You choose Apps to block with Opal using App Groups, a preset list of apps that Opal will block during a Session. Are you looking to troubleshoot? if so, read Blocking doesn't seem to be working.

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‍What are App Groups?

‍App Groups are a preset list of apps that Opal will block during a Session. You can apply an App Group to any Opal Session. Read more about Opal Sessions. App Groups can be named (for example "my fun social apps") and saved, so you can apply them to any Opal session.‍

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‍How do I set up an App Group?

1. When you start an Opal Session, you can select Apps Blocked.

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1. Create your first App Group, or Select an existing App Group

1. Select Apps and Websites you want to include in this App Group, and Save.

Please note: Apps and Websites are categorized by Apple. You need to expand the categories in order to find specific apps/websites. For example Facebook will be in the Social category. Websites or Apps can also be in the Other category. To expand categories, tap on the category name or chevron ⌄ as illustrated below.

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What Apps/Websites are included in the list?

When you select Apps and Websites to add to an App Group, you will see an "app picker" screen where you can select from a pre-made list of Apps and Websites. This list is generated by Apple's Screen Time, and we (Opal) do not have control over what is included.

However, this is what should be included in the list:

- All Apps installed on your phone,

- Websites you use frequently.

Apps and Websites are categorized by Apple. You need to expand the categories in order to find specific apps/websites. For example Facebook will be in the Social category. Websites or Apps can also be in the Other category.

If you cannot find specific Apps or Websites in the Apple-generated list, we recommend you use the Whitelist feature. The Whitelist feature will allow you to block ALL apps and websites, EXCEPT the ones you specify. Opal FAQ | What Is Whitelist?

How many Apps/Websites can I add?

You can add up to 49 Apps and 49 Websites in an App Group. There is a counter that will let you know how many Apps of Websites you can add.

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‍Can I add websites to App Groups as well?

Yes. You can add up to 49 Websites to block simultaneously. Here is a video to show you how to do it:

How to Block Facebook on your iPhone's Safari and Chrome browsers

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Review "Always Allowed" Apps

Your iPhone Screen Time settings has an "Always Allowed" list of apps, which is generated automatically by Apple. Apps that are in the "always allowed" category will always be allowed, and supersede any restrictions Opal puts in place.

Start by making sure apps you want to block are not in the "Always Allowed" category of your iPhone's Screen Time settings. Go to your iPhone's Settings => Screen Time.

We recommend keeping apps you deem essential, such as Messages or Camera, in the "Always Allowed" category.

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How do I select an App Group for a Session?

Open a Session, and hit Apps Groups to select or edit the App Group attached to this session.‍‍‍

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✅ Check out our full guide on how to block apps on iPhone

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