Kids Tablets in Libraries: Early Literacy App Allowlists
A tablet in the children's area should open to reading, letters, numbers and stories, and nothing else. An allowlist does that: only the apps you approve can open. This guide gives you an age-banded starting list with the IDs your MDM needs, and the settings that keep the list closed.
Why the kids' area runs on an allowlist
For adult devices, a blocklist keeps choice open. For a four-year-old on a library tablet, the opposite holds: the shorter and more deliberate the list, the better the session.
Allowlist
- Only approved apps are visible and can open
- New look-alike games never appear, however many are released
- Staff know exactly what a child can reach
- On a supervised iPad, built-in apps you leave off, such as the browser, are hidden too
Category blocklist
- Everything opens except the blocked categories
- Suits homework devices for ages 10 and up
- Block VPN and proxy, social media, chat, dating, gambling and 17+ apps
- Updated monthly, so new apps in a blocked category are caught
The trade-offs in full are in app allowlists versus blocklists.
Educational apps for kids, by age
These are candidate apps for each band, with the identifiers to paste into your MDM. Store genre and age rating are as listed in the App Store; Android packages are shown only where we have the matching ID.
Review before you approve: this is a starting list, not a ranking or an endorsement. Several apps need a paid account or a school or library subscription to go past the first screen, so test each one on a tablet with no account signed in.
Ages 2 to 4: play, colours, first words
Educational apps for toddlers and pre-readersAt this age the app should be calm, wordless to navigate and free of timers. Sessions are short, with a caregiver next to the child.
| App | iOS bundle ID | App Store ID | Android package | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sago Mini World: Kids Games | com.sagosago.Friends | 874425722 | Use the lookup | Education |
| Pok Pok, Montessori Preschool | com.playpokpok.playroom | 1550204730 | Use the lookup | Education |
| LEGO DUPLO World | com.storytoys.duploworld.free.ios | 1458749093 | Use the lookup | Education |
| Toddler Learning Games 2-4 | com.bimiboo.firstwords | 1434506514 | com.bimiboo.firstwords | Education |
| CoComelon: Learn ABCs and 123s | com.moonbug.ccm-learn | 6498924680 | Use the lookup | Education |
| CBeebies Learn | uk.co.bbc.cbeebiesgoexplore | 1444626898 | uk.co.bbc.cbeebiesgoexplore | Education |
Ages 4 to 6: letters, sounds and tracing
Early literacy for pre-K and kindergartenLook for phonics, letter tracing and simple stories. Apps that read instructions aloud work for children who cannot read them yet.
| App | iOS bundle ID | App Store ID | Android package | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khan Academy Kids | org.khanacademy.Khan-Kids | 1378467217 | Use the lookup | Education |
| PBS KIDS Games | org.pbskids.gamesapp | 1050773989 | org.pbskids.gamesapp | Education |
| Teach Your Monster to Read | com.teachyourmonstertoread.tm1 | 828392046 | Use the lookup | Education |
| LetterSchool, Learn to Write | com.boreaal.LetterSchool.lite.en-US | 481067676 | Use the lookup | Education |
| ABC Kids, Tracing and Phonics | com.rvappstudios.abc-kids-toddler-tracing-phonics | 1112482869 | Use the lookup | Education |
| Sesame Street Games Club | com.storytoys.sesame.street.mecha.builders.ios | 6449282808 | Use the lookup | Education |
| Lingokids: Games and Shows | es.monkimun.lingokids | 1002043426 | es.monkimun.lingokids | Education |
Ages 5 to 7: first reading
Phonics, sight words and decodable storiesChildren start reading short texts on their own. Apps with levelled reading and sight word practice fit here, along with picture books read aloud.
