AppBlock on Android

In case your settings app is blocked, you must have enabled this option in Strict Mode. When you activate Strict Mode and select “block device settings”, it restricts access to your settings.

In case you cannot wait till the Strict Mode is off and need to deactivate Strict Mode immediately to get access to your settings, please contact us and choose “I need help with unblocking” as a reason for your message.

If you frequently need access to settings, you might want to consider turning off the “block device settings” option before reactivating Strict Mode. 🙂

We’re sorry to hear about the accessibility issues you’re experiencing. This is often related to how some operating systems handle background services. Here are a few steps that may help resolve this:

1. Keep AppBlock Locked in Recent Apps: When AppBlock is removed from your recent apps, the accessibility service may be turned off. To prevent this, hold down the AppBlock icon in your recent apps and select the “lock” option. This keeps it running in the background.
2. Toggle Accessibility: On some devices, simply turning the accessibility setting off and back on can restore it, on others, restart of your device may help re-enable it.
3. Enable Key Settings in Troubleshooting: Make sure you’ve enabled settings like autostart and adjusted battery optimization for AppBlock. Following all steps in the Troubleshooting section can also improve performance.

If these steps don’t fully resolve the issue, please reach out for further assistance.

If Strict Mode is enabled and the “Block Device Settings” option is active, access to the entire device settings will be blocked. To allow access to specific settings like Wi-Fi, Sound, and Bluetooth, you can enable the “Show Available Settings” feature.

Here’s how:

• Go to More (Profile) > Settings > Show Available Settings and turn it on.

This will make certain settings, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, accessible even while Strict Mode is active.

Strict Mode acts like a digital “policeman”, ensuring that your Schedules and QuickBlock settings can’t be bypassed. To use Strict Mode, you must have either QuickBlock or Schedules set up.

Here’s how you can configure it:

Choose an access method that best suits your needs. You can select from the following options:

• Timer Condition: This option locks your settings for a specified duration (e.g., one week). Once activated, you won’t be able to change your Schedules, QuickBlock, or deactivate Strict Mode until the timer expires.
• Follow Schedules Condition: This option locks your settings whenever any of your Schedules are active. When no schedules are active, you’ll be able to make changes. However, note that even if Strict Mode is tied to just one Schedule, all other Schedules will also be locked from modification while Strict Mode is active.
• PIN Code or Charger Unlocking: These are less strict options. You can unlock and make changes to your settings by entering a PIN code or connecting your device to a charger.

Access methods available from version 7.2.0:

• Cooldown: This feature allows you to set a waiting period (2 to 10 minutes) on the Strict Mode screen before you can deactivate Strict Mode. It’s designed to make you think twice before deactivating Strict Mode, giving you time to reconsider your decision.
• Approval: You can set up a partner’s email, such as a family member, friend, or trusted coworker, to unlock Strict Mode. If you need to deactivate Strict Mode, an email will be sent to them, and they can approve or deny your request to deactivate it.

Strict Mode provides a range of options to keep you on track, ensuring you stick to your goals without the temptation to easily turn off your blocks.

Additional Options:

You can also choose from additional options to define what will be blocked during Strict Mode:

• Lock Blockings in App (always on): Ensures block settings cannot be changed.
• Disable AppBlock Uninstalling: Prevents uninstalling AppBlock.
• Block Device Settings: Restricts access to settings.
• Block Recent Apps: Available for Pixel, Samsung, and Xiaomi devices to prevent bypass via recent apps such as pop up view/floating windows bypass.
• Block Split Screen: Disables the split-screen feature.
• Block Reinstalled Applications: Stops apps from being reinstalled to bypass blocks.

Important: Be careful and make sure you have the correct settings before turning on Strict Mode, especially if it’s your first time. This will help prevent unintentional blocking of an app or website for too long, as you may not be able to unblock it once Strict Mode is activated.

Even though we designed AppBlock to be compatible with all devices, some phones might behave differently due to custom software modifications. Below, you’ll find guidance for the most common issues with specific brands and tips to resolve them. Always refer to in-app recommendations, error messages, or the Troubleshooting section for further help.

