Guide

How to Block Apps on iPhone: Every Method, Explained

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

Locked In is an iPhone app that blocks distracting apps, 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.

How do I block apps on my iPhone?

To block apps on iPhone, use Apple's free Screen Time (Time Allowances and Screen Time Schedule on iOS 27, App Limits and Downtime on iOS 26) or an app blocker built on Apple's Screen Time technology. Whichever you choose, have someone else hold your Screen Time passcode, or the block is easy to undo.

Which should you use? It depends. If a daily limit is enough and someone else can hold your passcode, Screen Time is free and may be all you need. If you want blocks on a timer, on a schedule, by location, or with a friend's approval, an app blocker fits better. If free matters most, ScreenZen describes itself as completely free (donation-supported); Locked In's free plan is small (one 5-minute Quick Block a day), and its strengths are location-based Red Zones, schedules and a human Guardian in one app.

Your options at a glance (as of Oct 2026)

Option Cost Blocks by Can you undo it yourself?
Apple Screen Time Free, built in Daily time, set hours, categories (iOS 27); single apps (iOS 26) Yes, unless someone else holds the passcode
Focus modes Free, built in Which apps can notify you Yes; Focus mainly silences, it doesn't lock apps
App blockers (for example Locked In, Opal, one sec, ScreenZen, Freedom) Free tiers and paid plans Varies: timers, schedules, location, friction, a friend's approval Depends on the app

Option 1: Apple Screen Time (free, built in)

Screen Time is already on your iPhone and costs nothing. Its menus changed in iOS 27, so follow the steps for your version (Settings > General > About shows it).

If your iPhone runs iOS 27

Apple's iOS 27 guide describes Time Allowances (how long you can use an app category each day) and Screen Time Schedule (when categories are available). Both work by category, such as Social Media, not by single app.

If your iPhone runs iOS 26

Where Screen Time falls short

Option 2: an app blocker such as Locked In

As of Oct 2026, Locked In is an iPhone app (iOS 18 or later) that blocks the apps you choose, using Apple's Screen Time technology. It has three ways to block, which can run at the same time and combine their lists:

Step by step

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 app blockers people use

Other apps take different approaches, for example one sec (a pause before opening apps), ScreenZen (free, donation-supported, with delays and open limits), Opal, Freedom (works across devices), and Brick (a physical NFC device). Check each app's own site for current prices and features.

Guides for specific apps

Compare apps

FAQ

What's the best free way to block apps on iPhone? Apple's Screen Time is free and built in. With a passcode someone else holds, it's enough for many people.

Why doesn't Screen Time actually block apps? By default, limits can be ignored once reached (Apple, iOS 26). Set a passcode someone else chooses, and on iOS 26 turn on Block at Downtime.

Can I block apps without deleting them? Yes. Screen Time limits and app blockers leave the app installed but stop it opening.

Can I block apps by location? Screen Time can't. Some app blockers can, including Locked In (Red Zones, Pro), AppBlock, ZeroPhone and Jolt.

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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