Help

Question 1

How to block websites

Accepted Answer

How to block websites?

There are two ways to block websites – either using specific URLs or using keywords for mass blocking.URL blocking blocks only the specified link and nothing else. This is great for when you spend too much time on specific websites, such as facebook.com, twitter.com, reddit.com or youtube.com.

Here are the steps how to block specific URLs:

Create a Schedule or QuickBlock as usual.

In the step where you select the applications, at the top, tap on webs.

Type in a website you want to block by entering the URL or select from the suggested list. Only the part before the slash character (“/”) is recognised. Tap at “add”. Repeat until you have added all URLs that you wish to add.

Save.

Note: You may block both websites and apps using the same schedule. Just set up the apps, change to the webs tab, set it up and save.

If you want to add many similar websites at once, you can do so using keywords instead. The keyword is checked in the domain of the URL (before the slash character (“/”), unless specified otherwise. If you want to also block the keyword if it is after the slash, Change the “in domain” to “anywhere in URL".  It can help you block search results and more.

Steps are pretty similar:

Create a Schedule or QuickBlock as usual.

In the step where you select the applications, at the top, tap on keywords.

Optional: For more information about keywords, press the information bubble on the top right.

Type in a keyword you want to block by typing it into the field.entering the URL or select from the suggested list.

If you want the current keyword to be blocked anywhere, choose “Anywhere in URL option”.

Tap the “add” button to add it to the list.

Repeat until you have added all keywords that you wish to add.

Save

To edit URLs or keywords, hold the item and select edit. Preset websites in the initial list cannot be edited, only selected/unselected.

Question 2

How to block Newly Installed Apps

Accepted Answer

Do you find yourself downloading new applications to circumvent your blocking? This may be the solution:

Create a Schedule or QuickBlock as usual.

In the step where you select the applications and website you want to block, select Add newly installed apps.

Read the information in the pop-up and press ADD.

Save.

Note: It can take a short time until AppBlock gets notified that a new application has been installed.

Question 3

My apps are not blocked in split-screen

Accepted Answer

If you are having any troubles with split-screen not being blocked correctly, try enabling the AppBlock accessibility service for more efficient blocking.

1) Tap Downloaded services and find AppBlock.2) Tap AppBlock and hit turn ON.3) Tap OK to confirm.

Question 4

How to block in intervals

Accepted Answer

Sometimes you just need a break. Setting short breaks at set times in your time schedules becomes easy with this guide:

Go to the Blocking tab. In the Schedules section, tap + Add to create a new schedule.

As the blocking condition select Time

Select the days you want to block the apps. Any red days will be blocked.

Next to times, on the right tap the button Add (+)

Select your first time interval by selecting the FROM time, switching to the TO tab and finally clicking OK.

Tap Add (+) again to add a second time interval.

Repeat as often as needed. You can update intervals by tapping on them or tapping X to remove them. The bar under the times shows when the blocking will be active. The schedule will be ON for any red parts on the selected days.

Note: Schedules are activated automatically after creating them. You do not have to enable them manually after setting them up.Note: In AppBlock versions 5.X, Schedules are found in the menu on the left > Schedules.

Question 5

How to block system apps

Accepted Answer

Starting with iOS 16.4, you can use the built-in search in blocklist to find your system apps (for instance Safari) even when they are not visible on the list. This will allow you to choose these apps for blocking. Please note that your keywords blockings will have no effect with the entire Safari blocked.

It is also not possible to add system apps to allowlist.

Question 6

How to block Safari

Accepted Answer

Starting with iOS 16.4, you can now use the built-in search feature in the blocklist to find Safari or other system apps. This makes it easier to select and block apps that aren't immediately visible in the list (without searching first). Please keep in mind that blocking Safari entirely will override any keyword blockings you have set up.

Additionally, Safari blocking won't be effective if you are using the Allowlist feature.

Question 7

How to set the shortcut for Quick Block?

Accepted Answer

Shortcut will allow you to turn Quick Block ON or OFF with single tap

Open Quick Settings - swipe down from the top of the screen to see your notifications and Quick Settings

Enter Edit mode - the way to edit your selected Quick Settings can be different on various devices. Look for a pen icon

Find and Add Quick Block - scroll to find the icon, then hold and drag to add it.

