, you will have no choice but to physically monitor your child when using apps that might have inappropriate content.
According to a community post in Verizon, blocking Snapchat on an iPhone doesn’t work on them as their children find ways around it. Since children are smart about gadgets, it’s the parents’ responsibility to be smarter about them.
What App Can Hide Apps on iPhone?
The Cloak app can hide apps on an iPhone. With this app, you no longer need to jailbreak or change anything on your iPhone. You can find Cloak on the App Store. The free version lets you hide apps seamlessly.
Another app you can use is the App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps. Both apps offer in-app purchases.
How Old Should Your Child Be to Use Snapchat on iPhone?
Your child should be 13 years old to use Snapchat on an iPhone. Some Snapchat features, like payments or attaching your name to a global Spotlight video, require a minimum user age of 18. However, Snapchat has no age verification process, so anyone can lie about their age, including your child.
If you must allow your child to use Snapchat on an iPhone, such as to contact a loved one, it is important to be extra cautious. Try blocking strangers on your child’s Snapchat or hiding the location by turning on “Ghost Mode”.
Did you accidentally delete your Snapchat messages? Good news! There’s a way to recover deleted Snapchat messages on an iPhone.
Block Snapchat on iPhone If Needed
Blocking Snapchat on iPhone 11 or any other model is recommended if you want to keep your children safe or enhance your mental health. Without constant notifications and distractions from Snapchat, you can feel more relaxed and focused on what’s important in your life.
Although Snapchat has safety measures in place, there is still a risk that children may come across inappropriate content, such as scary images or videos. Children need to exercise caution when communicating with strangers on Snapchat, just as they would in real life.
It is important to be aware that some people may pretend to be someone else on Snapchat, which can be dangerous.
