Block GIFs & Other Screen Time Loopholes
Gertrude for iPhone & iPad adds the missing parental control features Screen Time should have included.
Protected by Gertrude“You complete me.”
— Screen Time, to Gertrude
Screen Time
Gertrude
Gertrude works with Screen Time for 100% protection.
Screen Time is great, but in recent years Apple has dropped the ball for parents, allowing several well-known and dangerous loopholes to go unaddressed. Gertrude fills in the gaps, giving you back complete control over your kids' iPhones and iPads.
Likely the greatest blessing an app has had on our lives.
Block GIF Searches in iMessage #images
The #images GIF search feature in iMessage lets kids search for and share explicit, violent, or inappropriate GIFs. Gertrude completely blocks this search functionality in the Messages app while keeping texting working normally.
- Blocks #images GIF search in Messages
- Also blocks GIFs in WhatsApp, Signal, and GroupMe
- Texting and photos still work normally
Finally a way to block GIFS!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Block Inappropriate Photos in Apple Maps
Apple Maps displays user-uploaded photos of locations that can include inappropriate imagery. Gertrude removes these images from Apple Maps while keeping navigation and all other features fully functional.
- Removes user-uploaded location photos
- Photos of business exteriors and interiors blocked
- Navigation and directions unaffected
After Hours Lounge
123 Freemont St.
Photos blocked by Gertrude
Saved my young son from looking at porn through the maps app. You are a lifesaver.
Block Explicit Album Covers in Spotify
Album covers and playlist artwork often contain explicit or suggestive imagery. Gertrude can hide album artwork images in Spotify while letting your kids enjoy their music without visual distractions.
- Hides explicit album cover artwork
- Music playback completely unaffected
- Works with all Spotify content
Summer Vibes
Various Artists
Artwork hidden
Your Library
Recently played
Chill Mix
Rock Hits
Pop Today
Jazz Café
EDM Party
Country
Hip Hop
Indie
Classical
R&B Vibes
Workout
Focus
Block Spotlight Internet & Image Searches
A common loophole parents miss is that the built-in search feature in iOS can pull content and images from the web. Screen Time can't restrict kids from using this feature, but Gertrude's got you covered.
- Blocks web image results in Spotlight
- App and file search still works
- Siri suggestions unaffected
Blocked by Gertrude
Bikini
Search result blocked
Related App
Entertainment
Thank you so much for helping us keep our kids safe. An answer to prayer.
Block Ads on iPhone & iPad
Gertrude blocks the most common ad providers both on the web and within apps. No matter where your child browses or what apps they use, most intrusive and inappropriate ads are stopped before they ever appear.
- Blocks ads in Safari and other browsers
- Blocks in-app ads across all applications
- Less inappropriate content, fewer distractions
Even More Protection...
Gertrude is constantly evolving to keep up with new iOS features and loopholes. Here's what else you can block:
AI Image Lookup
Block AI-powered image recognition and lookup features in the Photos app
WhatsApp Content
Block non-chat content in WhatsApp like Stories and Channels
App Store Images
Hide promotional images and screenshots across all App Store surfaces
Support Link Backdoors
Block access to web browsing through Apple support website links
Auto-Updates
New blocks added automatically as loopholes are discovered
iOS Version Support
Updated regularly to support new iOS releases and features
Fully Configurable
Every blocking feature can be individually enabled or disabled. Customize Gertrude to match your family's needs—block everything, or just the specific loopholes that concern you.
Get Gertrude Now!
Search “Gertrude Blocker” in the App StoreParents love Gertrude for iOS
4.9 stars on the App Store"This is literally everything I've wanted"
Likely the greatest blessing an app has had on our lives. I've reached out to developers, Apple, everyone I can begging for the ability to disable gifs. There is so much inappropriate content in that feature. And Apple maps images? That never occurred to me. And then to block ads on top of it? I couldn't be happier!!
Austin944· Oct 12, 2025
"Every parent needs this"
This app is meeting a great need since Apple has not allowed parents to properly protect their children. With the latest iOS updates, parents can no longer disable the gif images in texting. This app allows parents to decide if their child is not ready for that feature yet. Thank you.
Apple280· Jul 11, 2025
"So happy for this!"
Apple Screen Time has some helpful features, but there are a few glaring holes in its capabilities that allow kids to easily access adult images in really easy ways. Gertrude Blocker plugs the holes the Apple missed, and finally gives parents the ability to put a safe phone in their kids' hands.
Henderjay· Oct 24, 2024
"Only app that combats Apple's loopholes"
This is the only app I've been able to find that successfully blocks #images GIFs on the messaging app, notability, group me, ect! It's amazing I can't rave more. I can give my kids more access to things knowing there's no backdoors to harmful content!
4bkj· Jul 6, 2025
"Porn-free kids' phones. Thank you!"
We try to keep our kids' phones in a state where they are unable to view porn. Apple does a good job giving parents controls but they left a couple of holes! This is the only app that I know of that fills in those holes. Thank you!!
Rachel H.· Oct 24, 2024
"Finally!!"
Finally some help for parents! Ever since the iOS 17 update, there has been no way to block inappropriate GIFs. I have emailed Apple, written paper letters, posted on Apple message boards but to no avail. Thank you for creating this app!
Tiggy1234· Oct 26, 2024
"Telling everyone I know"
Thanks for fighting the good fight against this internet giant! May God bless you richly for it. I tell so many families about Gertrude.
Julia S.· Aug 19, 2025
Gertrude for iOS is
100% Free
Core blocking features will always be free for child accounts (under 18) and self-supervised devices. No paid subscription required, no in-app purchases, no catches.
Future updates may add more features with an optional paid subscription.
Adults (over 18) can use Gertrude too, but due to Apple's own rules, it requires putting your device in supervised mode.
Download on the App StoreWorks with iPhone and iPad running iOS 17+.