We're here to help.
First off, we know this can be frustrating and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
If you’ve already set up an “All Except” block and those allowed apps are still getting blocked, here’s how to fix it.
1) Reload blocking
Tap Help (top of any screen in Roots) > Reload Blocking.
This resolves most issues right away. If you have to reload constantly, please contact us by tapping the chat bubble below.
2) Double-check your "All Except" list
Go to Roots > Blocking
Tap on your "All Except" block
Scroll down and confirm the apps you want to keep accessible are correctly selected in the "All Except" section
3) Check if the app is being blocked in multiple places
An app can be blocked from more than one place, even if it's excluded in one block.
Go to Roots > Blocking and tap on each block you've set up to check if the app appears elsewhere
Also go to Roots > Challenge and check if the app is listed there - you'll need to remove it from each place it's blocked
4) Make sure the app isn't grouped with a blocked app or website
Due to Apple's Screen Time API, blocking certain apps or websites can cause related apps from the same company to get blocked too. For example:
Blocking Facebook.com can also block WhatsApp, Messenger, or other Meta apps
Blocking Amazon.com can also block Audible
If this is the case, try adding the affected app to your "Always Allowed" list in iOS:
Go to iOS Settings > Screen Time > Always Allowed
Add the app you want to keep accessible
Save and check if access is restored
If the issue persists, the best workaround is to remove the related website or app from your block to avoid this Apple limitation.
5) Check if you've blocked an entire category that includes your app
Apple groups apps into categories like "Productivity," "Finance," "Social," and so on. If you've selected one of these categories in a block, every app within that category will be blocked - even if you've added individual apps to your "All Except" list.
To check:
Go to Roots > Blocking and tap on each block
Under "What to Block," look for any categories that are selected
If your app falls under that category (e.g., a budgeting app under "Finance"), it may be getting blocked because of the category selection
Either remove the category from your block and replace it with individual apps, or make sure the specific app is added to your "All Except" list
6) Kill and relaunch the Roots app
Close the Roots app fully by swiping up and reopen it to make sure your latest settings have been applied properly.
Need more help?
Get personal help from one of our founders here. We know this can be frustrating, and we appreciate your patience. We're happy to assist—and we’ll even reward you for your valuable time!