How to Block TikTok on iPhone
By John, ScreenBuddy Founder
You can block TikTok on iPhone using Screen Time's App Limits (set TikTok to 1 minute), by deleting the app and blocking reinstalls through Content & Privacy Restrictions, or by using a third-party app blocker for stricter control. Screen Time is the fastest option but has an easy bypass. Here's how each method works.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: How to Block TikTok on iPhone
Screen Time App Limits (fastest): Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits > Add Limit > Select TikTok > Set to 1 minute
Block reinstalls: Delete TikTok, then go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Set "Installing Apps" to Don't Allow
Block TikTok website too: Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions > Web Content > Limit Adult Websites > Add tiktok.com under "Never Allow"
Third-party blockers: Apps like Opal, Freedom, and ScreenBuddy offer stricter controls that are harder to bypass
Method 1: Block TikTok with Screen Time App Limits
The quickest way to block TikTok is setting a 1-minute daily limit through Screen Time. After one minute of use, the app grays out for the rest of the day.
Go to Settings > Screen Time
Tap App Limits, then Add Limit
Tap the Social category, then select TikTok specifically
Set the time to 1 minute (the minimum allowed)
Toggle on Block at End of Limit
Tap Add
After your minute is up, TikTok shows a "Time Limit" screen. You can also select TikTok directly by scrolling down and using the search bar instead of going through the Social category.
Best for: Quick setup when you want to limit TikTok without completely removing it.
Limitation: The "Ignore Limit" button lets you bypass the block with one tap. A Screen Time passcode helps, but if you set it yourself, you already know it.
Method 2: Delete TikTok and Block Reinstalls
If a 1-minute limit isn't enough, delete TikTok entirely and prevent yourself from reinstalling it.
Press and hold the TikTok app icon, then tap Remove App > Delete App
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
Toggle on Content & Privacy Restrictions
Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases
Set Installing Apps to Don't Allow
The App Store icon disappears from your Home Screen. You can't download TikTok (or any app) until you reverse this setting.
Don't forget the browser: You can still access TikTok through Safari at tiktok.com. To close this loophole:
Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions > Web Content
Select Limit Adult Websites
Under Never Allow, tap Add Website
Enter tiktok.com
Best for: People who've deleted TikTok before and reinstalled it within a week.
Limitation: If you know the Screen Time passcode, you can undo everything in 30 seconds. For a stronger block, have someone else set the passcode.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party App Blocker
If Screen Time's bypass button defeats you every time, third-party blockers offer stricter options.
Hard blockers like Opal and Freedom let you schedule sessions where TikTok is completely inaccessible. Their Strict Modes prevent you from ending a session early, even if you want to.
Friction-based blockers like ScreenBuddy and One Sec take a different approach. Instead of locking TikTok completely, they add a pause before you can open it. ScreenBuddy shows a 25-second countdown every time you tap TikTok, giving you a moment to ask whether you actually want to scroll. This works better for many people because you're less likely to rage-quit and delete the blocker.
Best for: People who've tried Screen Time limits and keep bypassing them.
Which Method Should You Choose?
If you want a quick limit: Use Screen Time App Limits with a 1-minute cap. It's free and takes two minutes to set up.
If you keep reinstalling TikTok: Delete the app and block the App Store. Add tiktok.com to your blocked websites so you can't access it through Safari.
If you keep bypassing your own limits: Try a third-party blocker with Strict Mode, or use a friction-based app that makes you pause before opening TikTok.
Bottom Line
Screen Time works for casual TikTok limits, but if you keep hitting "Ignore Limit," you'll need something stricter. Deleting the app and blocking reinstalls is free and effective. If willpower still fails, a friction-based blocker can break the automatic habit without making your phone feel like a prison.
For more options beyond TikTok, see our complete guide to blocking apps on iPhone.
