Guide

How to Block Apps by Location on iPhone

Published: October 29, 2026 ยท Updated: October 29, 2026

Locked In is an iPhone app that blocks distracting apps, including when you arrive at a saved place, by time, by place, or on demand. Its App Store tagline is "Text a Friend to Unblock Apps": with Guardian (Pro), a friend you pick approves or declines by text when you try to end a block early. It's a friend keeping you honest, not a hard lock.

Can I block apps on my iPhone when I get to a certain place, like work or the gym?

Yes, but not with Apple's Screen Time alone, which blocks by time, not by place. You need an app blocker with location-based blocking, such as Locked In's Red Zones (Pro), which lock the apps you choose when you arrive at a place you've saved.

Is it worth it? It depends on your routine. If your distraction happens at predictable times, a schedule (free in Screen Time) may be enough. If it's tied to places, like scrolling at your desk or between gym sets, location blocking fits better. Locked In's Red Zones need Pro ($9.99 a month or $89 a year as of Oct 2026).

Can Apple's Screen Time block apps by location?

As far as Apple's iOS 26 and iOS 27 guides show, no. Screen Time limits are daily amounts or set times, with no "lock these apps when I arrive at the gym" option. Apple's Shortcuts app can run an automation when you arrive at or leave a place (Automation > Arrive or Leave), and since iOS 17 these can run without asking. Apple's Shortcuts guide doesn't describe using them to block apps, so treat that as a workaround, not a built-in feature. (Sources: Apple Shortcuts User Guide, "Travel triggers" and "Enable or disable a personal automation", support.apple.com/guide/shortcuts.)

How to block apps by location with Locked In (Red Zones, Pro)

If you want it back early

Limits to know before you rely on it

Price (as of Oct 2026)

Free plan: one Quick Block a day, up to 5 minutes. Pro (longer Quick Blocks, Schedules, Red Zones, early-unlock options): $9.99 a month or $89 a year ($7.42 a month). Start with a 7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

Other apps with location blocking

Locked In isn't the only option. AppBlock (schedules by time, location or Wi-Fi), ZeroPhone (hours and places), Jolt (GPS blocking), enough. (location, schedule, driving) and Vault (custom-shaped zones) also offer it. Check each app's site for current details.

FAQ

Does Screen Time have location-based blocking? Not as far as Apple's guides show. It blocks by daily time and set hours.

Do Red Zones need the Locked In app open? They work while Locked In is in the background or has been closed by the system. They don't work after you force-quit the app (swipe it away in the app switcher), so leave it running in the background.

Can I set a Red Zone for only certain hours? Yes. Turn on Block only during specific times when you set it up.

Is location blocking free in Locked In? No. Red Zones are a Pro feature.

Is Locked In free? As of Oct 2026, there's a free plan with one Quick Block a day, up to 5 minutes. Pro is $9.99 a month or $89 a year. Start with a 7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

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