| App | iOS bundle ID | App Store ID | Android package | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hooked on Phonics Learning | com.hop.HOP-LTR | 588868907 | Use the lookup | Education |
| Reading Eggs, Learn to Read | com.blake.readingeggs | 726696040 | Use the lookup | Education |
| HOMER: Fun Learning For Kids | com.Homer.HomerLearning | 601437586 | Use the lookup | Education |
| ABCmouse: Kids Learning Games | com.aofl.abcmouse | 6460300848 | com.aofl.abcmouse | Education |
| Sight Words and Phonics Reading | com.22learn.2090FarmPhonicsFree | 878724595 | Use the lookup | Education |
| Dr. Seuss's ABC, Read and Learn | com.oceanhousemedia.BookABCsDeluxe | 1011479119 | Use the lookup | Book |
| Spark Reading for Kids | com.peekaboo.freeReading | 739985631 | Use the lookup | Education |
Ages 8 to 10: reading to learn
Educational apps for kids 8 to 10 years oldChildren read for information and start following longer series. Digital libraries, science and early coding apps keep them reading and reasoning.
| App | iOS bundle ID | App Store ID | Android package | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epic, Kids' Books and Reading | com.getepic.Epic | 719219382 | com.getepic.Epic | Education |
| Teach Monster: Reading for Fun | com.teachyourmonstertoread.rff | 1512939054 | com.teachyourmonstertoread.rff | Book |
| BrainPOP Jr. | com.brainpop.brainpopjunior | 536371867 | Use the lookup | Education |
| Prodigy Math Game | com.prodigygame.prodigy | 950795722 | com.prodigygame.prodigy | Education |
| codeSpark, Coding for Kids | org.codespark.thefoos | 923441570 | org.codespark.thefoos | Education |
| Science for Kids by Tappity | com.learn.mars | 1265019371 | Use the lookup | Education |
Ages 9 to 12: projects and independent reading
Educational apps for kids 9 to 12Older children use tablets for homework and their own reading. Libby with their own library card fits here; it is listed 9+ in the App Store.
| App | iOS bundle ID | App Store ID | Android package | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Libby, the library app | com.overdrive.dewey | 1076402606 | com.overdrive.mobile.android.libby | Book |
| BrainPOP | com.brainpop.brainpopfeaturedmovie | 364894352 | Use the lookup | Education |
| IXL, Math, English and More | com.ixl.IXLMath | 693689912 | com.ixl.ixlmath | Education |
| Tynker: Coding for Kids | com.tynker.Tynker | 805869467 | Use the lookup | Education |
| Hopscotch, Programming for Kids | com.hopscotch.Hopscotch | 617098629 | com.hopscotch.hopscotch | Education |
| NASA | gov.nasa.NASA | 334325516 | Use the lookup | Education |
| Duolingo: Learn Languages | com.duolingo.DuolingoMobile | 570060128 | com.duolingo | Education |
All ages: stories read aloud
For storytime corners and listening stationsRead-aloud and video story apps suit a listening station with headphones. Pair one with Guided Access so the tablet stays on the story.
| App | iOS bundle ID | App Store ID | Android package | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vooks: Read-Aloud Kids' Books | com.vooks | 1435813450 | com.vooks | Book |
| Novel Effect: Read Aloud Books | com.novel-effect.NovelEffect | 1057374139 | Use the lookup | Book |
| Dr. Seuss Treasury Kids Books | com.oceanhousemedia.BookDrSeussCollection | 909110675 | Use the lookup | Book |
| Little Stories: Bedtime Books | com.diveomedia.ls | 977016099 | Use the lookup | Book |
| PBS KIDS Video | org.pbskids.ipadplayer | 435138734 | Use the lookup | Education |
| CloudLibrary | com.mmm.cloudlibrary | 466446054 | Use the lookup | Book |
Missing an app a parent asked about? Search it by name in the bundle ID lookup to get its IDs, age rating and categories. Store genres are explained in App Store categories.
Checking an app before it joins the list
"Fun kids safe apps" is a judgment, not a store label. Run every candidate through these checks on a real tablet, signed out, before you add it.
