Skip to main content

How App Blocking Works

When do my selected apps lock or unlock with movement?

Updated over a week ago

Hour-by-Hour Movement Tracking

Active Pass reviews your physical movement on an hourly basis. Here's the simple rule:

Active Hour = Unlocked Apps
Sedentary Hour = Locked Reward Apps

What Counts as Movement?

You don't need a workout to keep your apps unlocked. Even small movements count:

  • Walking just 100 steps

  • Completing a single 1-minute Wakeout

  • Going up a flight of stairs

  • A quick walk around your living room

  • Any activity tracked by Apple Health

If any movement is detected within an hour, that hour is marked as "active" and your apps remain accessible.

Automatic Unlocking

Active Pass tries to work seamlessly in the background:

  • When you move, we attempt to automatically unlock your apps

  • Due to iOS limitations, background updates aren't always instant

  • If you've been active but apps are still locked, simply try opening one of them (like Facebook)—this wakes up Wakeout to check your recent movement and unlock automatically

The 15-Minute Grace Period

Every new hour starts with a 15-minute grace period:

  • During the first 15 minutes of each hour, your apps remain in their previous state

  • After 15 minutes, Active Pass evaluates whether you've moved

  • Apps then either stay unlocked (if you've been active) or lock (if you've been sedentary)

This grace period prevents apps from locking the moment a new hour begins, giving you time to naturally move around.

Always in Control

Remember, you can force unlock at any time if needed. This gives you one hour of unrestricted access to all your Reward Apps.

The Bottom Line

Active Pass creates a simple, sustainable rhythm: move a little each hour, and your digital life flows uninterrupted. Sit too long, and your apps become gentle reminders to energize your body. It's not about restriction—it's about creating positive movement habits that enhance both your physical wellbeing and digital enjoyment.

Did this answer your question?