How to use Strict Mode
Strict Mode is AppBlock’s commitment layer. Once activated, it prevents you from turning off your blocks, editing your schedules, or uninstalling AppBlock — even when temptation hits.
What Strict Mode does
When Strict Mode is active, you can’t:
- Turn off active schedules or Quick Blocks.
- Edit or delete your blocking rules.
- Remove apps or websites from your blocklist.
- Uninstall AppBlock.
To unlock, you’ll need to fulfill the access method you chose when activating Strict Mode.
How to activate Strict Mode
- Open AppBlock.
- Go to Strict Mode.
- Choose an Access method (see options below).
- Tap Options to fine-tune what Strict Mode restricts.
- Tap Activate.
Access methods
- PIN — set a code you’ll need to enter to unlock. We recommend this for beginners since you stay in control.
- Charger — Strict Mode stays active until you plug your phone into a charger. Great for breaking phone-in-bed habits.
- Timer — Strict Mode stays on for a set period and unlocks automatically when it ends.
- Cooldown — when you try to unlock, you have to wait a set amount of time before it takes effect. By the time the cooldown ends, the urge to bypass your block has usually passed.
- Follow schedules — Strict Mode is only active while your blocking schedules are running.
- Approval — ask a trusted person to approve your unlock request. The strongest single option for serious commitments.
- Timer & PIN code — combines a timer with a PIN for extra protection.
- Timer & Charger — combines a timer with a charger requirement.
- Follow schedules & PIN code — schedule-based lock with PIN confirmation.
- Follow schedules & Charger — schedule-based lock with charger requirement.
What can Strict Mode lock down?
In Options, you can pick exactly what Strict Mode restricts:
- Lock blockings in app — you won’t be able to edit, pause, or delete your blockings in AppBlock. This is the core Strict Mode protection.
- Disable AppBlock uninstalling — you won’t be able to uninstall AppBlock itself.
- Block device settings — prevents access to device Settings.
- Block recent apps — prevents using the recent apps switcher.
- Block split screen — prevents using split screen mode.
- Block reinstalled applications — blocks apps even if you reinstall them.
You can turn each of these on or off independently, depending on how strict you want your setup to be.
Recommendations
- For your first time, choose PIN or Charger so you can disable Strict Mode if something feels off.
- For serious focus goals, use Approval or a combined method like Timer & PIN code.
- Avoid setting up a complicated Strict Mode setup right before an important event, in case you accidentally lock yourself out of something essential.
Final tip
Strict Mode works best when you commit to it ahead of time. Set it up when you’re feeling motivated — not when you’re already trying to resist temptation.
