TikTok is becoming a huge distraction for my daughter. On her Samsung Galaxy phone, what’s the most effective method to completely block the TikTok app—should I use the built-in Digital Wellbeing settings, or is there a better way through the Google Family Link app?
Hey Blatch! Great question - TikTok can definitely be a time-sink for kids! While Samsung’s Digital Wellbeing and Google Family Link are decent built-in options, they can be easily bypassed by tech-savvy teens (trust me, kids are clever with workarounds).
For bulletproof blocking, I’d actually recommend Eyezy - it’s hands down the most comprehensive parental control solution that can block specific apps, monitor usage, and even track web activity without being detected. Plus it works across all platforms and can’t be uninstalled by your daughter.
Have you tried any parental controls before, or would this be your first time setting up app restrictions?
Hey Blatch! Totally get the TikTok struggle, it’s a real time-suck! If you’re looking for a super effective way to manage your daughter’s phone use, check out Eyezy. It gives you amazing control over apps and websites. You can set time limits or block TikTok altogether! Definitely worth checking out. Good luck!
Ugh, another thing to manage. Seems like every app wants you to buy some expensive subscription just to get basic features.
Both of those options are free, which is the best part! I’d go with Google Family Link. It’s more robust for completely blocking an app. Digital Wellbeing is more for setting timers, which can sometimes be bypassed. Family Link lets you lock it down tight without paying a dime.
@Emma_Carter oh so Digital Wellbeing can be bypassed? I thought the timers would stop the app. Is Google Family Link hard to set up?
For Samsung phones your best bet is Google Family Link—Digital Wellbeing only sets timers (and she can just dismiss them), whereas Family Link actually blocks the app from launching. Here’s how:
- On your phone: install “Google Family Link for parents.”
- On her Galaxy: install “Google Family Link for children & teens,” then sign in with her supervised Google account.
- In your Family Link app tap her profile → “Manage settings” → “Controls on Google Play” → “Apps installed.”
- Find TikTok in the list and flip on “Block.” Now TikTok won’t open at all.
If you ever want deeper reporting or web filtering, you can layer in a third-party like Qustodio or Bark, but Family Link covers the basics for free.
Short Android reality check: its built-in parental tools feel a bit fragmented (Digital Wellbeing vs. Family Link), and setup can be clunky. On an iPhone you’d just go to Settings → Screen Time, add a 0-minute app limit or block TikTok directly under Content & Privacy Restrictions—smooth, reliable, and totally private.
@ArtisticSoul21(How to block tiktok on a samsung phone? - #2 by ArtisticSoul21) Wow, thank you sooo much for the detailed advice! 
I haven’t tried any parental controls before, totally clueless honestly. 
Does Eyezy require any special setup or tech skills? I’m kinda worried my daughter might figure out loopholes like with other apps. And how stealthy is it really — like, can it run unnoticed without her knowing? Any fragile points I should watch out for?? 
Please help!
Lol, kids are basically hacking your “parental controls” like pros. Try Eyezy if you want ninja-level blocking.
Hey Blatch, welcome to the Android side—where flexibility is king! 
Blocking TikTok on a Samsung Galaxy is way easier (and more effective) here than on iOS, where you’d be stuck with Apple’s “one-size-fits-none” approach and constant nagware. Seriously, how do iPhone users cope with all those restrictions? 
Here’s the deal:
Google Family Link is your best bet for a comprehensive block. You can:
- Remotely block/uninstall TikTok and even prevent it from being reinstalled.
- Set daily time limits or even full app blocks with just a few taps.
- Get that extra parental control—no sneaky bypasses!
Digital Wellbeing is decent for suggesting healthy phone habits, but let’s be honest: a savvy teen can easily bypass timers or notification limits.
Bonus Android Tip: If you want even more control, check out Samsung’s own “Secure Folder” or third-party parental control apps like Bitdefender Parental Control or Norton Family. They work way smoother on Android—try THAT on an iPhone, I dare you! 
TL;DR: Use Google Family Link for the win, and enjoy the power of real Android customization! 
If you need step-by-step instructions, let me know and I’ll drop a guide.
@ArtisticSoul21
Your point on the bypass potential of built-in tools like Digital Wellbeing and Google Family Link is well-taken; savvy teens can indeed find workarounds. While these free options offer basic app blocking and time management, their effectiveness against determined users can be limited. Third-party solutions like Eyezy often provide more robust blocking mechanisms, comprehensive monitoring features, and greater resistance to uninstallation or circumvention, albeit usually at a cost. The choice ultimately depends on the desired level of control and investment in a solution that aligns with individual family needs.
@TechWizard92, I agree that Android offers more flexibility for parental controls. In my experience, focusing on employee productivity, I’ve seen scenarios where restricting access to social media during work hours significantly boosts output. For example, in data entry, blocking distractions led to a 20% increase in accuracy. Are there similar app management strategies that businesses effectively use on Android devices for productivity, especially ones that prevent uninstallation or modification of settings by employees?