Disabling the permission in the Settings for the Jomo app might seem tempting. That’s why we offer two solutions to keep Jomo as powerful an ally as ever. To set this up, you'll need the Shortcuts app. If it’s not already installed on your iPhone, you can download it for free from the App Store (developed and distributed by Apple).

Solution #1 — Block access to the entire Settings app: When a Strict Mode rule is active, every time you try to open the Settings app, you'll be automatically redirected to Jomo.

Solution #2 — Block only the Screen Time permission: When a Strict Mode rule is active, every time you try to disconnect the permission, you'll be automatically redirected to Jomo.

Why do I need to use the Shortcuts app?

For security reasons, Apple doesn’t allow third-party apps (including Jomo) to block essential apps like Settings, Health, or Phone. Using the Shortcuts app is currently the most effective way to work around this limitation.

Before you begin: start simple, stay consistent

Here’s one simple principle: if you often feel the need to turn it off, it’s probably too strict.

Many people start with extreme restrictions, get frustrated, and end up deleting Jomo altogether. That’s not failure — it’s just too much, too soon. The key is to start small and build habits you can actually keep. Set manageable rules, stay consistent, and let change happen gradually.

Jomo works by adding a little friction (check out our Breaks feature), while social media does the opposite — it removes friction to keep you hooked. Infinite scroll, autoplay, notifications — all designed to make you lose track of time. Jomo slows things down on purpose. *That tiny pause helps you use your phone more intentionally — and over time, much less*.

Solution #1

1. Open the Shortcuts app.  
2. Tap Automation > New Automation.  
3. From the list, select App.  
4. Tap Choose next to App.  
5. Select Settings.  
6. Check Is Opened, then Run Immediately.
7. Tap Create New Shortcut (iOS 17/18: New Blank Automation).

In the search bar at the bottom of the screen:  

8. Search for Is Strict Mode Active? and select it.  
9. Type If and select it.  
10. Type Open App and select it.
11. In the blue App section, tap and choose Jomo.
12. Long-press and drag the Open Jomo block under the If Is Strict Mode Active? condition, then delete the Otherwise block.
13. Tap the blue checkmark to confirm (iOS 17/18: Done).

Solution #2

1. Open the Shortcuts app.  
2. Tap Automation > New Automation.  
3. From the list, select App.  
4. Tap Choose next to App.  
5. Select Settings.  
6. Check Is Closed, then Run Immediately.
7. Tap Create New Shortcut (iOS 17/18: New Blank Automation).

In the search bar at the bottom of the screen:  

7. Search for Is Strict Mode Active? and select it.
8. Type If and select it.
9. Type Open App and select it.
10. In the blue App section, tap and choose Jomo.
11. Long-press and drag the Open Jomo block under the If Is Strict Mode Active? condition, then delete the Otherwise block.
12. Tap the blue checkmark to confirm (iOS 17/18: Done).

Add more friction

1. Disable access to distracting apps if screen time permissions for Jomo are not enabled

1. Open the Shortcuts app.  
2. Tap Automation > New Automation.  
3. From the list, select App.  
4. Tap Choose next to App.  
5. Select your most distracting apps for which you want the automation to check if permissions are correctly granted on open.
6. Check Is Opened, then Run Immediately.
7. Tap Create New Shortcut (iOS 17/18: New Blank Automation).

In the search bar at the bottom of the screen:  

7. Search for Are Screen Time Permissions Enabled? and select it.
8. Type If and select it.
9. Type Open App and select it.
10. In the blue App section, tap and choose Jomo.
11. Long-press and drag the Open Jomo block under the Otherwise condition (see screenshot below).
12. Tap the blue checkmark to confirm (iOS 17/18: Done).

To prevent that automation from being deleted:

1. Go to Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Screen Time > App Limits > Add Limit.
3. Select Shortcuts, then tap Next.
4. Select 0 h and 0 min, then tap the blue checkmark.
5. The Shortcuts app will now be blocked by default.
6. Set a screen time passcode to prevent yourself from removing the limit.

2. Lock the screen

To insert after Step 10:  

1. Search Lock the screen, then select it.
2. Long-press and move the Lock the screen block under Open Jomo.

3. Add a double redirect

To insert after Step 10:  

1. Type URL and select it.  
2. In the blue App section, tap and paste the following:  

   prefs:root=General&path=Keyboard/Hardware%20Keyboard

4. Remove animations  

1. Go to iPhone > Settings > Accessibility.  
2. Tap Per-App Settings.  
3. Tap Add App.  
4. Select Home Screen & App Library, then tap it.  
5. Under Motion > Reduce Motion > On.

Still having trouble?

These two methods are currently the only ones available and technically possible given Apple’s limitations. We're doing our best to keep them updated and to find new ones whenever we can.

Please note that ALL screen time apps are subject to the same restrictions (regardless of price or what others may claim). If you’d like to check for yourself: Settings > Screen Time > Apps With Screen Time Access.

Updated on: 28/10/2025