App blocking for modes is a new feature. Apps are blocked in to two steps
- Add apps into App Categories
- Add the app categories to the mode
You can group apps into specific categories like fun, social media, school, or video streaming to have it streamlined, and accordingly block them in the modes.
Parents can set up the app categories (on mobile) this way:
- Hamburger Menu icon on the top left ->> Admin ->> App Categories
- Choose the apps that fall into corresponding app categories by tapping on the blue button in every category and choosing the apps.
Now go the top left hamburger menu again ->> Manage Modes ->> Choose the Mode you want to block apps in ->> Go to Apps tab on the top - >> Restrict some apps and turn on restriction for the app category you want to block
You can also see the first option is All apps allowed.
- These apps will run in ALL modes; AND
- These apps will run even when the device is locked (eg after bedtime, or when they have no time left)
Apps that you may choose to always allow could include Spotify, podcasts, meditation apps, etc
There are the default categories, however, you can rename them or create your category by pressing the (pink +) sign at the bottom of the screen. You can also disable the default category, by pressing the settings cog.
Note: If you haven't selected any app under the category, you cant use the category in any mode.
How to categorize the apps you would like to block.
You add apps per platform, the image below shows selecting IOS from the "Audio/Relaxing" category.
NOTE: you can only edit the iOS Apps on an iPhone or iPad (Due to Apple limitations)
Greyed-out platforms like MacOS (below) also occur if you have not connected any Mac devices to your family account yet.
Once you click on IOS/Android/MacOS/Windows, It will list the application you have in your system, accordingly, you Tick them or click on the arrow suggested in the Screenshot and Check the specific apps you would like to block as follows:
Note: In this screenshot, a specific app is not displayed when you click on the arrow in front of social. It's because I don't have any social media apps otherwise it will show up as youtube and Instagram or any under the social or entertainment category. The same concept follows for other categories, therefore, you can select any particular app and check the box there for the blocking or All the apps under the category will be blocked.
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