How to block apps on iPhone: Screen Time or an app blocker

Decide what you want to block, and when

Write one sentence before you change a setting: “No social media while I work in the morning,” or “Thirty minutes of social apps per day.” The first sentence needs a schedule. The second needs a daily limit. Then select only the apps that interrupt that moment, not every app you use.

Keep essential tools outside the selection. If you need a messaging app for work, blocking it makes the rule hard to keep. A smaller list of distracting apps is easier to protect.

Block apps with Screen Time on iOS 26

Apple’s documentation says that by default, Screen Time limits can be ignored once reached. When Block at Downtime is off, you see a reminder and can continue to use the app. When it is on, restricted apps cannot be opened during Downtime.

1. Open Settings, then tap Screen Time. Turn on App & Website Activity if it is off.
2. For a schedule, tap Downtime, tap Scheduled, then set the days, start time and end time.
3. For a daily limit, tap App Limits, tap Add Limit, select apps or categories, then set the time.
4. To stop yourself from ignoring Downtime, set a Screen Time passcode, then turn on Block at Downtime.

💡 Tip: if you set the passcode yourself, you can always type it. Ask someone you trust to set it and keep it.

Block apps with Screen Time on iOS 27

iOS 27 replaces Downtime and App Limits with Screen Time Schedules and Time Allowances. A schedule defines time windows, such as work or evening. Time Allowances set how long you can use categories such as Social Media, Entertainment or Games each day. Always Allowed keeps chosen apps and contacts available.

1. Open Settings, tap Screen Time, tap Screen Time Schedule, then turn on Schedule.
2. Tap Add Schedule, choose the days, then set each time window.
3. Tap Time Allowances to set how long each category can be used.

Why people add an app blocker

Screen Time limits that you set for yourself stop you only as much as you allow them to. If you know the passcode, or if a limit can be ignored with one tap, the block works like a reminder. An app blocker adds rules for the moment when you want access: a wait, a shorter session, or no access until a window ends. See how the main app blockers compare.

iPhone app blockers do not need a jailbreak. Bouncer asks for Screen Time authorization and uses Apple’s Screen Time framework to shield the apps you select.

Block apps with Bouncer

1. Install Bouncer and allow Screen Time access when it asks.
2. Choose a preset (Sleep, Focus or Social) or create a Rule, then select apps in Apple’s app picker.
3. Choose a scheduled window or a daily limit. For a window, set the start, end and days.
4. Choose a Level: Normal, High or Lockdown. Lockdown requires a scheduled window.
5. Activate the Rule. A blocked app then shows a shield with no unblock button.

What happens when you want access

To use a blocked app, you open Bouncer. The Rule’s Level decides what happens. Normal adds a short variable wait. High makes each successful unblock more expensive: the wait grows and the session shrinks. Temporary sessions last 5, 10 or 15 wall-clock minutes. The countdown pauses if you leave the screen or lock your iPhone.

Lockdown has no temporary unblock. The apps stay blocked until the scheduled window ends. One local Emergency Pass can end active Lockdowns; it returns seven days after use. Changing or turning off an active Normal or High Rule also requires a wait, unless temporary access is already running. An active Lockdown cannot be edited.

All blocking depends on Apple system services. No app can promise that every possible workaround is prevented.

Screen Time or an app blocker: which to choose

Choose Screen Time if a reminder is enough for you, or if you want a free, built-in option. Turn on Block at Downtime with a passcode that someone else keeps if you want a firmer limit.

Choose an app blocker if you keep ignoring limits you set for yourself, or if you want different strictness for different moments. Bouncer is paid: a Monthly subscription with a seven-day free trial for eligible customers, or a one-time Lifetime purchase. The price in your country is shown in the app.