Question 8

My website/keyword blocking is not working after recent update

Accepted Answer

We’re aware that after updating to version 7.1.1 or 7.1.2, some websites and keywords may not be blocked as expected. We’re working on a fix that will be included in version 7.1.3, which we’ll release as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you remove the "Block Recent Apps" condition in Strict Mode, website blocking should work again. Once the update is available, please be sure to update AppBlock to fully resolve the issue.

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Question 9

I can't find a recently downloaded app on my blocklist

Accepted Answer

If you’ve downloaded a new app but it doesn’t appear in the list of apps to block, try restarting your device. After restarting, the app should show up in the picker.

Question 10

Can I block keywords on AppBlock extensions?

Accepted Answer

You surely can! You can block desired keywords both in QuickBlock and in Schedules. :)This is available for Chrome, Safari and Edge extensions.

Question 11

Can I use Whitelist/Allowlist on AppBlock extensions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have included Allowlist blocking in our extensions. Here are the places where you can set it:
1. QuickBlock – Right bellow header “QuickBlock” you can choose between “Blocklist” and “Allowlist” (default option is Blocklist). You can change it by clicking at the text or small down arrow next to it.

2. Schedules – Similarly as in QuickBlock part, you can find the “Blocklist” option at the left side, right under the day selection. You can change it to “Allowlist” by clicking on the “Blocklist” text or small down arrow next to it.

Question 12

Why does my Blocklist on extension erase when I switch to Allowlist and vice versa?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry, it's not a bug! :) We have decided to make this rule to prevent possible bypassing and prevent easy blocking cancelation.

Question 13

Does AppBlock extension block adult content (porn blocking)?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we do not support global blocking of adult content but are working hard on implementing it in the future. In the meantime, you can block individual websites and related keywords.

Question 14

Can AppBlock block notifications?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! On all devices running iOS 16 and above, when you use QuickBlock or set up a Schedule to block a specific app, it not only blocks the app itself but also blocks any notifications from that app. This ensures that you're fully protected from distractions, as you won't receive any alerts or notifications from the blocked app while it's being restricted.

Question 15

I don't see a list of apps to block

Accepted Answer

If you’re unable to see the list of apps to block, try the following steps:

Restart the AppBlock Application: Close the AppBlock app completely and then reopen it.

Close and Reopen Settings: If you're in the QuickBlock or Schedule settings, close those screens and try entering them again.

Restart Your Device: If the issue persists, try restarting your device to see if that resolves the problem.

Please note that iOS manages this component directly, so we can't guarantee it will always work perfectly. If the issue continues to occur, please contact our support team for further assistance.

Question 16

The app I deleted remains on the blocking list

Accepted Answer

iOS manages this component directly, so we can't guarantee that it will always work perfectly. If you notice that a deleted app remains on the blocking list, you can try refreshing your blocking settings within the AppBlock app. Here's how:

For AppBlock version 3.7.0 and older:

Open AppBlock: Launch the AppBlock application on your device.

Navigate to the Blocking Tab: Tap on the “Blocking” tab within the app interface.

Pull to Refresh: Swipe down on the screen to initiate the refresh process.

Notification: Once completed, a notification stating “Blocking refreshed” will appear at the bottom of your screen.

For AppBlock version 3.8.0 and newer:

Open AppBlock: Launch the AppBlock application on your device.

Navigate to the Blocking Tab: Tap on the “Blocking” tab within the app interface.

Tap the Refresh Icon: Tap the icon in the top right corner to refresh the blockings.

If refreshing the blockings doesn't resolve the issue, please contact our support team for further assistance.

Question 17

Why do I see websites among the apps in the blocklist?

Accepted Answer

The websites you see in the blocklist are system suggestions based on your browsing activity in Safari. They appear in the list because iOS manages the entire blocklist, and we do not have control over what is displayed. This is normal behavior managed by the iOS system.

If you want to ensure a specific website is visible on the blocklist, simply open the website in Safari, then go to the "Other" category in AppBlock to add it to the list.

Question 18

Blocking with empty Allowlist doesn't block everything

Accepted Answer

This is due to system behavior. Certain system apps, such as Phone, Find My, Settings, and similar, will always be allowed, regardless of the Allowlist settings.

