How to Block or Unblock Apps with Microsoft Family Safety

Microsoft Family Safety lets you block or unblock specific apps on a child’s Windows PC, Xbox, or Android device.

Microsoft Family Safety is a free service that helps you manage your family’s digital activity. You can use it to set limits on apps and games, ensuring children only access content that is appropriate or doesn’t take up too much screen time.

As the Family Organizer, you can stop children from using apps based on their age ratings, like preventing them from playing games rated E10+. This tool helps create a safer online environment for your kids.

Sign In to Your Account

To block apps with Microsoft Family Safety, you first need to sign in to your organizer account. Go to account.microsoft.com/family to log in. Make sure you use the correct Microsoft account, the one set up as the family organizer, to manage these settings properly.

Select the Family Member

The Microsoft Family Safety page displays all family members after login. Clicking a child’s picture or name opens their specific settings page within Family Safety, where you can manage their apps.

Choose the Platform

After signing in, you must select the device type where you want to block apps, such as Windows or a mobile phone. Remember, blocking an app on one device, like a Windows PC, won’t automatically block it on another, like an Xbox or phone, even if they use the same Family Safety account. You need to set up blocking separately for each device.

Blocking an app on Windows doesn’t automatically block it on a child’s linked Xbox or phone, even if they share the same Microsoft Family Safety account. You’ll need to configure blocking settings separately for each device.

Navigate to Apps and Games

Microsoft Family Safety settings show a list of apps installed or used by a child. Users find this list by looking for an "Apps and games" section. This section displays installed applications on the child's device.

Block an App

Blocking an app with Microsoft Family Safety restricts access. Locate the desired app on the platform list you chose, then click the 'Block' button next to it. After you block an app, your child cannot open or use that app on that specific device, and the screen will update to show the app is now blocked.

Once blocked, the app cannot be used. Your child will not be able to open it on that device. You’ll see the screen update to confirm the app is now blocked.

Unblock an App

To unblock an app with Microsoft Family Safety, go back to the app list for your child and the specific platform, then click “Unblock” next to the app.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/family-safety/block-or-unblock-apps-with-microsoft-family-safety

Summary

Blocking apps with Microsoft Family Safety gives you control over what your child can access on their devices. When an app is blocked, the child cannot open or use that app on a particular device. Unblocking an app reverses the app’s blocked status, making the app available for your child to use again.

Blocking an app stops a child from opening or using it on a selected device. Unblocking an app makes it available again.