ScreenGuard Support

ScreenGuard blocks the apps that pull you in, so you can focus, and lets you take short, mindful breaks on your terms. Questions or feedback? Write to support.screenguard@gmail.com. We usually answer within two working days.

Getting started

Why does ScreenGuard need Screen Time access?

Blocking apps on iPhone is only possible through Apple's Screen Time framework. When you allow access, ScreenGuard can shield the apps you choose. Your data never leaves your iPhone; see the privacy policy.

I declined the Screen Time prompt. How do I allow it now?

Open ScreenGuard; it shows a button to ask again. If that doesn't appear, go to iPhone Settings › Screen Time › Apps with Screen Time Access and turn on ScreenGuard.

What is a lock?

A lock is a group of apps and when they're locked. There are three kinds: for a set time (now, or automatically at set times), all the time (with short Breaks when you need one, and optional free times like lunch), and a daily time limit (one shared amount of time a day for the group). You find them all on the Locks page.

What is a Break?

A Break opens the apps of an always-on lock for a few minutes, after a short breathing pause, and locks them again automatically. You choose how many Breaks you get a day in Settings › Daily Goal & Breaks.

Can my iPhone's Sleep or Work Focus start ScreenGuard?

Yes. In iPhone Settings › Focus, choose a Focus (for example Sleep), tap Add Filter, choose ScreenGuard and pick a lock. Its apps are locked while that Focus is on.

Common questions

A blocked app opened anyway

Make sure Screen Time access is still on (Settings › Screen Time › Apps with Screen Time Access) and that the app is in the lock that's running. iOS sometimes needs a few seconds to apply a new block.

A lock didn't start at its time

Check that the time is switched on in the lock, that today isn't a day off, and that you didn't unlock it early earlier in the same window. iOS allows ScreenGuard at most 14 lock times in total.

How is the Focus Score calculated?

Tap the ⓘ next to your score in the app. In short: Focus time (50), follow-through (20), restraint (20) and letting your planned locks run (10). Every way of locking counts as Focus time between 7:00 and 23:00: locks you start, locks at set times, always-locked apps (minus Breaks and free times) and daily time limits once they're used up. Each Break costs a few points, a little more each time.

Subscription

How do I cancel?

Settings › your name › Subscriptions › ScreenGuard Pro › Cancel Subscription. You keep Pro until the end of the period you paid for.

I bought Pro but it isn't active

In ScreenGuard open Settings › ScreenGuard Pro and tap Restore Purchases, signed in with the Apple Account you bought with.

Refunds

Purchases are handled by Apple. Request a refund at reportaproblem.apple.com.