Additionally, there is an "Always Allowed" list in your device's Settings > Screen Time that can interfere with AppBlock's Allowlist. If you find that some apps (typically Messages) are not being blocked when they should be, please check the "Always Allowed" list and adjust it as needed.

Question 19

Blocklist shows apps without icons and with strange names

Accepted Answer

This issue can occur if you are using AppBlock on multiple devices. When some apps are installed on one device but not on another, AppBlock might display these apps without icons or with strange names in the picker on the second device, even if the app isn’t downloaded on that device.

This behavior is a result of syncing across devices, and while it might look unusual, it doesn’t affect the functionality of the blocking settings.

Question 20

Unable to turn on Safari extension for keyword blocking

Accepted Answer

Before activating the AppBlock Safari extension for keyword blocking, it’s essential to deactivate all currently active website blocks. If you are a Premium user, you can use the “Pause” feature to temporarily disable active website blocking.

Once you’ve successfully unblocked the websites, you can proceed to enable the Safari extension in your device settings and set up keyword blocking. This ensures that your selected keywords are accurately detected and that the associated apps or content are appropriately restricted.

Question 21

Can I pause the blocking on AppBlock extensions?

Accepted Answer

Of course, you can pause the blocking any time! You can pause Schedule blocking by clicking on the 3 dots at the right side of the specific Schedule and selecting “Pause” option. For pausing QuickBlock, you will have to click only at the “Pause” button.

Question 22

My apps are still blocked even though my schedules are inactive

Accepted Answer

If your scheduled blocks aren’t working as expected, you can refresh the blocking settings within the AppBlock app. Here’s how:

On appBlock version 3.7.0 and older:

Open AppBlock: Launch the AppBlock application on your device.

Navigate to the Blocking Tab: Tap on the "Blocking" tab within the app interface.

Pull to Refresh: Simply swipe down on the screen to initiate the refresh process.

Once completed, a notification stating "Blocking refreshed" will appear at the bottom of your screen.

On AppBlock version > 3.8.0:

Open AppBlock: Launch the AppBlock application on your device.

Navigate to the Blocking Tab: Tap on the “Blocking” tab within the app interface.

Tap at the refresh icon: Simply tap at the icon in the top right corner to refresh the blockings.

This refresh feature ensures that your blocking settings are up to date and functioning correctly, resolving any issues with app access according to your schedules.

Question 23

Synchronize your blocking settings across devices using Backups

Accepted Answer

Starting from version 3.7.0, it is now possible to synchronize your blocking settings across devices. To do this, you need to be signed in to the app and have an active internet connection to create a backup. You can easily create a backup by going to AppBlock > Profile > Backup > New Backup. This will allow you to transfer your Schedules and QuickBlock settings to another device, ensuring your preferences are maintained across all your iOS mobile devices.

Question 24

I need to unblock my apps/websites

Accepted Answer

First, let's determine what is blocking your access.

If a Schedule/Quick Block is blocking You: The easiest solution is to simply change the blocking parameters within the schedule.

If you are in Strict Mode: The deactivation condition must be fulfilled before you can unblock your apps or websites. We currently offer 5 deactivation conditions: Charger, PIN code, Approval, Cooldown, and None (Timer + Follow Schedules).

Emergency situation: If you're in an emergency and have the Follow Schedules/Timer condition applied with no way to deactivate Strict Mode, please contact support and select the reason "I need to unlock my device." We will send you a one-time code that will deactivate Strict Mode and delete the PIN code to access AppBlock, if you have set one up.

If you encounter any other issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help!

Question 25

The "Other" category shows a system screen crash when I open it

Accepted Answer

We understand how frustrating it is when the system screen crashes, preventing you from blocking apps. Unfortunately, these crashes are tied to the system's Screen Time functionality and aren't caused by our app.

To avoid this issue, we recommend using the search bar instead of the "Other" category to block apps and websites. If the screen crashes in the search bar as well, try typing an emoji before entering the app name to help prevent it. Once the app name is entered, you can delete the emoji and proceed.

Question 26

The search bar in blocklist shows "system screen has crashed"

Accepted Answer

We understand how frustrating it is when the search bar in AppBlock doesn't work. This issue is often linked to the system's Screen Time functionality, which our app relies on, and it affects other blocking apps as well.

