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. 🙂

Some users have encountered a blocked UI system due to the “Block recent apps” feature. Here’s how you can resolve it:

1. Deactivate Strict Mode: If you’re able to, use one of the unblocking methods, like connecting your device to a charger or entering a PIN, to deactivate Strict Mode. In case you have not set a PIN code or charger unblocking, contact us using the Contact Support form and choose “Emergency unblocking” reason for contacting us.
2. Turn Off “Block Recent Apps”: Once Strict Mode is deactivated, go into your settings and disable the “Block recent apps” feature to prevent this issue from recurring.

Figure out what’s blocking you:

• Schedule/Quick Block without active Strict Mode: Simply adjust or disable the schedule.
• Strict Mode is activated: Fulfill the deactivation condition:
  • Use a Charger, PIN Code, or wait for the Timer/Follow schedules condition to expire (if no PIN/Charger deactivation method is set).

Urgent unblock (Strict Mode deactivation):

• If you don’t have a charger or PIN set, go to Contact support in the app.
• Select “Emergency Unblocking” (or “I need to unlock my device” in older versions).
• We’ll send a one-time code to disable Strict Mode and remove the PIN.

If you have any other problems, don’t be afraid to reach out to us.

If you’ve forgotten your PIN, here’s how to regain access:

1. Go to Profile (More) > Help and FAQ in the AppBlock app.
2. Scroll down to Contact Support and choose Emergency Unblocking as the reason.

We’ll send you a one-time code to unlock Strict Mode and remove the PIN, so you can open AppBlock again.

That’s it! You’ll then be able to reset your PIN if needed.

If you cannot uninstall AppBlock, follow these steps:

1. Check Strict Mode Status:
   • Go to Strict Mode > Options and check if the “Disable AppBlock Uninstalling” feature is enabled.
2. Disable Strict Mode:
   • You’ll need to turn off Strict Mode first. If you don’t have access to the PIN code or Charger method and “block device settings” option is also turned on, this step may require
     contacting support.
3. Uninstall Through Device Settings:
   • If “Block Device Settings” is not enabled in Strict Mode:
     • Go to your device’s Settings > Device Admin Apps.
     • Disable AppBlock as a device admin app.
     • Proceed to uninstall AppBlock as usual.

If you’re still facing issues, reach out to our support team for assistance.

Just attaching your charger is not enough. With the charger attached, you must go into the locked schedule’s detail page and press the little lock on the top right hand corner to unlock the schedule.

Occasionally, the schedule cannot be unlocked even if the charger is connected. Try reconnecting the charger with the locked schedule’s detail screen opened and wait for a while, then try to unlock it again. You cannot use the charger to unlock a schedule which is locked for a set time. In this case, you will have to wait until the timer runs out.

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.