How to block snapchat on android ?

Snapchat is one of the most popular social media apps, particularly among younger users. However, there may be situations where you need to block or restrict access to Snapchat on your Android device, whether it’s for parental control, workplace policies, or simply to reduce distractions. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to block Snapchat on Android, with several methods tailored to different needs.

Why Block Snapchat?

Blocking Snapchat can be useful in a variety of circumstances, including:

• Parental Control: Parents may want to restrict access to certain apps for their children to prevent excessive screen time or inappropriate content.
• Workplace Restrictions: Employers may wish to block social media apps like Snapchat during working hours to ensure employee focus and productivity.
• Focus and Productivity: Individuals may block Snapchat on their personal devices to avoid distractions and improve productivity.

Methods to Block Snapchat on Android

There are multiple ways to block Snapchat on Android, depending on the level of control you need and whether you want to block the app temporarily or permanently. Below are the most effective methods.

1. Use Built-In Android Features (App Permissions)

Android devices come with built-in features that allow you to restrict app usage, especially useful for blocking specific apps like Snapchat.

Using Screen Time (Digital Wellbeing)

1. Open Settings: Go to Settings on your Android device.
2. Select Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls: Scroll down and find Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
3. Tap on Dashboard: Under Dashboard, you’ll see a list of apps installed on your device.
4. Find Snapchat: Look for Snapchat in the list of apps.
5. Set App Timer: You can set a daily time limit for Snapchat. Once the limit is reached, the app will be temporarily blocked until the next day.
6. Disable Notifications: You can also turn off Snapchat notifications to prevent distractions without fully blocking the app.

Using Parental Controls (Google Play Store)

1. Open Google Play Store: Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Go to Menu: Tap the three lines at the top left and select Settings.
3. Select Parental Controls: Under Parental Controls, enable restrictions by setting a PIN.
4. Block Snapchat: From here, you can restrict app downloads and access based on age ratings, preventing Snapchat from being installed.

2. Using Third-Party Apps for Blocking Snapchat

If you want more robust control over app access, you can use third-party apps designed to block or limit access to certain apps.

1. BlockSite

BlockSite is an effective third-party app that allows you to block specific websites and apps like Snapchat.

1. Install BlockSite: Go to the Google Play Store and download BlockSite.
2. Set Permissions: After installing, open the app and grant the necessary permissions to enable blocking features.
3. Add Snapchat to Block List: Tap on the Add Website/App button, search for Snapchat, and add it to the block list.
4. Set Schedule (Optional): You can schedule times when Snapchat will be blocked or unblock the app during specific hours.
5. Enable Block: Once you’ve set the parameters, BlockSite will restrict access to Snapchat according to your settings.

2. AppBlock

AppBlock is another popular app that allows you to block specific apps for a set period.

1. Install AppBlock: Download AppBlock from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the App: Once installed, open AppBlock and grant necessary permissions.
3. Block Snapchat: Go to the Blocked Apps section, search for Snapchat, and add it to the list.
4. Set Time Limit (Optional): You can schedule when you want Snapchat to be blocked (e.g., during work hours or after bedtime).

3. Use a Firewall App (Advanced Method)

For more advanced users, you can use firewall apps that block internet access for specific apps, preventing Snapchat from connecting to the internet.

Using NetGuard

1. Install NetGuard: Download NetGuard from the Google Play Store.
2. Enable VPN: Upon opening the app, you’ll be prompted to enable a local VPN to use the firewall.
3. Block Snapchat’s Internet Access: Find Snapchat in the list of apps and toggle the switch to block internet access. This will prevent Snapchat from functioning properly, as it requires an internet connection to load content.

Note: This method only works to block internet access for the app, so Snapchat may still be usable on Wi-Fi, but without the ability to send or receive messages or media.

4. Uninstall or Disable Snapchat

If you want to permanently block Snapchat on your device, you can simply uninstall or disable it. Disabling the app is particularly useful if you don’t want to uninstall it but want to prevent it from running.

Uninstalling Snapchat

1. Open Settings: Go to Settings.
2. Select Apps: Tap on Apps or App Management.
3. Find Snapchat: Scroll down and find Snapchat in the list of apps.
4. Tap Uninstall: Tap Uninstall to remove the app from your device.

Disabling Snapchat (for Pre-installed Apps)

If Snapchat came pre-installed on your device (as a system app), you can disable it instead of uninstalling:

1. Open Settings: Go to Settings.
2. Select Apps: Tap Apps or App Management.
3. Find Snapchat: Scroll down and locate Snapchat.
4. Tap Disable: Instead of uninstalling, tap Disable. This will prevent the app from running on your device without fully removing it.

5. Use Google Family Link (Parental Control)

For parents looking to control Snapchat usage for their children, Google Family Link is a useful tool to set restrictions on the app.

1. Install Family Link: Download Google Family Link from the Google Play Store.
2. Set Up Family Link: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Family Link on both your device and your child’s device.
3. Manage App Permissions: From the Family Link app, you can manage which apps your child can install and access, including blocking Snapchat.

6. Use a VPN to Block Snapchat (Advanced Method)

You can use a VPN service that blocks specific websites or apps, including Snapchat. This is an advanced method but can be effective in certain situations.

1. Install a VPN App: Choose a reliable VPN app such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN from the Google Play Store.
2. Configure VPN Settings: Set up the VPN to block specific apps or websites, including Snapchat.
3. Activate the VPN: Once activated, the VPN will block access to Snapchat by either restricting internet traffic or preventing the app from connecting to its servers.

Conclusion

Blocking Snapchat on an Android device can be done in various ways depending on your needs. Whether you want to limit access temporarily or completely restrict it, Android offers a range of built-in tools, third-party apps, and advanced methods to block or disable Snapchat. Whether you’re a parent looking to manage screen time, an employer looking to reduce distractions, or an individual seeking to boost productivity, these methods will help you control or block Snapchat effectively.