How to block distracting apps and websites on iPhone
Willpower is a poor plan against apps designed to be opened without thinking. The most reliable fix is a speed bump: a short pause that lets you choose on purpose.
What iPhone already gives you for free
Apple's Screen Time can set App Limits by app or category, schedule Downtime, and restrict content. These tools are built into iOS and are a good first step.
Where built-in limits fall short for many people
The default limit screen is easy to wave away with one tap. If you notice you always tap "Ignore limit", a stricter or more deliberate design may work better.
What to look for in a blocker
- It uses Apple's own Screen Time system, so your list of apps stays private and the block is enforced by iOS.
- You can block apps, whole categories and websites.
- Access is on purpose: you pick a length and the app locks itself again.
- Relocking is scheduled by iOS, so it still happens if the blocker app is closed.
- It counts honest wins, not invented minutes.
How FocusPass approaches it
FocusPass: App Blocker is a free iPhone app from Honest Little Apps. Everything below comes from its App Store description.
- You pick apps, categories or websites with Apple's own Screen Time picker.
- Opening a protected app shows a native shield with two choices: Go Back, or Use a Pass.
- A Pass lasts a length you choose, for example 5, 10 or 15 minutes, with an optional note to yourself such as Reply or Check something.
- The relock is scheduled with iOS before the app opens, so protection resumes when the Pass ends even if FocusPass is closed. You can end a Pass early.
- Each Go Back is recorded as one Focus Save, with no invented minutes.
See FocusPass on the App Store Read the full FocusPass page
Questions
Can you block websites and apps on iPhone?
Yes. Apple's Screen Time can limit apps and categories, and blockers built on Screen Time, such as FocusPass, let you pick apps, categories and websites.
What is a Focus Save?
In FocusPass, a Focus Save is recorded each time you choose Go Back at a shield instead of opening a blocked app.
Is FocusPass free?
FocusPass: App Blocker is listed free on the App Store. Check the listing for optional purchases.