Searching for Your Device

• On a desktop, use CTRL+F (Windows) or CMD+F (Mac) to quickly locate your phone brand.
• On mobile, scroll manually to your brand or check the Help section on our website.

Note: Paths to settings or permissions may vary between models. If you can’t locate a specific option, search for your phone model and the desired setting online for more detailed instructions.

Huawei

Unfortunately, Huawei is one of the most troubled phone brands in the current market. Chinese vendors tend to ignore Android’s best practices and implement very bizarre custom modifications which make background tasks nearly impossible to run. This includes stable and reliable run of AppBlock as well.

Suggested steps:

Battery Settings:

• Phone Settings > Advanced Settings > Battery Manager > Set Power Plan to Performance.
• Phone Settings > Advanced Settings > Battery Manager > Protected apps > Mark AppBlock as Protected.
• Phone Settings > Apps > AppBlock > Battery > Enable Power-intensive prompt and Keep running after screen off.

Ignore Battery Optimizations:

• Phone Settings > Apps > Advanced (at the bottom) > Ignore optimizations > Allowed > All apps > Find AppBlock > Set to Allow.
• (For Huawei P9 Plus): Phone Settings > Apps > Settings > Special access > Ignore battery optimization > Select AppBlock.

Device Admin Mode:

• Enable AppBlock as a device administrator: AppBlock > Setting > CAPTCHA > Prevent escaping CAPTCHA. This may also prevent the system from killing AppBlock.

Note: Versions from AppGallery and Google Play may require different permissions. Review the onboarding process carefully and check the Troubleshoot section.

More information: Huawei Troubleshoot.

Xiaomi

Xiaomi might be the most troubled phone on today’s market. Chinese vendors tend to ignore Android best practices and implement very bizarre custom modifications which make background tasks nearly impossible to run.

The specific steps depend on which version of the MIUI you have.

Steps to Address Issues:

App Pinning:

If AppBlock isn’t working correctly, such as blocking features failing or Accessibility issues, try pinning it:

• Open the recent apps tray.
• Drag AppBlock downward to lock it, or tap the down arrow next to its name and select the “Lock” icon (on some devices).
• Once pinned, it won’t be removed from the background, even if you clear recent apps.
• To unpin and remove it, drag it downward again.

Battery Management:

• Settings > Advanced Settings > Battery Manager > Set Power Plan to Performance.
• Device Settings > Apps > AppBlock > Battery > Enable Power-intensive prompt and Keep running after screen off.

Additional Battery Management:

• Settings > Additional Settings > Battery & Performance > Manage apps’ battery usage > Switch Power Saving Modes to Off.
• Saving Power in the Background > Choose apps > AppBlock > Background Settings > No restrictions.

App Battery Saver:

• Go to Security > Battery > App Battery Saver > AppBlock, and set it to No restriction.

Auto-start:

• Open Security app > Permissions > Auto-start and enable Autostart for desired apps.

Device Admin Mode:

If all fails, enable AppBlock as a device administrator: AppBlock > Setting > CAPTCHA > Prevent escaping CAPTCHA. This can also help prevent the system from killing AppBlock.

Note: Avoid using Ultra Battery Saver mode on Xiaomi devices, as it stops most background apps from functioning correctly. While some models allow app exceptions, this mode may still cause minor blocking issues.

More information: Xiaomi Troubleshoot

OnePlus

OnePlus devices may encounter issues with AppBlock unless specific settings are adjusted to turn off battery optimizations.

Steps to Address Issues:

Battery Optimization:

• Go to System Settings > Apps > Gear Icon > Special Access > Battery Optimization.
• Warning: Recently, OnePlus phones may randomly revert this setting from “Not optimized” back to “Optimized.” Unfortunately, there is no current workaround, so you may need to periodically check and reset this setting. A bug report has been filed with OnePlus.

App Auto-Launch:

• Some OnePlus devices include an App Auto-Launch feature that prevents apps from running in the background. Disable this feature for AppBlock.

Additional Battery Management:

• Go to Phone Settings > Battery > Battery optimization.
• Switch to the All apps list (via the top menu).
• Locate AppBlock and set it to Don’t optimize.

NOTE: Some users have reported the need to disable Doze mode in Developer Options for proper functionality.

