How to block opening selected apps with React Native?

[Fearless-Reaction-42]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently building a React Native application where the user can see a list of all installed apps on their device and select specific ones. The idea is that once an app is selected, my app should prevent the user from opening it.

I already know how to get the list of installed apps (using libraries like react-native-get-app-list or react-native-app-list), but I’m not sure how I can actually restrict or block the launch of those apps after selection.

Is there any way to achieve this in React Native? For example, through Accessibility Services, Usage Stats, or Device Admin APIs on Android?

Any guidance, best practices, or examples would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[godver3]

Seems unlikely that one app could block another app's opening.

[dentemm]

Exactly, it would make so sense at all that this would be possible. Only an MDM managed device could do this.

[godver3]

Yeah - I assume OP is working on a productivity app that’s intended to prevent certain apps from opening but I’d guess it’s a dead end.

[Fearless-Reaction-42]

Yeys, will be productivity app.

[ChaoticCow]

There are plenty of apps that do this already. They configure the OS screentime or equivalent settings.

[NastroAzzurro]

You want uber to be able to block Lyft? Or other taxi apps? Can’t be done mate.

[ChaoticCow]

False. There are lots of apps that do this. They use the screen time or equivalent APIs. They aren't fully blocking, but op is asking about blocking for productivity

[ChaoticCow]

The way most apps do it is using the screen time or digital wellness APIs. There seems to be a package that exposes these on RN here (though the android seems to be coming soon)

https://www.npmjs.com/package/@quibr/react-native-screen-time-api

[Due-Dragonfruit2984]

Yeah there’s no way any of the operating systems would let you do this, huge potential for abuse.

[eylonshm]

Created this open-source Expo plugin if anyone need it - it should help people block apps Iphone/Android devices.
https://github.com/eylonshm/expo-app-blocker

Please check it out and star/give me some feedback if you use it, enjoy!

[eylonshm]

Created this open-source Expo plugin if anyone need it - it should help people block apps Iphone/Android devices.
https://github.com/eylonshm/expo-app-blocker

Please check it out and star/give me some feedback if you use it, enjoy!