Why aren't my apps being blocked?

There are a few common issues that might cause particular apps to not be correctly blocked.

1. Ensure that Detox Mode is turned on

   

2. You have selected "Block Selected Apps" on the Configure Detox Mode screen
3. You have selected the app that you would like to block

App Blocking Limits

Strangely, iOS only applies blocking up to 50 selected apps in the Screen Time app picker.

If you have selected over 50 apps, this causes unintended behavior where iOS will sometimes refuse to block any apps.

Please keep your selection below 50 to avoid this issue, but Dumb Phone will alert you to this.

If you need to block more than 50 apps, we recommend switching from "Block Selected Apps" to "Block All Apps" on the Configure Detox Mode screen, then cherry pick those that you'd like to keep unblocked while Detox Mode is active.

Screen Time Always Allowed List

iOS contains an "Allowed Apps" list in Screen Time settings, which by default excludes blocking Phone and Messages.

You can access this list via:

1. Open the iOS Settings app → Screen Time
2. Tap Always Allowed, and review the Allowed Apps section

Phone cannot be removed from the list, thus iOS prevents any attempt to block it.

However, if you wish to block Messages with Detox Mode, remove it from this Allowed Apps list.

If you wish to block other apps, ensure they are not present in this list.