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Why are apps not blocking as expected?
Why are apps not blocking as expected?

Why aren't apps blocking after reaching the set time limit, at a scheduled time, or after a phone upgrade?

Updated yesterday

Here are a few things to try:

1) Reload

Tap "Help" > "Reload"

If you are having to reload constantly please contact us!


2) Turn off "Share across devices" on ALL iOS devices

  • Open your iOS Settings > Screen Time

  • Turn off "Share Across Devices"

In some cases, we have seen this needs to be turned off on all devices. Due to limitations with Apple Screen Time this is required for using Roots. Learn how to turn off share across devices here.

3) Remove any blocking you have set up outside of Roots

  • If you have other app limits or downtimes please remove them. This applies to iOS Screen Time, or other screen time apps.

  • Also, remove screen time permissions for other apps.

  • Go to "Help" > "Reload".
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4) Check if Apple is reporting usage correctly

  • Open your iOS Settings > Screen Time

  • See if the app usage report is accurate

  • In some cases Apple may over or under report screen time leading to blocking issues
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5) Update Roots app and iOS

  • Update to the latest version of Roots

  • Update to the latest iOS version

6) Force quit apps running in background

A lot of issues are related to memory issues on the Apple side. Swipe up and hold, and then close as many apps as possible. This will make the blocking run more smoothly.


7) Force quit the Roots app

  • Force close Roots and open it again to reset the connection

  • Click here if you don't know how to do that
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8) Restart your phone

  • Restart your phone

  • Click here if you don't know how to do that

9) Reset Screen Time permissions

  • Go to "Settings" > "Screen Time"

  • Scroll down and find "Roots"

  • Remove access, then re-open the Roots app

  • Give access to screen time permissions when prompted

10) Check if you have overlapping app blocks

Overlapping app blocks should not cause an issue. However, we have seen a pattern related to this. If you are having issues, please try the following:

  • Edit the times so they don't overlap, or stop and start at the same time

  • Then, tap "Help" > "Reload"

Here is an example:

  • Morning Block: 6:00am - 9:00am

  • Work Block: 9:01am - 5:00pm


11) Turn off "Low power mode"

Turn off "Low power mode" for better performance
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12) Make a slight edit and re-save

  • Tap the edit icon on your app blocks

  • Make a slight edit to the time

  • Open the app selector, remove one, then save

  • Open the app selector, add it back, and save

Still having issues?

Get personal help from one of our founders here. We know this can be frustrating. We'll be happy to help and will even reward you for your valuable time.

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