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Block Blast looks like a kids' game. Colorful blocks, simple puzzle mechanics, no violence. So why does Apple slap it with a 17+ rating?
Short answer: The ads.
The game itself is fine. The problem is the uncontrolled advertising network running in the background.
Block Blast is free because it makes money from ads. Every time you lose a level, the app requests an ad from Google AdMob. AdMob runs an instant auction—advertisers bid for your screen, highest bidder wins.
Written by Henry
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The developer (Hungry Studio) doesn't pick these ads. They're automatic. And the highest-paying ads are often:
Casino and gambling apps (slot machines, poker)
Dating and "meet-up" apps (suggestive content, partial nudity)
Mature games (violent or sexual themes)
Links that take you outside the app (potentially unsafe websites)
Digital safety experts have called it a "dumpster fire of inappropriate content." That's why Apple rates it 17+.
Google Play rates the same app as safe for 3-year-olds. Why?
Apple's approach: Assumes worst-case scenario. If the ad network can serve mature content, the app gets a mature rating.
Google's approach: Trusts the ad network to filter content automatically (which doesn't always work).
Apple's rating looks harsh, but it's more honest about the risk.
Beyond inappropriate ads, there's tracking. AdMob collects:
Device identifiers (to track you across apps)
What ads you click on
How long you play
System diagnostics
If a kid plays on a parent's phone, the ad network has no way to know. It treats them like an adult, serves mature content, and builds a behavioral profile.
How it works:
Turn on Airplane Mode before opening the app
Play normally
When you lose, the app tries to load an ad but can't connect—so it skips the ad entirely
Pros: Free, blocks all ads, no setup
Cons: Disables calls, texts, and notifications while playing
How it works:
Go to your phone's network settings
Set "Private DNS" to dns.adguard-dns.com (AdGuard's free DNS)
This blocks ad requests while keeping your internet connection active
Pros: Blocks ads across all apps, keeps internet on
Cons: Requires navigating settings; may occasionally break non-ad features
Where to find it:
iPhone/iPad: Settings > Wi-Fi > (i) icon > Configure DNS > Manual > Add dns.adguard-dns.com
Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS > Enter dns.adguard-dns.com
Recommended apps:
AdGuard (iOS/Android)
AdLock (iOS/Android)
Blokada (Android)
How it works:
These apps create a local VPN that filters ad traffic before it reaches Block Blast.
Pros: Works across all apps, easy setup
Cons: Drains battery; requires trusting a third-party app
Block Blast offers an in-app purchase to remove ads.
Pros: Official solution, one-time payment
Cons: Users report ads still appear sometimes; doesn't stop data tracking
Don't rely on the app's rating alone. Here's your action plan:
Use Airplane Mode if your kid plays Block Blast—it's the simplest fix
Set up DNS-level ad blocking if you want a permanent solution across all apps
Check Screen Time settings on iPhone to block 17+ apps entirely (Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Apps)
Talk to your kid about why they're seeing weird ads—they may not tell you otherwise
Block Blast isn't rated 17+ because the puzzle is dangerous. It's rated 17+ because the advertising system behind it is unmoderated and unpredictable.
The colorful blocks are safe. The business model funding them is not.
If you want to play Block Blast safely: block the ads. Problem solved.
