Frequently Asked Questions

If apps/websites are not being blocked as expected, please follow these steps:

1. Restart Your Device:

   Often, a simple device restart can resolve minor issues.
   After restarting your device, please wait for 1 to 2 minutes before opening the Blockin app.

2. Update the App:

   Make sure you're using the latest version from the App Store.

3. Check Your Settings:

   Review your Block settings for Block Time/Daily Usage Limit, selected Days, and chosen Apps to ensure they're set correctly.

If you're an iOS user and encounter issues with unintended app blocking, review the scenarios below to find a solution that matches your situation:

Please check that no "Websites related to the apps you've blocked" have been inadvertently selected. Due to the workings of Apple's Screen Time API, selecting a related website can result in the associated app being blocked, even if you did not specifically choose to block the app itself.

Be particularly cautious when selecting broader "Categories" (such as Social Media or Games). If you deselect an app but leave a related website selected within that category, the app will continue to be blocked.

Note: Even if no websites related to the apps you've blocked are selected, using those websites in browser apps (e.g., Google Chrome, Safari) can still cause the associated app to be blocked.

Please note, the list of websites displayed on the app selection screen is automatically managed by Apple's system. Consequently, it is not possible to manually add or remove websites within the Blockin app.

Yes, Safari can be blocked just like other apps.

Simply search for 'Safari' in the search bar at the top of the app selection screen. Once found, select it for blocking.
After selecting, tap the ‘Cancel’ button in the upper right corner and proceed to block settings.

Note: If the search bar is not visible, it may be an issue related to the device's OS version. Updating your device could resolve this problem.

If the screen time data isn't showing up on the home screen of the Blockin app, restart your device first.
Then, open the Blockin app and wait for a moment before pressing the update button at the top right of the home screen.

Yes, Normal Mode is also available to Blockin MAX users. When setting up a Block, you can switch to Normal Mode by turning off Blockin Assist on the confirmation screen.
If you wish to change the mode for an existing Block, you can toggle Blockin Assist on or off by tapping the edit button on the specific Block's detail screen.

To delete a setting :

• go to the Home Screen and tap on your setting
• Tap edit setting
• Tap Delete setting

Please note: If your setting is in Lockout mode, deletion is only possible once the setting period is over.

Blocking specific sites will become available in a future update.

In the meantime, try entering the website name directly into the search bar on the app/website selection screen.
It may then become selectable for blocking. Please give it a try.

For safety reasons, essential apps for emergencies, such as the Phone and Messages apps, cannot be blocked.

To see or change which apps are always allowed:

• Go to Settings
• Tap Screen Time
• Select 'Always Allowed'

You can choose whether to share these restrictions across devices.

To manage this setting:

• Go to Settings.
• Tap Screen Time.
• Select 'Share Across Devices' (the name might vary slightly, such as 'Device Sharing'), located at the bottom of the screen, to toggle it on or off.

This feature will be supported in a future update. Stay tuned!

Yes, there is a free version available. For more solid blocking and undistracted focus, we recommend upgrading to Blockin MAX.

No, your data is not shared.

For iOS (iPhone) users, your Screen Time data is protected by Apple. It is stored in a sandbox environment inaccessible to Blockin.
Similarly, for Android users, we do not collect any personal information or app usage data. All data is stored on the user's own device.

Routine Block enforces restrictions in two key ways:

• Limit Block: Activates when you reach your 'Daily Usage Limits'
• Time Block: Activates during the 'Block Time' you've scheduled to maintain focus and avoid distractions.

Once these criteria are met, Blockin's overlay shield will appear on your app's screen. Don't worry, your app will not be forced to close.

Consider upgrading to Blockin MAX for stronger enforcement. This plan allows you to activate Blocks with additional modes for enhanced focus::

• Lockout Mode: Ensures complete engagement with no exits or breaks.
• Timeout Mode: Introduces increasing delays for breaks to maintain deep focus.

Upgrading will prevent blocks from being removed, allowing for more robust blocking options.

'Blockins' (Smile Balls) are awarded based on your use of Routine Blocks and Quick Blocks. The more effectively you maintain your blocks, the more 'Blockins' you collect.

• For Routine Block: Earn 3 'Blockins' for each target day. Note that expressions may change with every unblock.
• For Quick Block: Complete your Focus Time to receive a 'Blockin.' Longer durations result in larger 'Blockins.'

Note: For more details, tap the 'i' icon in the top right corner of the results screen.

Yes, Blockin is available for both iOS and Android devices. iPad is not officially supported.

Please note the following when changing devices concerning the transfer of your subscription and data:

• Regarding Subscription Transfer:

  You can transfer your subscription (MAX) only if these conditions are met:

  • You are using the same Apple ID or Google account on your new device that was used on the previous device.
  • You are using a device with the same OS (iOS or Android) as the previous device.
    • Note: It’s not possible to transfer your subscription (MAX) if you're switching to a different operating system (for example, from an iPhone using iOS to an Android device, or vice versa).

  To update your subscription, open the Blockin app, go to Menu > Blockin MAX, and select 'Restore Purchace’

• Regarding Data Transfer:

  Currently, transferring data is not supported.

This may be because you have activated Lockout Mode, a feature exclusive to Blockin MAX users seeking enhanced focus:

• Lockout Mode: Ensures complete engagement with no exits or breaks.
• Timeout Mode: Introduces increasing delays for breaks to maintain deep focus.

In Lockout Mode, blocks cannot be paused or deleted on their set day. Any requests to pause or delete blocks will be actioned and become effective at midnight the following day.

Currently, it's not possible to manually add your own websites/domains to the list. The list of apps and websites you see is generated by Apple's Screen Time feature, and unfortunately, is beyond Blockin's control.

Typically, the list should include:

• All apps installed on your phone.
• Websites you frequently visit.

Apple categorizes these apps and websites. To find specific apps or websites, you'll need to explore the categories.

Also, note that some websites or apps might be classified under the 'Other' category, so it's worth checking there as well.

In an emergency, unblocking is possible. Please reach out to us through the 'Contact Us' option for assistance