Choose the kind of boundary you need
A daily limit gives you a time budget. A schedule makes an app unavailable during a chosen period. A pause before opening an app gives you a chance to reconsider without imposing the same boundary as a lockout. Pick the problem first: too much time overall, interruptions at a particular time, or opening apps out of habit.
Start with two or three distracting apps. Leave out tools you need during the session, such as your authenticator, maps or the messaging app you use for urgent contact. A manageable rule is easier to evaluate than blocking everything at once.
Try the built-in Screen Time option
For a simple daily allowance, open Settings → Screen Time → App Limits. Add a limit, choose the apps or categories, and set the time allowance. Use Customize Days if weekdays and weekends need different limits.
For a recurring break from most apps, review Downtime in Screen Time. Check Always Allowed as well: it controls exceptions. The available controls and wording can vary with your iOS version and Screen Time setup. Apple’s Screen Time guide below explains those options.
Set up a focused routine with Unhook
Unhook adds groups, two blocking modes, repeating schedules and location rules. It requires iOS 18 or later; check the App Store for current purchase options.
- Install Unhook and complete its Screen Time authorization prompts. Read the permission explanation before approving it.
- Choose Full Lockout or Distraction Shield, then select the apps or websites you want to manage. Category selection is available with Distraction Shield. Name the group for its purpose, such as Study time.
- Choose Full Lockout for blocking, or Distraction Shield when you want a pause before opening. Set a daily allowance or a repeating schedule for the group.
- If you need breaks, choose their timing and duration. Keep the first routine simple before adding location-based rules.
- Test the rule during an active period by opening one selected app. Confirm that your essential apps are still available.
An example: protect a morning study session
Suppose you want to read from 9:00 to 10:00 on weekdays. Put the social feeds and games that interrupt you into a Study time group, then schedule that group for the session. Keep your reading material available. At the end of the week, use the usage reports to decide whether the rule needs a different time or fewer exceptions.
This is an example routine, not a prescribed limit. If your work depends on one of those apps, choose a narrower group or a short planned break instead of repeatedly overriding the rule.
If a selected app still opens
If the behavior still seems wrong, contact support with your iPhone model, iOS version, blocking mode and the time the rule failed. You do not need to send your browsing history.
- Check whether the current time is inside the schedule and whether today is included.
- Confirm the app or website is in the correct group.
- Look for an active break or an early-resume choice.
- Check Screen Time authorization in Unhook and follow the in-app instructions if permission needs to be restored.
- Remember that Distraction Shield and Full Lockout are different modes. A pause is not the same as a hard block.
Common questions
Will this stop every distraction?
No. A blocking rule manages the apps and websites you select. It works best alongside a clear task and a routine you can sustain.
Does Unhook support websites?
Yes. Unhook lets you include websites as well as apps and categories in groups.
Can I change the rule later?
Yes. Review your limits, schedules and breaks as your routine changes. Test a new rule before relying on it for an important session.
Sources and further help
Written by Shaffans Studios, the maker of the apps in this guide. Examples illustrate a workflow; they are not promises of results. App features and iPhone menus may change with updates.
Need help with the app? Contact Shaffans support.
