How app blocking works

Start a quiet session

Screen Time access is required. You can keep essential apps and websites available in your essentials list.

1. Tap Quiet in the app.
2. Choose an intention if you want one, then choose a countdown or count-up session.
3. Choose your settings and tap Start. Restrictions begin when the session starts.

Choose apps and websites to keep available

During setup, use your essentials list for anything you need to keep accessible. Selected essentials stay available while other selected apps and websites are restricted. You can choose up to 50 individual apps and 50 websites as essentials.

Choose a session you can keep

• Countdown sessions last 15 minutes to two hours and end at the chosen time.
• Count-up sessions end automatically after two hours.
• Easy mode lets you end early with confirmation. A Hard Mode countdown has no in-app early exit.

When a session ends

Nothing Hour stops crediting time and requests that iOS release the restrictions. iOS can process the release on device use, so it may not run at the exact deadline while the iPhone is asleep.

Need help?

If a selected app remains available during a session, follow the blocking checks.

Troubleshoot app blocking