Start with one specific example
Write down which app opened, when it happened and which Unhook group should have controlled it. Check a single distracting app first. A clear example makes it easier to tell a setup issue from an unexpected failure.
Keep essential communication, navigation and work apps available while testing. Use a short session when you can observe the result, rather than changing several rules just before an important deadline.
Check the schedule and its group
Unhook’s schedule monitor checks whether a schedule is enabled and whether monitoring is paused. A saved schedule and an active blocking period are not the same thing.
- Open the schedule in Unhook and confirm it is enabled.
- Check its start and end times and the selected repeat days. Make sure the current time is inside that window.
- Confirm the schedule is attached to the intended group. A correct time on the wrong group will not manage the app you expected.
- Open that group and check the selected apps or websites. Similar app names can make a selection easy to overlook.
Distinguish a pause from a full block
Full Lockout and Distraction Shield serve different purposes. Full Lockout blocks selected apps and websites; Distraction Shield introduces a pause. If you can proceed after a shield, first check whether that is the mode you selected.
Category selection is available in Distraction Shield. For a Full Lockout test, choose the individual app or website you want to manage. Check for an active break or pause before changing the mode.
Check permission, then test again
Avoid deleting the app as your first troubleshooting step. It makes your original setup harder to inspect and may remove locally stored information.
- Open Unhook and follow any Screen Time authorization prompt it presents. Read the permission explanation.
- Return to the affected group and schedule. Confirm the settings have been saved.
- During an active period, open the one app you selected for the test. Record what you see.
- If the result is still unexpected, check the App Store for an available Unhook update and include your installed version when contacting support.
Send support a reproducible example
Include your iPhone model, iOS version, Unhook version, blocking mode, schedule time and what actually happened. A screenshot of the relevant settings can help; hide unrelated app names or personal information first.
For example: “My weekday Study group should run from 09:00 to 10:00. At 09:20, the selected app opened while Full Lockout was selected and no break was active.” This is more useful than “blocking does not work” because the team can follow the same conditions.
Common questions
Should I recreate every group?
Start by testing one existing group and schedule. Changing everything at once makes the cause harder to identify.
Why can I open an app after a pause?
Check whether you selected Distraction Shield. Its pause behavior differs from Full Lockout. Also check for an active break.
Does this guarantee a fix?
No. These checks identify common setup conditions. If a reproducible problem remains, contact support with the details above.
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.