More information: OnePlus Troubleshoot

OnePlus 5 specific settings:

• Disable Settings > Battery > Battery optimization > (three dots) > Enhanced optimization. This may also be labeled Advanced optimization on some devices.

More information: OnePlus Troubleshoot

Samsung Galaxy

Some newer Samsung Galaxy models may cause issues with AppBlock running correctly. Below are key steps to address these problems:

App Power Monitor:

Samsung’s App Power Monitor can interfere with AppBlock’s functionality. To whitelist AppBlock and prevent issues:

• Open Settings > Device Maintenance > Battery.
• At the bottom, locate the list of most frequently used apps.
• Tap on Unmonitored apps at the very bottom.
• Tap the three-dot menu to add AppBlock to the list of unmonitored apps.

Alternatively, you can disable App Power Monitor entirely to avoid these restrictions, as it has minimal impact on battery life and may hinder the phone’s normal operation.

Optimize Battery Usage:

On other Samsung devices, the steps might differ:

• Go to Settings > Applications.
• Tap the three-dot menu (top right corner) > Special Access > Optimize Battery Usage.
• Find AppBlock in the list and ensure it is not selected.

Edge Lighting:

Note: If Edge Lighting is enabled for AppBlock, it may prevent the app from waking your screen when the alarm starts. To fix this, remove AppBlock from the Edge Lighting applications list.

Additional Help:

For more detailed guides on keeping permissions active and ensuring AppBlock runs smoothly, visit: Samsung Troubleshoot.

Oppo

Oppo devices often aggressively kill background services, including accessibility services, which can disrupt the functionality of apps like AppBlock. Follow these steps to prevent such issues:

Steps to Address Issues:

App Pinning in Recent apps:

Pin AppBlock to the recent apps screen to keep AppBlock running in the background:

• Open the recent apps tray.
• Tap the down arrow next to AppBlock to display options.
• Select the “Lock” icon.

Once pinned, AppBlock will remain in the background even if recent apps are cleared.

Battery Optimizations:

Disable battery optimizations for AppBlock:

• Open App Info (long-press the app icon and select “App Info”).
• Go to Battery Usage.
• Enable Run in the Background.

Auto-launch:

Ensure AppBlock launches automatically after restarting:

• Go to Settings > App Management > Auto-launch apps.
• Find AppBlock and toggle the switch to Allow.

More information: Oppo Troubleshoot

Vivo

Vivo devices often aggressively kill background services, including accessibility services, which can interfere with the proper functioning of AppBlock. Follow these steps to address the issue:

App Pinning in Recent Apps:

Pin AppBlock to the recent apps screen to keep AppBlock running in the background:

• Open the recent apps tray.
• Tap the down arrow next to the app name to display options.
• Select the “Lock” icon. This will keep AppBlock running in the background, even if you clear recent apps.

Disable Battery Optimizations:

• Open App Info (long press the app icon and select “App Info”).
• Go to Battery Usage and set it to Unrestricted.

Note: Avoid enabling Ultra Battery Saver mode on Vivo devices, as it terminates unnecessary background apps. While some models allow app exceptions, this mode may still cause minor blocking issues.

More information: Vivo Troubleshoot

Realme

Realme devices often kill background services, including accessibility services, which can disrupt the proper functioning of AppBlock. Follow these steps to address the issue:

App Pinning in Recent apps:

Pin AppBlock to the recent apps screen to keep AppBlock running in the background:

• Open the recent apps tray.
• Tap the down arrow next to the app name to display options.
• Select the Lock icon. This ensures AppBlock remains in the background, even after clearing recent apps.

Battery Management:

• Open Settings > Battery > App battery management.
• Select AppBlock and allow:
  • Background activity
  • Foreground activity
  • Auto-launch
• Navigate to Settings > Battery > Power saver options, and disable Sleep standby optimization.

More Information: Realme Troubleshoot

Meizu

Meizu devices are among the most problematic for running background apps. Chinese vendors often ignore Android best practices, implementing unusual custom modifications that make it nearly impossible to keep background tasks running reliably. This includes stable operation of AppBlock.

