Block YouTube on Android

One more video? Pray first.

YouTube's autoplay and Shorts are built to keep you watching long after you meant to stop. Prayer Guard is the Android app that intercepts YouTube at launch — with a Bible verse, a breathing pause, and a short prayer — so "just one video" becomes a real choice again.

Start My 7 Free Days on Google Play How it works

Works on Android phones and tablets · No account · 100% on-device

Pause before YouTube

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13

breathe

Amen — continue

or return in peace

How to block YouTube on Android

Four steps to end the autoplay spiral

Install Prayer Guard

Download Prayer Guard free from Google Play on your Android phone. No account or sign-up needed.

Grant the guard permission

Prayer Guard asks for the Android permission it needs to detect when YouTube launches. Everything stays on your device.

Select YouTube

Choose YouTube from your app list. Set a guard schedule for bedtime or study hours if you don't want it blocked all day.

Pray before you watch

Next time you open YouTube, a verse and a prayer appear first. With Hard Block, prayer is the only way in.

Shorts included

The Shorts loop is the new doomscroll

YouTube Shorts uses the same infinite-swipe mechanics as TikTok — variable rewards, zero friction, no natural stopping point. Android's Digital Wellbeing timer can pause the app, but one tap on "Ignore limit" and the loop continues.

Prayer Guard guards the whole YouTube app, Shorts included. Every launch meets a pause with meaning: Scripture, breath, prayer. If evening binges are your weak point, set a guard schedule for those exact hours — precision beats severity.

Read: how to stop doomscrolling for good →

Watercolor cross at sunrise representing choosing faith over the YouTube autoplay loop on Android

Frequently asked

Blocking YouTube on Android with Prayer Guard

How do I block YouTube on my Android phone?

Install Prayer Guard free from Google Play, grant the guard permission, and select YouTube as a guarded app. The next time you open YouTube, Prayer Guard intercepts it with a Bible verse, a breathing pause, and a short prayer before the app loads.

Does Prayer Guard block YouTube Shorts too?

Yes. Prayer Guard guards the entire YouTube app on Android, which includes Shorts. The pray-to-unlock pause is especially effective at breaking the Shorts autoplay loop.

Can I block YouTube only at night?

Yes. Prayer Guard guard schedules let you block YouTube during specific windows — like the hour before bed, morning devotion time, or work hours — while leaving it available the rest of the day.

Is Prayer Guard free to block YouTube on Android?

Prayer Guard offers a 7-day free trial on Google Play. Blocking YouTube with the pray-to-unlock pause is part of the core experience — 100% on-device with no account required.