Can I Block Apps on PS4? The Ultimate Guide
Yes, while you can’t technically “block” apps on PS4 in the way you might block websites on a computer, you can restrict access to certain content and features, effectively limiting which apps can be used by different users, especially children. The PS4’s parental control features provide a robust set of tools for managing what your family can access. This guide will explain how to utilize those features to create a safer and more controlled gaming environment.
Understanding Parental Controls on PS4
The PlayStation 4 offers a comprehensive suite of parental controls designed to help you manage your children’s gaming experience. These controls are linked to individual user accounts, allowing you to tailor restrictions based on the age and maturity of each child. They don’t outright block apps in the traditional sense, but they can prevent access based on age rating, usage time, and communication features. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Setting Up a Family Account
Before you can manage your child’s access, you’ll need to create a family account. This is a crucial first step. Here’s how:
- Log in to your PSN account on your PS4.
- Go to Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management > Family Management.
- Select Add Family Member.
- Choose Create New User or Add Existing User. If your child already has a PSN account, choose the latter; otherwise, create a new one.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the account, including their birthdate.
- You will then be able to configure the parental controls for that account.
Restricting Content Based on Age Rating
The PS4 allows you to restrict games and Blu-ray/DVD content based on their age rating. This is perhaps the most effective way to control which “apps” (games, in this context) your child can access.
- From the Family Management screen, select the child’s account you want to manage.
- Choose Applications/Devices/Network Features.
- Go to Age Filtering for Games.
- Select the maximum age rating you want to allow. For example, selecting “Everyone 10+” will prevent access to games rated “Teen” or “Mature”.
- Repeat this process for Blu-ray Disc and DVD Filtering if needed.
Managing Communication and User-Generated Content
You can also restrict communication with other players and the sharing of user-generated content (UGC). This can help protect your child from inappropriate interactions and content.
- In the same Applications/Devices/Network Features section, you’ll find options for:
- Chat/Message Features: You can block or allow communication with other players.
- User-Created Games and Media: You can restrict the ability to view or share UGC.
Setting Play Time Limits
Excessive gaming can be a concern for many parents. The PS4 allows you to set play time limits to ensure a healthy balance.
- From the Family Management screen, select the child’s account.
- Choose Play Time Settings.
- You can set the days and hours your child is allowed to play.
- You can also choose what happens when the play time ends: notify the child, log them out automatically, or both.
Using the PlayStation App for Remote Management
The PlayStation App (available on iOS and Android) allows you to manage your child’s account remotely. This means you can adjust parental controls, view their playtime, and even send them messages from your smartphone or tablet.
- Download and install the PlayStation App on your mobile device.
- Log in with your PSN account.
- You can then access the Family Management features directly from the app.
FAQs: All You Need to Know About Managing App Access on PS4
Here are some frequently asked questions that will further clarify how to manage app access and parental controls on your PS4:
1. Can I block the internet browser on PS4?
While you can’t completely block the internet browser, you can restrict its use through parental controls. In the Applications/Devices/Network Features section, there’s an option to disable the internet browser. This will prevent your child from accessing the internet through the PS4’s browser.
2. How do I bypass parental controls on PS4?
You should not bypass parental controls that are in place to protect children. Doing so could expose them to inappropriate content or online interactions. If you’re an adult experiencing unwanted restrictions, contact the account holder who set up the controls. Forgetting your passcode is a common issue; contact PlayStation support for assistance.
3. What happens when my child tries to access a blocked game?
If your child attempts to launch a game that is blocked due to age restrictions, they will receive a message informing them that they do not have permission to access the content. They will then be returned to the PS4 home screen.
4. Can I set different parental controls for different days of the week?
Yes, you can customize play time limits for each day of the week. This allows you to, for instance, allow more playtime on weekends than on weekdays.
5. How do I know if my child is trying to circumvent parental controls?
Keep an open line of communication with your child. If you notice them trying to use another account or exhibiting unusual behavior related to gaming, it’s a good time to have a conversation about online safety and responsible gaming habits. Regularly check their PlayStation Network activity through your parent account.
6. Can I restrict online purchases on PS4?
Yes, you can restrict purchasing access from your child account. Navigate to the Wallet Settings within Family Management. From there, you can disable or require a password for any purchase.
7. Can I monitor my child’s gameplay remotely?
While you cannot directly monitor their gameplay screen remotely, you can track their playtime through the PlayStation App or the PS4’s Family Management settings. This allows you to see how much time they’re spending on the console.
8. What if my child needs an exception to play a game that’s normally restricted?
Unfortunately, there is no built-in exception system for specific games within the PS4’s parental controls. You would need to temporarily adjust the age rating restriction if you want to allow them to play a particular game. Be sure to revert to the original settings afterward.
9. How do I change the email address associated with my child’s PSN account?
You can change the email address through the Sony Entertainment Network website or the PS4’s settings. Log in to the child’s account, navigate to Account Management, and then Edit Profile. You will likely need parental verification to complete this process.
10. Are there any third-party apps that can enhance parental controls on PS4?
While there aren’t many direct third-party parental control apps for PS4, some router-level parental controls can help manage internet access for all devices on your network, including the PS4. These routers often have features to block specific websites or restrict internet access during certain times of day.
11. What is the Activity Feed on PS4, and how does it relate to parental controls?
The Activity Feed shows what games your friends and other players are playing. As a parent, reviewing your child’s friend list and the games they are actively playing is crucial. While the Activity Feed is not a direct parental control, it is useful for monitoring.
12. How do I ensure my child’s PSN profile doesn’t reveal too much personal information?
Review your child’s PSN profile settings carefully. Minimize the amount of personal information displayed, such as their real name, age, and location. This can help protect their privacy online. Access these settings via Account Management and then Privacy Settings.
13. Can I set up separate profiles for games, like having a separate profile for online multiplayer games?
No, the PS4 does not support separate profiles for games within a single user account. The parental controls apply to all games accessed by that user.
14. My child is saying some games are showing up as locked on my PS5 but are on PS4?
Parental controls are console-specific. You need to ensure parental controls on your PS5 are also properly configured to match your setup on the PS4. Also, game availability may vary depending on the console.
15. If I have more than one child, can I link them all to the same parental account?
Yes, you can add multiple family members to your PSN account and manage their settings individually, giving each child tailored control.
By understanding and utilizing the PS4’s parental control features, you can create a safer and more controlled gaming environment for your family. Remember that open communication with your children about online safety is just as important as the technical settings. Regularly review the parental controls to ensure they continue to meet your needs as your children grow and their gaming habits evolve.