Ripple
Kids Watching Live Streams at Night and Sending Gifts to Streamers: Live Stream App Limits on Android and iPhone
Many parents only find out from the payment history that their child has been watching live streams under the covers and sending gifts to streamers. A live stream can run for hours and is harder to leave than short videos. This page shows how to block live streaming apps on a schedule, keep calls and messaging, and tighten payments on the phone.
Settings that help
Block live stream apps at night
TikTok, Twitch, Kick and similar apps will not open during the block. Calls and messaging still work.
WeChat Channels live too
On Android block only WeChat Channels and Moments. See the WeChat Channels page.
Clock changes do nothing
Time is counted from device uptime. See the clock change page.
Lock down payments
Change payment passwords and turn off one tap or fingerprint payments on the child's phone.
Kids with an iPhone
On iOS 16 and later blocking runs through Apple frameworks. See the iPhone page.
Setup steps
Install Ripple
On Android install the APK and turn on the accessibility service. On iPhone you need iOS 16 or later and Screen Time permission.
Create an evening block
For example 9 PM to 7 AM every day, with a separate one for weekends if you like.
Choose apps to block
Add TikTok, Twitch, YouTube, Kick, Bigo Live and other apps with live streams. Keep calls and messaging.
Set a parent unlock code
The parent keeps the code. Ending the block early or uninstalling asks for it.
Turn on uninstall protection
On Android enable the on-device uninstall guard. On iPhone enable the block on deleting apps.
FAQ
Can my child still message me after live streaming apps are blocked?
Yes. Only live streaming and short video apps go on the block list. Calls and messaging keep working. On Android Ripple can block just WeChat Channels and Moments, which also hides Channels live streams.
My child already sent gifts to a streamer. Can Ripple get the money back?
No. Ripple only blocks apps on a schedule. For a refund contact the platform's support about a purchase made by a minor. It also helps to change your payment passwords and turn off one tap payments on the child's phone.
What if my child changes the phone clock?
It does not help. Ripple counts time from device uptime, so moving the clock does not end the block early.
Does it work on iPhone?
Yes, on iOS 16 and later. Ripple uses Apple's FamilyControls, ManagedSettings and DeviceActivity frameworks, so the system blocks the selected apps in the background even if Ripple is closed. Unlocking needs an 8 digit parent code and app deletion can be blocked.
Can my child just uninstall Ripple?
On Android you can turn on uninstall protection on the phone itself without a computer, and removing it needs the parent code. On iPhone the block on deleting apps stops long press removal.