Suggested Steps:

Battery Management:

• Go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Battery Manager > Power Plan: Set to Performance.
• Device Settings > Advanced Settings > Battery Manager > Protected apps: Mark AppBlock as Protected.
• Device Settings > Apps > AppBlock > Battery: Enable Power-intensive prompt and Keep running after screen off.

Device Admin Mode:

If all else fails, enable AppBlock as a device administrator: AppBlock > Setting > CAPTCHA > Prevent escaping CAPTCHA. This can help prevent the system from killing AppBlock.

More information: Meizu Troubleshoot

Sony

Sony’s Stamina Mode significantly impacts the functionality of third-party apps, including AppBlock. Unfortunately, there is no workaround from our side. To ensure proper functionality, disable Stamina Mode or whitelist AppBlock in your settings.

Steps to Address Issues:

Battery Optimization:

• Go to Phone Settings > Battery.
• Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
• Select Battery optimization > Apps > AppBlock.
• Disable optimization for AppBlock to allow it to run in the background.

More Information: Sony Troubleshoot

Nokia

Under certain circumstances, Nokia devices may behave differently from standard Android and place AppBlock on the list of apps with background restrictions, which can impact its functionality.

Steps to Address Issues:

Battery Management:

• Go to Phone Settings > Apps > Battery > AppBlock and ensure that no restrictions are applied.

More Information:
Nokia Troubleshoot

If you’re unable to access the available settings in AppBlock, follow these steps:

1. Update AppBlock: Ensure you have the latest version of AppBlock installed, as updates often resolve issues with settings.
2. Check Strict Mode: If Strict Mode is activated, please deactivate it to be able to turn off and on the Available Settings. If you have set up PIN code or Charger unblocking, use one of these methods to disable Strict Mode on your own. If you need assistance deactivating Strict Mode and have not set up these methods, you can contact us via the contact form. Choose “Emergency unblocking” or in case of older versions of AppBlock “I need to unlock my device” for contacting us to receive a one-time unblocking code.
3. Reset Available Settings Option: Once Strict Mode is deactivated, go to AppBlock > Profile (More) > Settings, and toggle the “Show Available Settings” option off and back on again. This usually resolves the issue.

If the problem persists or occurs again, please reach out to us for further assistance.

You can only restore a backup if you have previously created one from Profile (More) > Backup.

The backup feature relies on a stable internet connection. If you encounter the error “Something went wrong”, ensure your connection is stable and try again.

If the issue persists, wait a few minutes as it may be a temporary server problem. Should it continue for more than an hour, please contact our support team for further assistance.

On some devices, particularly Samsung, you may need to enable restricted settings before granting accessibility permissions. These permissions are essential for AppBlock to function correctly.

If the permissions dialog appears and AppBlock is greyed out, follow these steps:

1. Access the Accessibility Settings:
   Go to your device Settings > Accessibility > Installed apps.
   Tap on AppBlock (which will be greyed out).
2. Handle Restricted Settings:
   When the “Restricted settings” screen appears, tap OK.
3. Allow Restricted Settings:
   • Go back to Settings > Apps > AppBlock.
   • Open the 3 dots menu in the top-right corner.
   • Select Allow restricted settings and verify your identity (e.g., PIN, pattern, or biometric).
4. Enable Accessibility Permission:
   • Return to Settings > Accessibility > Installed apps.
   • Tap on AppBlock and switch it from off to on.
   • Confirm the Full Control dialog to grant permissions.

Once these steps are complete, AppBlock should function correctly with the required permissions enabled.

Yes, you can block only notifications from specific apps by following these steps:

Steps to block only notifications:

1. Create a Schedule or QuickBlock as you normally would.
2. Select the apps for which you want to block notifications.
3. Tap on the settings icon in the top-right corner.
4. In the settings menu, disable the “Block Launch” option and ensure the “Block Notifications” option is enabled.
5. Save your settings.

This way, AppBlock will block notifications from the selected apps without preventing you from launching them.

Having troubles with changing app language? Just a few quick steps and it’s done!
1) Open the AppBlock settings by heading to More –> Settings.
2) Tap on Language.
3) Select any language you would like and voilà!

