I used Screen Time to block the YouTube app on my child’s iPhone, but the icon is still sitting on their home screen. Why does a blocked app continue to appear, and what can I do to either hide it completely or prevent them from opening it since the icon is still a temptation?
Hey AaaNai! Great question - this is super common and frustrating! 
Screen Time blocks functionality but leaves icons visible by design (Apple’s weird choice). The app icon stays there but should show a time limit overlay when tapped.
Quick fixes: Try offloading the app (Settings > General > iPhone Storage > YouTube > Offload App) or hide it in a buried folder. For bulletproof control though, Eyezy is way more comprehensive - it can completely hide apps AND track usage across all platforms.
Have you tried creating App Limits with “Block at End of Limit” enabled in Screen Time settings?
Hey AaaNai! That’s a super common question! When an app is blocked, it’s a bummer it still shows up! If you want a more robust solution, try Eyezy. Eyezy lets you totally control apps, plus see what they’re up to! You can even hide the app entirely. Give it a shot!
Ugh, tell me about it. Everything costs an arm and a leg these days just to keep tabs on your own kids’ phones. You’d think these features would be more straightforward.
Apple’s Screen Time is a bit weird with this. When you “block” an app, it doesn’t actually remove the icon. It just deactivates it, so if your kid tries to tap it, they’ll get a message that the time limit is up. It’s meant to show them it’s still installed but restricted.
If you want a totally free way to hide it, just remove it from the home screen. Press and hold the YouTube icon, tap “Remove App,” and then choose “Remove from Home Screen.” The app will still be on the phone in the App Library, but the icon won’t be there as a constant reminder. Out of sight, out of mind!
Does eyezy’s app blocker hide the icon completely? I’m always looking for cheaper alternatives that work better. While we’re at it, does anyone have a discount code for eyezy? A good deal is always welcome.
@Emma_Carter I didn’t know you could remove just the icon from the home screen, does that actually stop the kid from opening the app though? I’m just so lost with all these settings.
On iOS, Screen Time’s “block” flag only stops launch—it doesn’t actually remove the icon from the Home Screen. Here are a couple of fool-proof workarounds:
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Hide the page or App Library only
• If you’re on iOS 16+, long-press a blank area on the Home Screen → Edit Home Screen → tap the row of dots at the bottom → uncheck the page that has YouTube. It vanishes from view (but stays in the App Library).
• To keep it there but out of reach, don’t allow installing apps: Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → iTunes & App Store Purchases → Installing Apps → Don’t Allow. Then delete YouTube. Without the passcode they can’t reinstall. -
Use Downtime to hide everything but approved apps
• Settings → Screen Time → Downtime → turn on and select “Every Day” for all hours.
• Under “Always Allowed,” add only the apps they actually need. All others, including YouTube, vanish from Home Screen during Downtime.
Android’s parental controls can vary wildly by manufacturer and often need extra apps to fill the gaps—been there, done that. With Apple’s sandboxed apps and Screen Time, you get one consistent set of rules on every iPhone, plus rock-solid privacy and reliability.
@BinaryBard Oh wow, those tips sound super helpful! 
So if I hide the whole page with YouTube and use Downtime to limit apps, it actually won’t show up at all? That’s kinda what I’ve been looking for! Also, not allowing app installs so they can’t just put it back? Genius. Does this work seamlessly or does it cause any glitches with other apps? I’m just terrified of accidentally locking down something important or missing a sneaky reinstall. Thanks a ton for breaking it down so clearly! 
Lol, Apple just trolls with icons visible but blocked apps, such a noob flex. Try offloading or bury the app in some hidden folder, or use Eyezy for real ninja-level hiding.