How to block TikTok

During the last few years, many new social media platforms have entered the market, but few have become as popular as TikTok. Part of its popularity may be due to the app’s similarity to Vine, its short-form predecessor.

While Vine failed to sustain its success, TikTok continues to attract new users each month, growing year after year. Although the app is undoubtedly entertaining, this doesn’t mean spending time on TikTok is always good. 

Most notably, users find the app distracts them from work and they keep scrolling instead of focusing on the task at hand.

Let’s take an in-depth look at the network and discuss why you might want to block TikTok. We’ll also share ways you can limit your interaction with the app.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media platform that boasts an estimated one billion monthly users and experts suggest this number will rise in the following months. This social media app’s primary purpose is to provide users with a platform to create and share bite-sized videos. The content usually features a lot of music and users can add sound effects, sound bites, and snippets of original tracks.

Besides music-oriented content, users can explore DIY videos, daily vlogs, cooking tutorials, comedic sketches, and much more. There’s virtually no limit on what you can upload to the network, and due to its unmatched user base, creators can tap into a broad audience pool. 

But how exactly does the app work?

TikTok’s basic function lets users record 15-second videos, but they can connect several short recordings into a 60-second creation. However, the platform recently changed this time limit, allowing creators to upload videos that are up to three minutes long. 

In addition to lip-sync and recording features, TikTok has many easy-to-use editing tools. If you don’t have access to third-party customization and editing software, you can tweak your videos within the TikTok app. Established and rising creators can browse the sound, song, and effects library to make their TikTok videos more engaging and relatable. 

With a TikTok account, you can browse, save and share short-form videos and directly interact with your favorite creators of snappy content. 

Should you block TikTok?

If the platform is so entertaining, why have many users decided to block the TikTok application?

People have noticed they’re reaching for their iPads, iPhones, and Android phones more with the TikTok app installed, even when there are no urgent messages or calls. What begins as a five-minute break can quickly turn into an hour-long scrolling session. When you open TikTok, the app bombards you with interesting videos, and it’s not always easy to log off.

TikTok is more distracting than websites like Snapchat and Facebook because the algorithm recommends web content connected to your searches. So, if you’re interested in cooking, you may see more videos of people preparing tasty recipes, which makes it more difficult to look away.

However, many take issue with the app’s negative effect on its users’ digital wellbeing. Staring at a screen for hours can make you feel drained and demotivated, and you may not have the energy to keep up with your schedule. 

Additionally, TikTok has been part of several security scandals. In the past, the network has failed to delete the data of underage users and has allowed children to create a TikTok account without parental consent. Moreover, experts believe the social media platform has fewer built-in privacy measures than apps like Facebook and Instagram, which could compromise the online safety of its users and lead to cyberbullying. 

Several governments worldwide have contemplated banning the app, but it appears TikTok is here to stay, but how TikTok users engage with the app is up to them.

How to block TikTok on your devices

If the platform has negatively affected your online activity and increased screen time, you may have tried deleting it from your mobile device. But all it takes is opening your preferred browser, typing “tiktok.com” in the address bar, and you’re scrolling through videos again. 

Blocking TikTok is a more effective solution and you can do so on both your iOS and Android device. Since some are dissatisfied with the app’s parental controls, the below guides are handy for parents trying to set restrictions on their child’s phone. 

Block TikTok on Android

Follow these steps to block the platform on an Android device with a third-party app:

1. Head to the Google Play Store and install the “Freedom” app. 

2. Launch the app and open a block list. 

3. Rename the list and press “Add blocklist.”

4. Type “tiktok.com” in the appropriate field and select “Add site.”

5. Tap “Save” and click on “Start Session” to block TikTok.

You can repeat the above process to end the session and unblock the app.

Block TikTok on iPhone

Blocking the network on an iPhone is relatively straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Launch the “Settings” app and tap “General.”

2. Scroll to the bottom of the interface and press “Restriction.”

3. Set up a passcode, scroll down, and select “Installed Apps.”

4. Choose “TikTok” and tap “Disable.”

If you’ve tweaked the settings on your child’s phone, they won’t be able to access TikTok.

Block TikTok on iPad

You can use Freedom, a third-party app that blocks websites, to limit access to TikTok on your iPad.

1. Download and install the app from the Apple App Store.

2. Launch Freedom and press “Blocklist.”

3. Click on “Add a blocklist” and rename the list.

4. Type “tiktok.com” in the “Add Block” field.

5. Select “Add” and tap “Save” in the top right corner of the screen. 

Block TikTok on router

It’s also possible to block the app from your Wi-fi network. The below steps will guide you through the process:

1. Head to the DNS settings through the admin portal of your Wi-fi router.

2. Open your IPV5 address or IPV4 address.

3. Switch the settings to “Manual.”

4. Enter the following in the DNS1 field: 208.67.222.222

5. Enter the following in the DNS2 field: 208.67.220.220

6. Restart the router to save the changes.

7. Create an OpenDNS account and configure your router’s IP address. 

8. Block TikTok-related domain names, including:

• tiktok.com

• ib.tiktokv.com

• api.tiktokv.com

• tiktokcdn.com

Boost productivity with Speechify

Although you’ll block websites and social media platforms on your devices, including the TikTok app, Speechify shouldn’t be on your block list. This advanced text to speech (TTS) app has helped thousands of users boost their productivity, master speed reading, and overcome reading difficulties. It uses deep learning and AI technology to convert digital text into audio output and has an impressive collection of studio-quality voices.  In addition, it can help you increase or maintain your productivity to make the most of your time off TikTok.

Try Speechify for free today on your mobile device or download the Chrome extension on your computer.

FAQ

How do I block TikTok on my kid’s phone?

You can use the built-in parental controls on their device or install a third-party blocker.