Can I remove the App Store from my kid's device? Should I?

In most device modes, parents have the option of removing the App Store from their kid's device.

How do I remove (or un-remove) the App Store from my kid's device?

  1. If you're using Apple Screen Time, make sure to transfer control to Screenable so they don't conflict.
  2. Open the Screenable parent app and go to your kid's device settings.
  3. Scroll down to Remove the App Store. Tap it and make your selection.

What happens when I remove the App Store?

  • The App Store will disappear from the device.
  • No more apps will be able to be downloaded or installed, whether through the App Store or otherwise.
    • If your family already uses Ask to Buy (which we recommend), this means your kids will not even be able to request new apps from you.
  • Offloaded apps (i.e. those that were previously downloaded but Apple removed due to phone storage constraints) will still be able to be downloaded.
  • All existing apps will remain on the device.
    • However, if an app is deleted, it will not be able to be reinstalled while the App Store remains removed.

Should I remove the App Store?

This is typically a good idea for Dumb Phones and other times you don't want your kid being distracted by an App Store full of interesting and exciting apps. Even if you have Ask to Buy set up, so that kids can't download apps without permission, it still could be distracting to have the App Store on the device at all.

It's also possible that simply browsing apps could expose your kid to questionable content, and though the App Store is usually pretty good about blocking pornography and explicit content, and their guidelines say that all App Store listings must be suitable even for young kids, it's also a store for all ages so there is definitely content that won't be suitable for younger kids.

It's not working right – how can I troubleshoot?

Sometimes removing or reinstating the App Store can be finicky. Unfortunately this is out of our control as it's in Apple's domain. However, in our experience usually the culprit is conflicting settings between Screenable and Apple Screen Time. Please make sure you've followed our guide on transferring control from Apple Screen Time to Screenable, and specifically that you've turned off Apple's Content & Privacy Restrictions. If you need more help, please contact us.