Setup Guide
Lock In Squad is a free app blocker for iPhone and Android. To set it up on iPhone, give it Screen Time access and pick apps, categories or websites in Apple's picker. On Android, turn on Usage Access and Display Over Apps, then choose apps to block or, in whitelist mode, the only apps to allow.
iOS Features
Block apps by organized categories like Social, Games, and Entertainment, so managing your blocks stays simple. Whitelist mode comes to iPhone in the next update.
Android Features
Choose between Blacklist mode to block distractions or Whitelist mode to allow only productive apps you need.
iPhone setup steps
1Open Lock In Squad
Open the Lock In Squad app on your iPhone.
2Go to the Block Tab
Go to the Block tab, where you'll choose which apps to block.
3Grant Screen Time Access
Tap Grant Screen Time Access. This permission is required to block apps on iOS.
4Approve Permission Request
Approve the permission dialog that appears. This allows Lock In to access your Screen Time data and configure app restrictions.
5Authenticate Your Identity
Confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. This tells iOS it is really you giving Lock In Screen Time access.
6Confirm Approval
Confirm that Lock In has been approved to access Screen Time on your iPhone.
7Select Apps to Block
Choose the option to select which apps you want to block during your Lock In sessions.
8Choose Activities to Block
Browse through apps and categories (Social, Games, Entertainment, etc.) and select the ones you want to block. You can block entire categories for a broader focus or select individual apps for more control. Save your selections when finished.
You're All Set!
Lock In Squad is now configured and ready to use. Open a Lock In session whenever you need to stay focused, and your selected apps will be blocked for the duration of your session. You can change your blocked apps any time on the Block tab.
Android setup steps
1Open Lock In and Go to Settings
Open the Lock In Squad app and go to the Settings section.
2Turn On Usage Access
In Settings, under App Blocking Permissions, turn on Usage Access. The Block tab has the same option.
3Grant Usage Access Permission
A permission dialog will appear asking you to allow usage access for the app. Proceed to your device's settings to grant this permission.
4Permit App Usage Data Access
Find Lock In in the usage access list and allow it. This lets Lock In see which app is open so it can block the ones you picked.
5Return to Lock In Squad
After granting the permission, return to the app, where Usage Access now shows as on.
6Turn On Display Over Apps
In the same App Blocking Permissions section, turn on Display Over Apps. This lets Lock In come to the front with an App Blocked alert when you open a blocked app during a session.
7Grant Display Overlay Permission
Another permission dialog will appear asking to allow display over other apps. Proceed to grant this permission in your device settings.
8Find Lock In in the App List
In the display over other apps settings, you'll see a list of apps. Find Lock In in the list. This screen shows which apps have permission to display overlays.
9Select Lock In
Select Lock In from the app list to access its overlay permission settings.
10Enable Display Over Other Apps
Turn on the display over other apps setting for Lock In.
11Check Display Over Apps
Return to Settings in the app and make sure Display Over Apps is turned on. This completes the permission setup.
12Go to the Block Tab
Go to the Block tab. This is where you'll configure which apps to block or allow during your focus sessions.
13Choose Blacklist or Whitelist Mode
Select your blocking mode: Blacklist to block specific unproductive apps, or Whitelist to allow only selected productive apps. Use the toggle to switch between modes.
14Select Apps to Block or Allow
Select individual apps to toggle them between blocked and allowed. Search for specific apps using the search feature. Avoid blocking overlay apps like launchers and music players, as they'll trigger constant alerts.
You're All Set!
Lock In Squad is now set up on your Android device. Start a Lock In session from the Home tab, and the apps you picked on the Block tab stay blocked until you hold Lock Out to end the session.
Questions
Can I block myself from an app?
Yes. Choose the app on Lock In Squad's Block tab, then start a timer or stopwatch session on Home. The app stays blocked until you hold the Lock Out button for 1 to 10 seconds, a length you set in Settings, and that hold is also how a timer session ends after it reaches zero.
How do I block apps on Android for free?
Install Lock In Squad for free from Google Play, where it is listed as Lock In, and sign in. On the Block tab, turn on Usage Access and Display Over Other Apps, pick the apps to block, and start a session from Home. Whitelist mode flips the list so only the apps you allow stay open.
What permissions does Lock In Squad need?
On Android, it needs two: Usage Access, so it can tell which app is open, and Display over other apps, so it can step in front of a blocked app. On iPhone, it needs Screen Time access, which iOS asks you to confirm with Face ID or Touch ID, plus App Tracking Transparency only if you want personalized ads.
Does Lock In Squad need root or a jailbreak?
No. Lock In Squad uses only official tools: Apple's Screen Time framework on iPhones with iOS 16 or later, and standard Android permissions that you grant in Settings and can take back at any time. Nothing on the phone needs to be unlocked or modified.