How to block apps on iPhone
AppBlock lets you block individual apps, app categories, or your entire device — on a schedule or on demand. Here’s how to set it up.
Step 1: Open AppBlock and start a new block
- Open AppBlock.
- Tap + (or + Add) in the Schedules tab, or use Quick Block for an immediate one-off block.
Step 2: Choose your blocking condition
Pick how you want the block to be triggered:
- Time schedule: apps are blocked between selected hours.
- Open limit: apps are blocked after a set number of opens per day.
- Usage limit: apps are blocked after a set amount of usage time per day.
- Location: apps are blocked when you arrive at a specific place.
Step 3: Select the apps to block
- Add Apps/Websites/Safari keywords — if you use a Time Schedule or a Location schedule, you can also block websites or Safari keywords. Open Limit and Usage limit Schedules only work for app blocking.
- Pick apps from categories (Social, Games, etc.) or use the search bar to find specific apps.
- Confirm your selection.
Tip: If the search bar or the Other category crashes, type any emoji first and then the app name. This is a known iOS Screen Time issue on some older iOS versions and the emoji trick usually fixes it.
Step 4: Save and activate
Tap Save, and your block becomes active based on the condition you chose.
Step 5: Make your setup unchangeable with Strict Mode (Optional)
Once you’ve created your block, you can lock it in place with Strict Mode. This prevents you from disabling the block, deleting the schedule, or changing your blocklist in a moment of weakness.
For full setup instructions, see How to use Strict Mode.
Best Practices
- Start with a small group of apps — it’s easier to stick to.
- Use realistic limits so you don’t sabotage yourself.
- Combine schedules with Strict Mode for stronger focus.
