Help Center
How to Set Up the App Blocker
The CadenceAI app blocker keeps your most distracting apps out of reach while you focus — using Apple's Screen Time shield on iOS and a full-screen overlay on Android. Here's how to turn it on and choose what to block.
To set up the app blocker in CadenceAI, open the app blocker settings, grant the one-time permission your platform needs, and pick which apps to block. On iOS, CadenceAI places a Screen Time shield over your chosen apps; on Android, it shows an overlay when you try to open one. After that, your distractions are held back whenever you focus.
Set up the app blocker on iOS (Screen Time shield)
On iPhone and iPad, the blocker is built on Apple's Screen Time, so blocked apps get an official shield rather than opening.
- Open CadenceAI and go to the App blocker settings.
- Tap to enable the blocker. When iOS asks, allow CadenceAI to use Screen Time — this permission is what lets the app place the shield.
- Choose the apps (and categories) you want to block from the Screen Time picker.
- Confirm your selection. From now on, opening a blocked app during a session shows the Screen Time shield instead.
Set up the app blocker on Android (overlay)
On Android, CadenceAI draws an overlay in front of a blocked app the moment you open it, nudging you back to your session.
- Open CadenceAI and go to the App blocker settings.
- Enable the blocker. When prompted, grant the display over other apps permission so CadenceAI can show the overlay.
- Select the apps you want to block from your installed app list.
- Save. When you try to open a blocked app during a session, the overlay appears to remind you to keep focusing.
Choosing which apps to block
You don't need to block everything — block the handful of apps that break your concentration most. For most people that's social media, short-video, news, and messaging apps. Start with two or three of your biggest offenders and add more only if you find yourself reaching for them. Leaving essential tools unblocked keeps the blocker helpful instead of frustrating.
Using the blocker during focus
The app blocker is meant to work hand in hand with your focus sessions: your chosen apps are shielded while you focus and become available again once you're done. Pair it with a focus method that fits your task and you remove the temptation to "just check" something mid-session. If you're new to the app, the getting started guide walks through your first session, and our playbook on how to study without distractions shows how the blocker fits into a wider distraction-free routine.
If the shield or overlay isn't appearing when it should, the troubleshooting guide covers the most common permission and setup fixes.
Frequently asked questions
How does the app blocker work on iOS?
On iOS, CadenceAI uses Apple's Screen Time to place a shield over the apps you choose. When you try to open a blocked app during a session, the Screen Time shield appears instead. You grant permission once when you first turn the blocker on.
How does the app blocker work on Android?
On Android, CadenceAI shows an overlay in front of a blocked app when you open it during a session. You grant the display-over-other-apps permission once, and the overlay reminds you to get back to focus.
Which apps should I block?
Block the apps that pull you off task most often — usually social media, video, news, and messaging. Start with two or three of your biggest distractions rather than blocking everything.
Does the blocker run all the time?
The blocker is designed to work alongside your focus sessions, so your chosen apps are shielded while you focus and available again when the session ends.
Block the noise, keep the focus
Download CadenceAI free and set up the app blocker in a couple of taps — Screen Time shields on iOS, overlays on Android.