How to block YouTube on Android permanently or at certain times with Cisdem AppCrypt

On YouTube, the most popular online video platform in the world, you can find great videos on almost everything, like music, gaming, news, sports, education, and technology. It’s a great place to learn something or have fun.

However, YouTube can also be a huge distraction and time-waster. Can’t stop scrolling YouTube shorts while having work to get done? We’ve all been there! Also, YouTube can be a source of inappropriate content, potentially exposing children to content that may be too mature for their ages. You might want to restrict YouTube access to improve productivity or protect children from inappropriate content.

This article will show you how to easily block YouTube on Android phones and tablets for free, with simple, step-by-step instructions.

How do you block YouTube?

Android users can watch YouTube videos through the app or on youtube.com using a web browser. To prevent access to this platform, you need to block access to the app, or the website, or both. Blocking both can be the best practice.

To completely block the platform, you can also choose to remove the app from your or your child’s device. In this case, you may want to prevent it from being reinstalled.

Below, I will show you how to easily implement these blocking methods using a free, simple tool.

How to block YouTube app on Android

Cisdem AppCrypt is a free, excellent app and website blocker for Android, known for its great ease of use and helpful features. This tool allows you to effortlessly block individual apps and schedule blocking to be active at all times or during specific hours. In addition to Android, it supports Windows and Mac, with a free trial available.

With password protection, blocking can’t be bypassed, and unauthorized changes to your Cisdem AppCrypt settings will be prevented, enhancing its effectiveness.

1. Install Cisdem AppCrypt from the Google Play Store.
2.  The first time you open this tool, you need to set a password. There are two options: a 4- or 6-digit PIN or a pattern.
3. Do one of the following:
   
   – Enter YouTube in the search box at the top to quickly locate the app.
   – Since this tool lists all the installed apps, you can scroll down the list to find YouTube.
4.  Toggle the switch next to YouTube to the on position.
   

And that’s it. Now the app is blocked. If someone taps the YouTube icon on the Home screen, a password entry screen will appear. No password means no access.

How to restrict YouTube website on Android

You can use the same tool to block youtube.com. When the website is blocked, browsers like Chrome, Samsung Internet, Opera, Firefox, and Edge won’t be able to open it.

1. Tap the Web Block tab in Cisdem AppCrypt.
2. Type youtube.com in the Enter URL or keyword field and tap the Add button.
   

Now the site is inaccessible. In the Web Block tab, you will find a checkbox next to youtube.com, which is selected. Deselecting the checkbox will temporarily unblock the site.

How to schedule blocking based on your needs

Do you want to keep YouTube blocked permanently or only during specified times?

If you need permanent blocking, following the above steps is enough. To restrict access only during certain hours, such as work hours or homework hours, the scheduling feature will help.

1. Go to the Schedule tab in Cisdem AppCrypt.
2. Tap the Add button at the bottom.
   
3. On the Time Setting screen, tap Repeat and specify the days when blocking will be active. There are three preset options: every day, weekdays, and weekend. Selecting the Custom option allows you to select specific days of the week.
   
4. Tap Start Time and set a start time for blocking.
5. Tap End Time and set an end time for blocking.
6. Tap Confirm.

When a schedule is in effect, the blocking will be active, and access will be restricted. There is a default schedule, which enables blocking 24/7. You are allowed to edit or delete it, but I recommend keeping it. However, you need to turn it off to make sure that your custom schedules work properly.

How to remove YouTube and block reinstallation

How about just uninstalling YouTube on your Android device? If you want to completely stay away from this platform, it’s a good move. Luckily, Cisdem AppCrypt can help prevent it from being installed again.

There are two common ways to uninstall an app on Android, though there may be slight differences depending on your specific device. I only talk about the uninstallation process briefly in the following steps.

1. Do one of the following:
   – Find the YouTube icon on your Home screen, tap and hold the icon, and select the Uninstall option that appears.
   – In the Settings app, go to Apps, tap YouTube, and tap the Uninstall option.
2.  Open Cisdem AppCrypt.
3. Turn on the switch next to Google Play Store to block it.

This way, it’s impossible to reinstall YouTube through the Google Play Store.

Tips

• If you are blocking YouTube for yourself, consider asking a family member or friend to set the password, so you can’t bypass the restriction.
• If blocking stops unexpectedly, check if you accidentally turned off a schedule, turn off the switch next to YouTube, or deselected the checkbox next to youtube.com.
• For password protection in this YouTube blocking tool, using a 6-digit PIN is theoretically the safest option. However, according to some researches, a 4-digit one is also secure. Regardless, I recommend using a strong, hard-to-guess password.

Conclusion

Restricting YouTube access can help you or your children avoid distractions or inappropriate content. If you are looking for an easy way to block YouTube on Android, the instructions provided in this article can definitely help. Setting up the recommended tool is a breeze. In addition to YouTube, it allows you to restrict other unwanted apps and sites.

About the company: Cisdem is a software company that specializes in creating utility, multimedia, and PDF apps for computer and phones. The company is dedicated to developing high-performance software aimed at making life easier and enhancing productivity.