Looking to stop yourself from disabling Jomo in the Screen Time settings? We've got a solution!

For security reasons, a third-party app like Jomo can't block the Settings app natively. This technical limitation is enforced by Apple and applies to all Screen Time apps without exception.

To solve this issue, we have two methods that require the Apple's Shortcuts app. Don’t worry, we’ll explain the steps in detail, and it’ll only take a few minutes!

Apple could simplify things by adding a password to protect Screen Time permissions. Support our request on the Apple forums. Every comment/vote helps 💜.
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↗️ Be redirected to Jomo whenever you open Settings

This method blocks the Settings app whenever Strict Mode (or a specific rule, it's up to you) is active. If you try to open it, you're automatically redirected to Jomo.

📹 Video tutorial (French & English subtitles)

⌨️ Written tutorial

Open the “Shortcuts” application (if you don't have it installed, you can find it on the App Store. Please make sure you download the application developed and distributed by Apple).
Press “Automation” in the bar at the bottom of the screen, then “Create automation”.
In the list, press “App”.
Opposite “App”, press “Choose”, then select “Settings”.
Underneath, check “Is open”, then check “Launch immediately”, then press “Next”.
Press “New automation”.
In the search bar, type “Is Strict Mode Active?”, and press to add the action.
Now type “Si / If” and press to add the action.
Next, type “Open app”, then press it. In the blue box, press and select “Jomo”.
Keep your finger on the “Open Jomo” tile, and drag it under “If ‘Is Strict Mode Active?’” and delete “Otherwise”.
Finally, confirm by pressing “Done” in the top right-hand corner.
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🔒 Lock Jomo's screen time permissions

Blocking the entire Settings app can be too restrictive, especially if Strict Mode is always on or set for a long time. We have another option: each time you try to turn off Jomo's screen time permissions, you'll be redirected back to Jomo. This way, you can still access the rest of your iPhone's settings freely.

💡 On some devices, the automation may take too long to activate. If this happens, we suggest deactivating Face ID and using only a manual passcode.

📹 Video tutorial (French & English subtitles)

⌨️ Written tutorial

Open the “Shortcuts” application (if you don't have it installed, you can find it in the App Store. Please make sure you download the application developed and distributed by Apple).
Press “Automation” in the bar at the bottom of the screen, then “Create automation”.
In the list, press “App”.
Opposite “App”, press “Choose”, then select “Settings”.
Underneath, check “Is closed”, then check “Launch immediately”, then press “Next”.
Press “New automation”.
In the search bar, type “Is Strict Mode Active?”, and add the action by clicking on it.
Now type “Si / If” and press to add the action.
Next, type “Open app”, then press it. In the blue box, press and select “Jomo”.
Keep your finger on the tile “Open Jomo”, and drag it under “If ‘Is Strict Mode Active?’” and delete “Otherwise”.
Finally, confirm by pressing “Done” in the top right-hand corner.
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😈 Add additional friction

🔒 Lock screen instead of redirecting to Jomo

If redirecting to Jomo is too slow, you can force your iPhone to lock itself whenever you try to access the Settings app or permissions toggle.

Download the shortcut here.
Open the Shortcuts app, tap “Automation” at the bottom, then tap “Create automation”.
Select “App” from the list.
Next to “App”, tap “Choose”, then pick “Settings”.
Check “Is opened” or “Is closed” (method 1 or 2), then check “Launch immediately”, and tap “Next”.
In the search bar, type "Lock screen if strict mode is active". Tap the shortcut card. Boom!

🌀 Add a double-redirect (Method 1)

When you open the Settings app, first redirect to a deep section of the keyboard settings, then to Jomo. This avoids switching between Jomo and the Settings app to access permissions.

Download the shortcut here.
Open the Shortcuts app, tap “Automation” at the bottom, then tap “Create automation”.
Select “App” from the list.
Next to “App”, tap “Choose”, then pick “Settings”.
Check “Is opened” or “Is closed” (method 1 or 2), then check “Launch immediately”, and tap “Next”.
In the search bar, type "Double redirect if strict mode is active". Tap the shortcut card. Boom!

🐌 Disable Home Screen animations

Some devices can have more trouble triggering the redirection quickly enough. If the redirection is very slow on your end, you can disable transition effects when switching between apps.

Go to the Settings app
Open "Accessibility" settings
Select "Per-App Settings" (at the bottom)
Tap "Add App"
Select "Home Screen & App Library"
Select "Home Screen & App Library" again, then tap "Reduce Motion"
Set "Reduce Motion" to "On"
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🛠️ Still having trouble?

These are the most powerful methods we have. We do our best to find solutions despite the technical limits. We update this tutorial regularly with new tips based on your feedback.

Please note: ALL screen time apps have the same restrictions. They use the same technology. No matter the promises or price, it changes nothing. See for yourself by going to Settings > Screen Time > Apps With Screen Time Access. You’ll find a list of apps with the same little switch.

Updated on: 13/09/2024