Why AppBlock cannot fully block all iPhone settings

Many users want to block access to Settings or Screen Time to prevent themselves from disabling AppBlock. Here’s what’s possible and why it’s limited.

Why direct blocking isn’t possible

Apple does not allow third-party apps to directly block access to the Settings app or Screen Time. This is an iOS restriction, not an AppBlock limitation.

The Shortcuts workaround

As a workaround, AppBlock uses Apple’s Shortcuts app to redirect you to AppBlock whenever you open Settings.

This works on:

• iOS 16 and older: Settings and Screen Time can both be blocked via Shortcuts.
• iOS 17: Settings and Screen Time can both be blocked via Shortcuts.
• iOS 18: Settings blocking still works; Screen Time blocking is no longer reliable.
• iOS 26+: Neither Settings nor Screen Time blocking via Shortcuts is reliable.

What you can do on iOS 26+

Since iOS 26.4, Apple has added the option to set up a Screen Time Passcode that’s separate from your iPhone passcode. If a trusted friend sets that passcode for you, you won’t be able to easily disable Screen Time permissions for AppBlock from Settings.

See “How to block Settings or Screen Time on iPhone” for the full setup.