As a workaround, try typing an emoji before entering the app name in the search bar to avoid  the crash. Once the app name is entered, you can delete the emoji and proceed.

Question 27

Apps that I did not block are being blocked

Accepted Answer

If apps that you did not block are being blocked, refreshing your blocking settings in the AppBlock app may resolve the issue. Here’s how:

For AppBlock version 3.7.0 and older:

Open AppBlock: Launch the AppBlock app on your device.

Navigate to the Blocking Tab: Tap on the “Blocking” tab.

Pull to Refresh: Swipe down on the screen to refresh. A “Blocking refreshed” notification will appear at the bottom once completed.

For AppBlock version 3.8.0 and newer:

Open AppBlock: Launch the AppBlock app on your device.

Navigate to the Blocking Tab: Tap on the “Blocking” tab.

Tap the Refresh Icon: Tap the refresh icon in the top right corner to update your blockings.

Refreshing the settings helps ensure that only the apps you've selected are being blocked, correcting any unintended blockages.If refreshing the settings doesn’t resolve the issue, please feel free to contact our support team for further assistance.

Question 28

My Messenger app is blocked even though I did not select it

Accepted Answer

In some cases, when you block Facebook through the app picker (instead of manually adding it as a website via Safari URL), AppBlock may also block the Messenger app due to a recognized connection between the two.

This typically happens when "facebook.com" or "m.facebook.com" is blocked in the app picker, causing Messenger to be blocked as well. To avoid this issue, we recommend unselecting all Facebook-related websites in the app picker and instead blocking them through the websites picker.

This method should prevent Messenger from being blocked while still allowing you to block Facebook.

Question 29

Apps should be blocked but I can still access them

Accepted Answer

If your apps should be blocked but you can still access them, please refresh the blocking settings within the AppBlock app to resolve the issue. Here’s how:

For AppBlock version 3.7.0 and older:

Open AppBlock: Launch the AppBlock app on your device.

Navigate to the Blocking Tab: Tap on the “Blocking” tab.

Pull to Refresh: Swipe down on the screen to refresh. A “Blocking refreshed” notification will appear at the bottom once completed.

For AppBlock version 3.8.0 and newer:

Open AppBlock: Launch the AppBlock app on your device.

Navigate to the Blocking Tab: Tap on the “Blocking” tab.

Tap the Refresh Icon: Tap the refresh icon in the top right corner to update your blockings.

This refresh process should help enforce the blocking settings, ensuring that apps are properly blocked according to your schedules. If the refresh does not resolve the issue, please contact our support and send us a short video (max 20MB) showing your blocking settings, so we can assist you further.

Question 30

Why can't I block my device settings?

Accepted Answer

Blocking device settings directly is technically impossible because Apple does not allow any third-party app to block access to device settings. However, you can still block access to settings using the Shortcuts feature on your device.

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

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

How to Block Settings on iOS 17 with AppBlock

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

Question 31

Why can't I use incognito mode on Safari?

Accepted Answer

Incognito mode on Safari is disabled when blocking websites to prevent bypassing the block. Since websites visited in incognito mode cannot be tracked, it would be impossible to block them. Disabling incognito mode ensures that the website blocking functions as intended.

Question 32

My location schedules do not work

Accepted Answer

If location schedules are not working, please try the following steps:

Check Location Permissions: Ensure that location permissions are granted for AppBlock.

Toggle Location Services: Try turning location services off and on again in your device settings.

Recreate the Location Schedule: Delete the existing location schedule and create a new one.

Extend the Radius: Increase the radius for the location schedule to improve accuracy.

Refresh the Blocking: Refresh the blocking settings as mentioned in the article to ensure everything is up to date.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, please send us a short video (max 20MB) of your blocking settings to our support team, so we can take a closer look and assist you further.

Question 33

I cannot uninstall AppBlock

Accepted Answer

If AppBlock cannot be uninstalled, it is likely due to an active Strict Mode. To uninstall AppBlock, Strict Mode must be deactivated first. If deactivation isn't possible on your own, please contact us and select the "I need to unlock my device" (or "emergency unblocking" in the app) reason for assistance.