Note: This solution works only for versions 6.3.0 and higher. If you haven’t yet, please consider updating our app. 🙂

To adjust your AppBlock Notifications settings, head to AppBlock > More > Settings > Notifications and choose the notifications you want to receive from AppBlock.

If you want to change the beginning of the day to a different time than 00:00, open AppBlock, go to More > Settings > Beginning of the day and set a new beginning.

Sure thing! You can do so by going to AppBlock > More > Settings > Block screen message and write a message you would like to see on the blocking screen every time you open a blocked app or website.

Sure thing! You can do so by going to AppBlock > Profile (More) > Settings > PIN code. In case you forget your PIN code, don’t hesitate to contact us via the “Emergency unblocking” reason in the contact form, so we can send you an unblocking solution.

If you want to personalize ads, you can give us your consent to use your data to show relevant ads in AppBlock > More > Settings > Ads relevance

AppBlock allows you to customize the notifications you receive to suit your preferences. You can manage these settings in AppBlock > More/Profile > Settings > Notifications.

Notifications are categorized into four sections: General, Schedules, Quick Block, and Statistics.

General:

• Show blocked applications: Displays a notification with a list of all currently blocked applications.

Schedules:

• Before start: Receive a notification a specified time before a schedule starts.
• After end: Notifies you when a schedule stops being active.
• Show blocked notification: Lists all apps whose notifications were blocked while the schedule was active.
• Show remaining application usage: Displays the remaining usage limit for the current app or website in a notification.
• Notification before usage limit reached: Sends a reminder notification before your usage limit is about to run out and blocking resumes.
• Before pause ends: Receive a notification a specified time before a pause ends.

Quick Block:

• After end: Notifies you when the Quick Block timer runs out.
• Show blocked notification: Lists all apps whose notifications were blocked while Quick Block was active.

Statistics:

• Show usage statistics: Displays usage statistics in a notification when the status notification is shown but no apps are currently blocked (e.g., when there’s an unused usage limit).
• Weekly statistics report: Sends a weekly usage report comparing the current week to the previous week.

By customizing these options, you can stay informed about your blocking activities without unnecessary distractions.

AppBlock offers various features that you can customize to make the app work best for your needs. Beyond setting up your Schedules and adjusting Strict Mode in the Blocking and Strict Mode tabs, there are additional settings available under More/Profile > Settings to enhance your experience.

Key Customizable Features

Theme

• Prefer Dark Mode? Change the app theme to Dark Mode here for a more comfortable experience.

Language

• Set your preferred language for the app interface.

Block Screen Message

• Personalize the message displayed on your block screen by writing a custom text here.

Beginning of the Day

• Need usage limits to reset at a time other than midnight? Set a different start time for your day.

Block Screen Timeout

• Set a timeout period before you can close the block screen. This helps prevent multiple attempts to bypass the blocking.

PIN Code

• Protect your AppBlock settings with a PIN code to prevent unauthorized or impulsive changes.

Enable Schedule Pause

• Enable or disable the option to pause schedules based on your preference.

Quick Block on Blocking

• Decide if certain settings should remain accessible while Strict Mode is active.

When Location is Unavailable

• For location-based schedules, enable this feature to ensure schedules still activate even if location services are turned off.

Show Available Settings

• If you want access to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and sound settings while Block Device Settings is active in Strict Mode, turn this feature on.

Blocking App Uninstall

• Enable this feature to prevent AppBlock from being uninstalled, even when Strict Mode is disabled.

Check App Updates

• Turn off this feature if you prefer not to receive notifications about new app updates.

Additional Options

You can also review and adjust:

• Notifications Settings: Manage the types of notifications you receive for schedules, Quick Block, and usage statistics.
• Statistics: Track your app and website usage for better awareness of your digital habits.

By customizing these settings, you can tailor AppBlock to better align with your blocking needs and personal preferences. Access these features via More/Profile > Settings and make the app uniquely yours!

Yes, you can block only the notifications from specific apps without blocking the entire app.

Here’s how:

1. Go to any Schedule in AppBlock.
2. Tap the Settings icon in the top-right corner.
3. Toggle “Launch” off and “Notifications” on.

This ensures that notifications from the selected apps are blocked while still allowing you to access and use the app.