Why is AppBlock blocking websites or apps I did not expect?
If a website you blocked still loads, the cause usually relates to how iOS handles web blocking, the browser you’re using, or If AppBlock is blocking more than you intended, it’s usually due to overlap between your rules or keyword blocking catching sites you didn’t expect. Here’s how to find the culprit.
Common causes
- Keyword blocking is too broad. A keyword like “bet” will also block words that contain it (like “better”). Try a more specific keyword or block the full website instead.
- Overlapping schedules. If two schedules are active, the strictest one wins — so a second schedule may be blocking something you forgot about.
- An active Allowlist. In Allowlist mode, AppBlock blocks everything except the apps you allowed.
- Category blocking. Blocking a category (like Social or Games) automatically covers every app iOS files under it — including ones you didn’t pick individually.
How to fix it
- Review your active schedules one by one.
- Check whether any are in Allowlist mode.
- Narrow down broad categories or keywords.
- Refresh your blocking after making changes.
If you still can’t explain a block, contact support and we’ll help you trace it.
