Blocking apps from being downloaded

There can be a few reasons why your Android device automatically downloads and installs apps. Thus, you should try out different solutions. In the top-left corner of the screen, tap on the three horizontal lines and go to Settings. You may have given certain permissions to an app. This app can oftentimes initiate downloads without needing any consent from the user. You can fix this in the following way:.

Though they may look more aesthetically pleasing than the stock launcher, remove any third-party launcher to see if this is the root of the problem. This is your last resort. Google Play Store is a stock app that you get with any Android device. The app itself is free to use and you can download a lot of apps for free. On top of that, some apps that you download for free may contain in-app purchases that enable you to use all the features of the app.

This however, may cause device instability so take backup from a custom recovery before you proceed with this step. Your user would be fine with the first two steps. It's not like they would deliberately try to find a way to install an app if they are not tech-savvy already. Alternatively, in your particular situation you can use an ad-blocker app. The best ones require root access though. Or, why not use a kiosk-mode app? Limit your mother's activities to certain set of apps she should use.

That's an another option on the table. She installed it, no app can install itself without user interaction. However best would be to deactivate Google play services from settings or even install ROM without any Google app on it if there is custom ROM for your device.

And you should disable "apps from unknown sources" in settings under security. If she still manages to install x app than you should learn her not click on something that says "install me" or any other ad on internet. Also does she uses Facebook app to access Facebook or internet browser? If she uses browser than install Samsung browser or Mozilla and enable ad blocking. If she uses Facebook app than you should use some adblock app to block ads globally I don't know if some works without root.

I think two apps are responsible for installing apps. The play store and package installer. Play store can be disabled but not package installer. The later is responsible for apk files and works when unknown source is ticked. You can only freeze it with root privilege. Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group.

Create a free Team What is Teams? Question marked as Solved User profile for user: Demo Demo. View answer in context. Helpful answers Drop Down menu. Aug 4, AM in response to kwiemert In response to kwiemert It's possible to block certain classes of apps from being downloaded. Loading page content. Reply Helpful Thread reply - more options Link to this Post. Reply Helpful 6 Thread reply - more options Link to this Post.

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