How blocking apps on an iPhone works, what the research says about it, and how to set Offhours up.

• What research says about blocking an app instead of resisting it

  What research says about changing your situation in advance, how much it has helped with phone use, and how limited the evidence still is.

  5 min read

• What iPhone’s Screen Time limit does when time runs out

  On iOS 26 you can ignore a Screen Time limit by default, a passcode changes that, and a block built on the same Apple frameworks handles it differently.

  4 min read

• How to block apps at night with a schedule

  Make a 22:00 to 06:00 schedule in Offhours, choose how apps return in the morning, add tasks with Pro and keep the apps you need open.

  4 min read

• Which block to use: Zen, a schedule, a limit or Always blocked

  How to choose between Offhours’ four kinds of block, with everyday situations for each and the cases where each one is the wrong choice.

  4 min read

• What an app blocker can see on your iPhone

  What Apple’s Screen Time frameworks show an app, what Offhours keeps on your iPhone, and what goes to its server, including task photos.

  4 min read

• How Offhours checks a task before apps return

  How Offhours checks photo, Apple Health, in-app and own-word tasks before apps return, and what happens when a check can’t run.

  3 min read