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    Block App Downloads on Android for Dementia Care

    A step-by-step guide for caregivers to prevent unwanted app installs and purchases on an Android phone without needing a PIN every time.

    3 min read · 4 steps · Checked March 2026

    1. Step 1. Require authentication for all Play Store purchases

      On the person's Android phone, open the Google Play Store app. Tap the profile icon in the top-right corner → SettingsAuthenticationRequire authentication for purchases → select "For all purchases." From now on, any purchase or app download requires the Google account password to be entered first.

      Quick Tip

      This does not block free app downloads. To also block those, continue to the next steps.

    2. Step 2. Set up Google Family Link for full caregiver control

      Google Family Link (available at families.google.com/familylink) lets a caregiver approve or block every app download, even on an adult's account. The caregiver downloads the Family Link for Parents app on their own phone, and the supervised person uses the Family Link for Children & Teens app. Once linked, the caregiver receives a notification every time an app install is requested and can approve or deny it.

      Quick Tip

      Family Link is free and does not require the supervised person to be a child. It can be set up for any Google account that the caregiver manages.

    3. Step 3. Use App Pinning to keep the phone on a single app

      If the person with dementia should only use one or two specific apps (such as a phone or video calling app), Android's App Pinning feature locks the screen to that single app. Go to SettingsSecurityApp Pinning and turn it on. Open the app you want to pin, then tap the Recent Apps button and tap the app icon at the top of the cardPin. A PIN is required to unpin.

    4. Step 4. Disable the Google Play Store entirely if needed

      As a last resort, you can disable the Play Store so no new apps can be installed at all. Go to SettingsAppsSee all appsGoogle Play StoreDisable. This prevents any app downloads. To re-enable it later, follow the same path and tap Enable.

      Warning

      Disabling the Play Store also stops app updates from being installed. Re-enable it periodically to allow security updates, then disable it again.

    There are a few ways to stop app downloads on an Android phone for someone with dementia. Each one goes a little further than the last.

    Start with the Play Store itself. Open it, tap the profile icon, then SettingsAuthenticationRequire authentication for purchases. Set it to "For all purchases."

    To go further, turn on Family Link. It works for adults too, and it gives you full control over which apps get approved.

    You can also set limits under SettingsDigital WellbeingApp Timers, or use a third-party app lock.

    The strongest option is to turn the Play Store off completely: SettingsAppsGoogle Play StoreDisable. Be aware this one is harder to undo.

    Official sources

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