The App Store is a core component of iOS and iPadOS. It allows users to easily discover, download, and update apps on their devices. However, there may be reasons why someone would want to disable access to the App Store, such as restricting app downloads or modifications by children. Unfortunately, there is no direct way to completely disable or remove the App Store on iPhone or iPad without jailbreaking. However, there are some steps you can take to restrict access and reduce the App Store’s functionality.
Restricting Access Through Settings
The simplest way to restrict access to the App Store is through the Settings app. On your iOS device, open Settings > General > Restrictions. Here, you can enable Restrictions and set a passcode that will be required to change the settings. Within the Restrictions settings, there is an option to disable the App Store. When enabled, this prevents users from opening the App Store app, searching for new apps, or downloading and updating existing apps. However, updates will still be downloaded in the background if the Automatic Downloads option is enabled.
Pros
- Quick and easy to set up
- Does not require any additional software or jailbreaking
- Allows disabling App Store app and purchases
Cons
- Does not completely block access to the App Store
- Updates still download in background if enabled
- User can reset and remove restrictions if they know passcode
Using Restrictions to Disable In-App Purchases
In addition to disabling the App Store app, you can use Restrictions to block in-app purchases. This prevents users from purchasing digital goods from within apps downloaded from the App Store. To do this:
- Open Settings > General > Restrictions and enable Restrictions
- Set a passcode
- Under Allowed Content, disable In-App Purchases
This will prevent all new in-app purchases from being made. However, it will not block subscriptions and purchases that have already been made or approved. Disabling in-app purchases is a good option for parents who want to allow App Store access but prevent unwanted spending.
Pros
- Allows App Store use while blocking purchases
- No additional software or jailbreak required
- Can help limit spending by children
Cons
- Does not affect existing subscriptions or downloads
- Can be circumvented if user knows passcode
- Does not completely disable App Store functionality
Removing App Store App from Home Screen
If you don’t want easy access to the App Store app, you can remove its icon from your home screen. To do this:
- Find and long-press the App Store icon until icons begin to wiggle
- Tap the X icon on the App Store app to remove it
- Press the Home button to stop icons from wiggling
This will remove the App Store shortcut from your home screen. However, it can still be accessed through Search and the Settings app. You’ll need to enter your Apple ID password before downloading apps.
Pros
- Simple process to hide primary App Store icon
- App Store remains functional through Search
- Extra step needed for downloads and purchases
Cons
- Does not actually disable App Store
- Can re-add icon at any time
- Minimal impact on accessibility
Using Parental Controls for App Limitations
Parental controls, either through Family Sharing or third-party apps, can provide more robust restrictions for the App Store. With Family Sharing, the Organizer can approve/block app downloads for members under 18. Using iOS Screen Time settings, you can also limit access to certain apps and categories.
Here are the steps to manage App Store and app access with Parental Controls:
- Set up Family Sharing and enable Ask to Buy for members under 18
- Organizer must approve new app downloads and purchases
- On child’s device, go to Settings > Screen Time and block specific apps
- Restrict access to categories like Social Networking or Games
Third-party parental control apps offer even more customization for limiting App Store access. However, they often require a paid subscription.
Pros
- Allows granular control over app downloads/usage
- Can block access to categories like social media
- Works for families with younger children
Cons
- Requires setup of Family Sharing and Ask to Buy
- Parent/Organizer must still approve purchases
- Can be complex to configure fully
Using Mobile Device Management (MDM) Tools
Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems provide the most complete control over iOS devices. They are often used by schools and businesses to manage a fleet of company-owned devices. MDM tools can selectively disable access to apps, features like the camera, and implement complicated rules.
To disable the App Store with MDM, the administrator would:
- Install MDM software on a server or service
- Enroll target iOS devices into MDM management
- Create and deploy an App Store disabling policy
- Ensure devices receive policy and App Store is blocked
Popular MDM providers include Jamf, Microsoft Intune, VMware Workspace ONE, and Cisco Meraki. Most MDM systems require a paid subscription based on the number of devices being managed.
Pros
- Powerful app and settings management
- Can completely block App Store
- Tools scaled for business and education
Cons
- Requires MDM service subscription
- Complex setup for personal use
- Manages entire device, beyond just App Store
Jailbreaking Your iPhone or iPad
Jailbreaking removes many of the default restrictions on iOS, allowing you to access root-level settings and make system-wide changes. By jailbreaking your device, you can install packages or tweaks that can disable core functions like the App Store.
The basic process for jailbreaking and disabling App Store is:
- Choose a jailbreak tool compatible with your iOS version
- Perform jailbreak per guides and tool instructions
- Install App Store disabling tweak from Cydia store
- Respring device and confirm App Store no longer functions
Some common tweaks used for disabling App Store are aFlex, Applus, and Minimal Hosts Blocker. However, jailbreaking comes with major security and stability risks, so exercise caution.
Pros
- Allows completely blocking App Store
- Additional customization options
- More control over iOS system functions
Cons
- Complex process, especially for beginners
- Requires exploiting security vulnerabilities
- Voids device warranty and can brick device
- Causes instability and app crashes
Using DNS-Level Blocking
Another advanced technique for blocking access to the App Store involves filtering DNS queries. By blocking DNS requests to Apple domains, the device cannot retrieve App Store data or content.
The general approach would be:
- Set up a local DNS filtering service like Pi-Hole
- Configure your router to use the filtering DNS server
- Add Apple domains like gs.apple.com to blocklist
- Test that App Store cannot load on iOS devices
This will prevent App Store functionality for all devices on your network. But it can also block other Apple services accidentally if not configured properly.
Pros
- Blocks App Store on a network level
- Harder to circumvent than device restrictions
- No direct changes needed to iOS devices
Cons
- Requires running a local DNS server or filter
- Can block more than just App Store if not targeted
- Advanced networking knowledge needed
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few options for restricting access to the App Store on iOS. But none can completely disable it without exploiting security flaws or making system modifications. The easiest methods are using Restrictions and Parental Controls to block the App Store app and purchases. For a network-wide block, DNS filtering is the most advanced approach. But it requires running your own DNS server. Jailbreaking provides the most control at an individual device level, but comes with major security and stability risks. For most users, using Restrictions or Parental Controls provides a good balance of safety, ease of use, and reasonably effective app limitations.