Age rating
Listed 4+ in the App Store for the youngest bands. Apple's current tiers are 4+, 9+, 13+, 16+ and 18+ on iOS 26 and later.
Ads
Play for ten minutes. Any ad that sends a child to the store or a website is a reason to say no.
Purchases and paywalls
Note what opens with no account. An app that stops at a subscription screen frustrates children and staff.
Links out
Look for buttons that open a browser, a video site or a parents' area without a gate.
Chat and sharing
No chat with strangers, no public galleries, no friend requests in apps for young children.
Data and privacy
Read the privacy details on the store page. Prefer apps that work without collecting a child's name or email.
Offline use
Library Wi-Fi gets busy. Apps that keep working offline give children a steadier session.
Sound
Check that sound can be turned down or played through headphones, so the children's area stays calm.
Educational apps for kids with autism: what to look for
We do not label apps as suited to any diagnosis. These features tend to make an app easier for many children who need predictability, and families can tell you more.
- The same layout every time the app opens
- No countdown timers or surprise pop-ups
- No flashing effects or sudden loud sounds
- Clear, separate controls for music and voice
- Picture-based navigation that needs no reading
- A natural stopping point at the end of each activity
- Works well with Guided Access, so the tablet stays in the app
- No rewards that push the child to keep playing
For a deeper look at children's data and app privacy, see student data privacy and apps, and for building and maintaining an approved list over time, the approved apps list guide.
How to block kids from downloading and buying apps
On library tablets, children should never meet the App Store or a purchase prompt. These settings close both doors on iPads and Android tablets.
| Control | Supervised iPad | Android tablet | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| No app installs | App Store off with allowAppInstallation set to false | Managed Google Play with an admin allowlist | Children cannot add anything; your MDM still installs and updates the approved apps |
| No in-app purchases | allowInAppPurchases set to false | No payment method on the device, no personal Google Account | Stops "buy gems" and subscription prompts from working |
| No personal account | Apps assigned to the device, so no Apple Account is needed | Fully managed device with Managed Google Play only | Nothing to buy with, nothing to sign out of on reset |
| Only approved apps open | Allowlist restriction, or the declarative app settings on iPadOS 27 | Dedicated device in multi-app kiosk mode | Look-alike apps never appear |
| Age limit as a backstop | Maximum app rating in the restrictions | Play content settings in your MDM, where offered | A second line if an app ever slips onto the device |
The App Store switch is covered step by step in blocking the App Store on iOS.
How to block YouTube on a kids' tablet
YouTube is the request children make most often, and the one that leads furthest from the early literacy list. Decide your answer once, then apply it to the app and the website.
Leave YouTube off
On an allowlist, simply never add it. On a blocklist device, block com.google.ios.youtube on iPad and com.google.android.youtube on Android.
Decide on YouTube Kids
YouTube Kids is a separate app, listed 4+: com.google.ios.youtubekids on iPad and com.google.android.apps.youtube.kids on Android. Allow or block it on purpose.
Close the browser route
Leave the browser off the kids' allowlist, or restrict it to a few named sites. Otherwise youtube.com opens in the browser.
Offer something instead
A video story app such as PBS KIDS Video or Vooks gives children the video they asked for, inside the list.
More options, including restricted modes for older children, are in blocking the YouTube app.
How kids hide apps on iPhone and iPad
Parents ask "how do kids hide apps on iPhone?" and staff see the same tricks on library iPads. Here is what children can do, and what turns it off.
What children can do
- Remove an app from the Home Screen; it stays installed and shows in the App Library
- From iOS and iPadOS 18, hide an app, which moves it to a Hidden folder in the App Library
- From iOS and iPadOS 18, lock an app behind Face ID, Touch ID or the passcode
- Tuck an app into a folder on a later Home Screen page
What turns it off
- Supervise the iPad and enroll it in your MDM.
