AppBlock on iOS

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.  
   

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.  
   
   

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.

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 Inmidiately” and confirm your choice 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.

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.