Question 34

My apps are still blocked even though I uninstalled AppBlock

Accepted Answer

If your apps are still blocked even after uninstalling AppBlock, it can sometimes happen because the system doesn’t immediately recognize that AppBlock is no longer managing the blocks.

iOS handles this component directly, so we can't guarantee it will always work perfectly. If an app remains blocked, you can try refreshing your blocking settings within the AppBlock app. Here’s how:

For AppBlock version 3.7.0 and older:

Open AppBlock: Launch the AppBlock application on your device.

Navigate to the Blocking Tab: Tap on the “Blocking” tab within the app interface.

Pull to Refresh: Swipe down on the screen to initiate the refresh process.

Notification: Once completed, a notification stating “Blocking refreshed” will appear at the bottom of your screen.

For AppBlock version 3.8.0 and newer:

Open AppBlock: Launch the AppBlock application on your device.

Navigate to the Blocking Tab: Tap on the “Blocking” tab within the app interface.

Tap the Refresh Icon: Tap the icon in the top right corner to refresh the blockings.

If refreshing the blockings doesn’t resolve the issue, please contact our support team for further assistance.

Question 35

My keyword blocking is not working

Accepted Answer

Before activating the AppBlock Safari extension for keyword blocking, it’s essential to deactivate all currently active website blocks. If you are a Premium user, you can use the “Pause” feature to temporarily disable active website blocking. Once you’ve successfully unblocked the websites, you can proceed to enable the Safari extension in your device settings and set up keyword blocking. This ensures that your selected keywords are accurately detected and that the associated apps or content are appropriately restricted.

If you’ve already done this, please make sure you are using the Safari browser to open the sites that should be blocked by keyword blocking. If the issue persists, please contact our support team and send us a short video (max 20MB) displaying your blocking settings so we can take a closer look.

Question 36

Websites are not being blocked

Accepted Answer

If websites are not being blocked and you're using usage limits, please ensure that you are using the Safari browser to open the sites. Usage limit website blocking only works on Safari.

If you are using Safari and the issue persists, please try refreshing your blocking settings within the AppBlock app.

Here’s how:

For AppBlock version 3.7.0 and older:

Open AppBlock: Launch the AppBlock app on your device.

Navigate to the Blocking Tab: Tap on the “Blocking” tab within the app interface.

Pull to Refresh: Swipe down on the screen to initiate the refresh process.

Notification: Once completed, a notification stating “Blocking refreshed” will appear at the bottom of your screen.

For AppBlock version 3.8.0 and newer:

Open AppBlock: Launch the AppBlock app on your device.

Navigate to the Blocking Tab: Tap on the “Blocking” tab within the app interface.

Tap the Refresh Icon: Tap the icon in the top right corner to refresh the blockings.

If refreshing the blockings doesn’t resolve the issue, please contact our support team and send us a short video (max 20MB) displaying your blocking settings so we can take a closer look.

Question 37

Apps on Allowlist are blocked despite being allowed

Accepted Answer

If the apps on your Allowlist are still being blocked, please check if you have more than 50 apps allowed across all your schedules. Unfortunately, the system may struggle to reliably block or allow more than 50 apps at once, which can cause inconsistencies.

Please try adjusting your blocking settings, or consider removing the current Allowlist and setting it up again, with one or two changes to the apps included.

Question 38

I can't block Screen Time with shortcuts on iOS 18

Accepted Answer

With the release of iOS 18, there have been changes that affect how Screen Time can be blocked using shortcuts. Previously, you could block Screen Time through shortcuts to help manage your device usage. However, in iOS 18, this method no longer works because Screen Time is disabled before the system redirects you to the Shortcuts app, making it impossible to block.

Alternative Solution: Block the Entire Settings App

While blocking Screen Time directly through shortcuts is no longer possible, you can still block the entire Settings app using shortcuts. This way, you can prevent access to important settings like Screen Time and reduce the likelihood of bypassing AppBlock restrictions.

AppBlock on Extensions

Blocking

Can I pause the blocking on AppBlock extensions?

Can I block keywords on AppBlock extensions?

Can I use Whitelist/Allowlist on AppBlock extensions?

Why does my Blocklist on extension erase when I switch to Allowlist and vice versa?

Does AppBlock extension block adult content (porn blocking)?

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