Last updated: 2026-01-19

How to Block Instagram on Android (Child's Phone)

Many families are comfortable with messaging apps or YouTube but want to specifically limit Instagram. With FamShield you can block Instagram completely, allow it only during certain times, or keep it available on the parent device while it is blocked on the child phone.

Step 1: Pair the child device

• Install FamShield on your own phone and create your parent account.
• Install FamShield on your child's Android phone and choose the Child role.
• Use the pairing code shown on the child device to connect it to your parent dashboard.

Tip: Once pairing is finished, open the parent app and confirm that the child device appears with an online status before continuing.

Step 2: Confirm permissions so Instagram can be blocked

FamShield relies on Android system permissions to detect and block Instagram when your child tries to open it. During setup, make sure you:

• Enable Accessibility service for FamShield.
• Allow any requested Usage Access so app usage can be tracked.
• Disable battery optimizations that might pause FamShield in the background.

If Instagram doesn't block reliably: revisit the permissions screens on the child phone and make sure all required toggles for FamShield are enabled.

Step 3: Add Instagram to the blocked apps list

• Open the FamShield parent app and go to your child device.
• Open the app blocking / rules section and search for Instagram.
• Select Instagram and choose whether it should be blocked all the time or only during specific schedules.

When Instagram is blocked, your child will see a FamShield block screen instead of the usual feed whenever they try to open the app.

Step 4: Create healthy schedules instead of all-or-nothing

Some families prefer to allow a short Instagram window after homework or on weekends. In FamShield you can:

• Create a daily window (for example 6:00–6:30 PM) where Instagram is allowed.
• Keep Instagram blocked completely during school hours and overnight.
• Quickly pause Instagram again from the parent dashboard if things get out of control.

Step 5: Test on the child's phone

• Ask your child to open Instagram on their phone.
• If the block screen appears immediately, the setup is working.
• If Instagram still opens, double-check permissions and battery settings, then test again.

Instagram vs. other social apps

Rules you create for Instagram do not have to apply to everything else. You might choose to block TikTok and Instagram fully, while only limiting time on messaging apps. FamShield lets you tune each app separately.