Halto
Halto
How to block apps on a schedule on iPhone
Updated: · The app details in this article describe the pre-release version.
To keep social apps closed during work hours or before bed, set a schedule that names the apps, the days and the times. You can do it with Screen Time or with an app blocker like Halto; either way, iOS applies the block on the iPhone itself.
Decide three things first: which apps, which hours, and what should happen when you really need one of them.
What we compared
| Decision | Options | In Halto | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Which apps | Single apps, whole categories, websites | Pick apps | categories and websites together in a profile |
| Which hours | Days of the week, start and end time, or the whole day | Pick days and times (iOS accepts schedules of 15 minutes or longer), or turn on All day | |
| When you really need one | Ignore the block, or keep it | A pause, then a few minutes open; change the pause, unlock length and count in Settings › Unlock defaults | |
| How strict | Easy to change, or locked while it runs | Strict mode (Pro) keeps the profile from being edited while it blocks |
Steps in Halto
- Allow Halto to use Screen Time when it asks. iOS needs this permission before any app can block apps.
- Create a profile and choose the apps, categories or websites to block.
- Choose the days and the start and end times, or turn on All day. Pick at least one day, and make the start and end times different.
- Set what happens when you really need an app in Settings › Unlock defaults: by default a 15-second pause, 5 minutes open, 3 times a day.
- Optional (Pro): turn on strict mode so the profile can't be edited, turned off or deleted while it blocks.
Limits to know
- The free plan has one profile; more profiles and daily limits need Pro.
- iOS limits how many blocks can run at the same time. If a new one won't save, turn another off and try again.
- Blocks can start or end a little late, because iOS wakes Halto when the device is in use.
When it isn't a good fit
If one simple schedule is enough and you don't want a pause step, Screen Time alone is simpler.
If one simple schedule is enough and you don't want a pause step, Screen Time alone is simpler.