ScreenCoach blocks the child from using apps on mobile devices (as well as desktops).


To see a demo of this working, click here 


Note we use Apple's Screen time API to block on iPhones & iPads (on iOS 15 and above)


So in summary for an Apple iPad or iPhone that you want to enable blocking where the kids can not delete ScreenCoach app or disable the App blocking you need:

  1. The iPad/iPhone to be using a child's Apple ID (NOT the parent's Apple ID)
    • Some parents give an old device to kids but don't change the Apple ID
  2. The Apple ID in (1) needs to be part of your Apple Family
  3. The Apple ID in (1) should not have screen time enabled for the Apple ID
    • if you do enable Apple ScreenTime for the child DO NOT enable any app limits or bed time controls, as ScreenCoach will take care of that 


It works best if you have an Apple family setup because the kids can't turn it off!

Note, Apple families only support children under the age of 18.


If you can't use an Apple family, you can still use another method with iOS 16 or later to block apps (see ADD LINK HERE)


Apple only supports ScreenTime options on iOS 15 or later.


On Apple mobile devices, you must have an Apple family set up with at least one Parent and One Child. (Instructions below on how to do this, if you haven't already done it.)


For help setting up an Apple family click here 



Here is a YouTube video for setting up app blocking on iOS (Apple family)
https://youtu.be/E8QSkD5OYaM 


Enabling Mobile app Blocking for Apple iPhones & iPad (Apple family)

Please do the following on the child's device you want to manage.


*Reminder:


ScreenCoach Needs to run in the background at all times to manage the child's device. So, you need to enable Location Tracking to "always allow" on the child's device.


If the child kills the ScreenCoach app, it will block all apps within a minute or so :-) 

 - Once you have enabled app blocking

You can also enable notifications to be alerted if the app is not running (if you like)


#1 Switch to parent user (on the child's device)

Only Parents can access the settings menu




#2 Select App Permissions



#3 Enable all options on this screen including Family ScreenTime control.

Agree to all pop-up screens that come up when you enable them.




#4 Read Instructions for setting up an Apple family. If you already have an Apple family setup select the bottom link.     





#5. Select Sign in with parent's Apple ID




#5b. Enter the Apple ID of Parent.


#5c. Enter the Apple ID's password of Parent.


#6 All done!


If you get any errors, this will either be because :

  • This child is not part of your Apple family
  • Screentime is not enabled for your Child (within the Apple family)



*Remember to switch back to the child before you leave!



How to test blocking


Pick a disallowed mode in ScreenCoach.

Then the Apps will be blocked.

They are Dimmed.

If you open an app you will see this




In order to Unblock.


  • Go to an allowed mode (based on the current time being within the allowed access times for the mode).
  • Make sure the user has time allowance or token time remaining.
  • Now the Apps will be unblocked



Click on the below link, to view this FAQ in a new window.


Click here