We're here to help.
First off, we know this can be frustrating - and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
If you've blocked YouTube (both the app and the website) in Roots but are still seeing YouTube videos playing inside other websites, you're running into a limitation of Apple's Screen Time API. This is not a bug in Roots.
Why does this happen?
When Roots blocks YouTube, it blocks:
The YouTube app
The youtube.com website
However, many websites embed YouTube videos using a player that loads directly within their own page. Because the video is loading as part of a third-party website (not from youtube.com directly), Apple's Screen Time API does not recognize it as YouTube and therefore does not block it.
This is an Apple-level limitation - Roots does not have the ability to block specific embedded content within other websites.
What can you do?
Since we can't block embedded YouTube players directly, here are a few things that can help:
1) Block the specific website hosting the embedded video
If you regularly visit a specific site to watch embedded YouTube content (e.g., a news site or a blog), you can add that website to your block list in Roots.
Go to "Roots > Blocking" and edit your block
Tap "Select Apps" and search for the website
Add it to your block and save
2) Use "All Day (Limited Unblocks)" for controlled access
If you find yourself browsing websites and getting pulled into watching videos, consider setting an "All Day (Limited Unblocks)" block with a daily unblock limit for your browser. This gives you intentional, mindful access rather than unrestricted browsing.
3) Use "Monk Mode" for stricter focus sessions
When you need to be completely focused, enable "Monk Mode" on your block. This prevents you from exceeding your daily unblock limit, reducing the temptation to browse at all.
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!