AppBlock on iOS

Unfortunately, on iOS 18, it’s no longer possible to block ScreenTime by Shortcuts.

Starting with iOS 18.5, Apple has changed how Shortcuts function, which means blocking the Settings app through Shortcuts is no longer working.

If you want to block settings using Shortcuts, follow the instructions below:

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. This native iOS app allows you to create a sequence of actions from different apps that can be triggered with a single tap.
2. Tap on ‘Automation’ at the bottom, then ‘New Automation’. 
3. Now, select ‘App’. This is where you’ll specify the application you wish to block (like Settings). Once selected, make sure ‘Is Opened’ is marked, choose “Run Immediately” and confirm your choice tapping on Next.
4. Tap on ‘New Blank Automation’ 
5. Proceed to tap on ‘Scripting’, and then ‘Done’.
6. Open the automation, tap ‘No actions’ at ‘Do’, choose ‘Open App’ window, tap on ‘App’, and select ‘Shortcuts’ from the list.
7. Your automation is ready! 
8. The next step is to incorporate AppBlock. Navigate to the AppBlock app, add the Shortcuts app to your Quick Block blocklist, and activate the blocking.
9. Go to settings > Screen Time > When you try to turn off the Screen Time permissions for AppBlock, the Shortcut will navigate you to the blocking screen.
10. Voluntary step: Activate Strict Mode in AppBlock. This ensures that the blocking remains active, eliminating any chance of bypassing it. 

You can also see these steps in this video.

To change the language of the AppBlock app, simply go to your device settings, navigate to AppBlock > Language, and choose your preferred language from the options available.

❗Is it possible to block Settings directly?

Blocking device settings directly is not technically possible on iOS. Apple does not allow any third-party app to fully block access to system settings.

🔄 Workaround using Shortcuts (iOS 16–18)

On iOS 16, 17, and 18, you can still limit access to Settings using Apple’s Shortcuts automation as a workaround.

For detailed instructions on how to do this, please refer to the following guides:

• How to Block Settings on iOS 16 and older with AppBlock
• How to Block Settings on iOS 17 with AppBlock
• How to Block Settings on iOS 18 with AppBlock

These guides will walk you through the steps to block settings effectively using Shortcuts on your device.

On iOS 16 and 17 you can also block only Screen Time permissions with Shortcuts:

• How to Block Screen Time on iOS 16 and older with AppBlock
• How to Block Screen Time on iOS 17 with AppBlock

We understand that blocking access to device settings can be important for staying focused and avoiding distractions. Let’s clarify what’s possible on iOS and how to approach it.

⚠️ Important change in iOS 26

Starting with iOS 26, Apple introduced changes that make Shortcuts-based blocking no longer effective for blocking device settings.

This means:

• The previous workaround using Shortcuts does not work reliably anymore
• There is currently no alternative method to block Settings on iOS 26

This is a system-level limitation, and unfortunately, it’s outside of AppBlock’s control.

⏳ What’s next?

We’re continuously monitoring changes in iOS and exploring any new possibilities. If Apple introduces new ways to manage access to system settings, we’ll make sure to support them.

Blocking Settings on devices with iOS16 and older:

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. This native iOS app allows you to create a sequence of actions from different apps that can be triggered with a single tap.
2. Tap on ‘Automation’, then ‘Create Personal Automation’.
3. Select ‘App’, choose the application you wish to block (like Settings), and confirm.
4. Once selected, make sure ‘Is Closed’ is marked, choose “Run Immediately” and confirm your choice by tapping on Next.
5. Proceed to tap on ‘Scripting’, and then ‘Open App’.
6. In the ‘Open App’ window, tap on ‘App’, and select ‘Shortcuts’.
7. Turn off ‘Ask Before Running’, and confirm ‘Don’t Ask’ in the pop-up.
8. Hit ‘Done’ to save your automation.
9. Head over to the AppBlock app, add the Shortcuts app to your blocklist, and activate the blocking.
10. Go to settings > Screen Time > When you try to turn off the Screen Time permissions for AppBlock, the Shortcut will navigate you to the blocking screen.

Voluntary step: Activate Strict Mode in AppBlock. This ensures that the blocking remains active, eliminating any chance of bypassing it.

You can also see these steps in this video

Blocking Settings on devices with iOS17:

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. This native iOS app allows you to create a sequence of actions from different apps that can be triggered with a single tap.
2. Tap on ‘Automation’ at the bottom, then ‘New Automation’. 
3. Now, select ‘App’. This is where you’ll specify the application you wish to block (like Settings). Once selected, make sure ‘Is Opened‘ is marked, choose “Run Inmidiately” and confirm your choice tapping on Next.
4. Tap on ‘New Blank Automation’ and ‘Add Action’
5. Proceed to tap on ‘Scripting’, and then ‘Open App’.
6. In the ‘Open App’ window, tap on ‘App’, and select ‘Shortcuts’ from the list.
7. Your automation is ready! Hit ‘Done’ to save it.
8. The next step is to incorporate AppBlock. Navigate to the AppBlock app, add the Shortcuts app to your Quick Block blocklist, and activate the blocking.
9. Go to Settings. Once you try to open it, the blocking screen will appear.
   
   Voluntary step: Activate Strict Mode in AppBlock. This ensures that the blocking remains active, eliminating any chance of bypassing it.  

You can also see these steps in this video

Blocking Screentime on devices with iOS17:

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. This native iOS app allows you to create a sequence of actions from different apps that can be triggered with a single tap.
2. Tap on ‘Automation’ at the bottom, then ‘New Automation’. 
3. Now, select ‘App’. This is where you’ll specify the application you wish to block (like Settings). Once selected, make sure ‘Is Closed‘ is marked, choose “Run Inmidiately” and confirm your choice tapping on Next.
4. Tap on ‘New Blank Automation’ and ‘Add Action’
5. Proceed to tap on ‘Scripting’, and then ‘Open App’.
6. In the ‘Open App’ window, tap on ‘App’, and select ‘Shortcuts’ from the list.
7. Your automation is ready! Hit ‘Done’ to save it.
8. The next step is to incorporate AppBlock. Navigate to the AppBlock app, add the Shortcuts app to your Quick Block blocklist, and activate the blocking.
9. Go to settings > Screen Time > When you try to turn off the Screen Time permissions for AppBlock, the Shortcut will navigate you to the blocking screen.
   
   Voluntary step: Activate Strict Mode in AppBlock. This ensures that the blocking remains active, eliminating any chance of bypassing it.  

You can also see these steps in this video

If you want to block the access to your general settings, you can follow our step-by-step guide bellow.

Blocking Settings on devices with iOS16 and older:

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on ‘Automation’, then ‘Create Personal Automation’.
3. Select ‘App’, choose the application you wish to block (like Settings), and confirm.
4. Tap on ‘Scripting’, then ‘Open App’.
5. In the ‘Open App’ window, tap on ‘App’, and select ‘Shortcuts’.
6. Turn off ‘Ask Before Running’, and confirm ‘Don’t Ask’ in the pop-up.
7. Hit ‘Done’ to save your automation.
8. Head over to the AppBlock app, add the Shortcuts app to your blocklist, and activate the blocking.
9. Lastly, activate Strict Mode in AppBlock to ensure your blocking stays active.

Full article with video tutorial here.