- Set allowAppsToBeHidden and allowAppsToBeLocked to false. Disallowing locking also disallows hiding.
- Use an allowlist, so an app that is not approved cannot open, hidden or not.
- Keep the App Store off, so there is nothing new to hide.
Setting up the children's area tablets
Six steps from a box of new tablets to a working children's corner. The same order works for iPads and Android tablets.
Enroll and supervise
Assign iPads to your MDM in Apple Business Manager, or enroll Android tablets as fully managed devices.
Assign the apps
Get licences for the approved apps and assign them to the devices, not to people.
Apply the allowlist
Add the bundle IDs or packages from your age bands to one allowlist profile for the kids' group.
Lock the store
App Store off, purchases off, hiding and locking off. Check from a child's point of view.
Single-app stations
For a listening station, staff start Guided Access on the story app each morning.
Reset daily
Schedule an erase overnight, or use Shared iPad temporary sessions so nothing carries over.
Guided Access and the other locks are explained in Shared iPads, Guided Access and Single App Mode. For tablets that leave the building, see library tablet and iPad lending.
Keeping the list current
An allowlist is not set and forget. Apps change owners, add chat features or move content behind a paywall. A short review each term keeps the children's corner what you meant it to be.
Each term
Open every approved app signed out. Drop any that now show ads, paywalls or links out.
Usage
Check which apps children actually open. Remove the ones nobody uses, so the screen stays simple.
Developer changes
Look at the developer name in the lookup. A new owner is a good moment to re-read the privacy details.
Requests
Keep a list of apps parents and staff suggest, and test them in a batch at the next review.
Teen and homework tablets run on category blocklists instead, which we update monthly with new apps in each blocked category.
Choosing tablets for a kids' area
People search for the tablets for kids' learning apps as if one device fits all. For a library, the question is which tablets your MDM can manage properly.
Manageable
iPads that can be supervised through Apple Business Manager, or Android tablets that support Android Enterprise. Check before you buy.
Storage
At least 32 GB if you plan to use Shared iPad, and room for offline content in the reading apps.
Consumer kids' tablets
Tablets with their own built-in child mode may not enroll in your MDM. That leaves each one to be managed by hand.
Durable kit
Rugged cases, wired or volume-limited headphones and a charging cart matter as much as the tablet itself.
Questions about kids' tablets and learning apps
Are there free educational apps for kids that work on library tablets?
Yes, several are free to download, but many need a paid account or show offers inside the app. Test each on a tablet with no account and purchases switched off.
What are the top educational apps for kids?
We do not rank apps. Start with one or two per age band, check them against the review list above and add more as children and staff ask.
How do I stop kids downloading or buying apps on a library tablet?
On a supervised iPad, App Store off, in-app purchases off and apps assigned to the device. On Android, Managed Google Play with an allowlist and no personal Google Account.
How do I block YouTube on a kids' tablet?
Leave the YouTube app off the allowlist (com.google.ios.youtube, com.google.android.youtube), decide separately on YouTube Kids, and close the browser route.
Can children hide apps on an iPad?
From iPadOS 18 they can hide and lock apps. On supervised iPads, allowAppsToBeHidden and allowAppsToBeLocked turn that off.
Lists for every age group in the library
Category lists of iOS bundle IDs and Android package names for kids', teen and adult profiles, delivered as files your MDM imports and updated monthly. One plan covers one library; see the library device policy guide for how the groups fit together.
See plans Talk to usiPad, iPhone, iOS, iPadOS, Face ID, Touch ID and Apple Business Manager are trademarks of Apple Inc. YouTube, YouTube Kids, Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC. PBS KIDS is a trademark of the Public Broadcasting Service. LEGO and DUPLO are trademarks of the LEGO Group.
Sesame Street, CoComelon, CBeebies, Dr. Seuss, Libby and the other app names belong to their owners. Names identify the products discussed only. AppBlockList is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by these companies.