How to block iPhone Settings while in strict mode?

In this article, you’ll find a complete tutorial on how to block the Settings app when Strict Mode is active, to prevent Screen Time permission from being disabled. Please read carefully and follow the instructions all the way through.

🟢 iOS 26.4 or later: Use Solution 1.

🔴 iOS 18 or earlier: Use Solutions 2 and 3.

Before You Begin: Start Simple and 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 (▸ learn more about Unlocks), 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.

How to Set Up Solution 1 (iOS 26 or Later)

This solution requires setting up a dedicated PIN for Screen Time settings. If needed, ask someone close to you to set this code for you.

Set the code:

1. Open the iPhone Settings app.
2. Go to Screen Time, then scroll down and tap Lock Screen Time Settings.
3. Enter your passcode.
4. Enter a valid email address, which can belong to someone you trust (please note that you need to enter the email’s password too).
5. Confirm.

How to Set Up Solutions 2 and 3 (iOS 18 or Earlier)

For this method, you’ll need the 100% free Shortcuts app, developed by Apple.

Solution 2: Completely Block Settings from Opening

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
2. Tap Automation, then New Automation. (iOS 27: New Shortcut, then press the Apple Intelligence Icon top right corner)
3. In the list, choose App. (iOS 27: In the sheet, tap Automation, then choose App)
4. Next to App, tap Choose.
5. In the list, select the Settings app.
6. Select Is Opened and Run Immediately.
7. Tap Next.
8. Tap New Blank Automation.
9. In the search bar, type and select Is Strict Mode Active?
10. In the same search bar, type and select If.
11. Remove Otherwise.
12. In the search bar again, type and select Open App.
13. Drag the action under the If block.
14. In the blue rectangle next to Open, tap and choose Jomo from the list.
15. Confirm by tapping ✓ / Done.

Solution 3: Only Block the Screen Time Permission

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
2. Tap Automation, then New Automation. (iOS 27: New Shortcut, then press the Apple Intelligence Icon top right corner)
3. In the list, choose App. (iOS 27: In the sheet, tap Automation, then choose App)
4. Next to App, tap Choose.
5. In the list, select the Settings app.
6. Select Is Closed and Run Immediately.
7. Tap Next.
8. Tap New Blank Automation.
9. In the search bar, type and select Is Strict Mode Active?
10. In the same search bar, type and select If.
11. Remove Otherwise.
12. In the search bar again, type and select Open App.
13. Drag the action under the If block.
14. In the blue rectangle next to Open, tap and choose Jomo from the list.
15. Confirm by tapping ✓ / Done.

Increase the Difficulty

This option forces a redirect to Jomo when distracting apps are opened if we detect that the permission is no longer valid.

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
2. Tap Automation, then New Automation.
3. In the list, choose App.
4. Next to App, tap Choose.
5. In the list, choose your favorite distracting apps.
6. Select Is Opened and Run Immediately.
7. Tap Next.
8. In the search bar, type and select Are Screen Time Permissions Enabled?
9. In the same search bar, type and select If.
10. Remove Otherwise.
11. In the search bar again, type and select Open App.
12. Drag the action under the If block.
13. In the blue rectangle next to Open, tap and choose Jomo from the list.
14. Confirm by tapping ✓ / Done.

Lock the Screen for More Friction

1. Set up Solution 2.
2. After step 14, type and select Lock The Screen in the search bar.
3. Move the action under Open Jomo.
4. Confirm by tapping ✓ / Done.

If Your iPhone Is Too Slow

1. Set up Solution 2.
2. After step 14, type and select URL in the search bar.
3. In the blue rectangle, copy and paste this text: prefs:root=General&path=Keyboard/Hardware%20Keyboard
4. Move the action under Open Jomo.
5. Confirm by tapping ✓ / Done.

1. Go to the iPhone Settings app.
2. Go to Accessibility.
3. Go to Per-App Settings.
4. Tap Add App.
5. Add Home Screen & App Library.
6. Under Motion, choose Reduce Motion, then turn it On.

Prevent the Automation from Being Deleted

1. Go to the iPhone Settings app.
2. Go to Screen Time ▸ App Limits ▸ Add Limit.
3. Select Shortcuts, then tap Next.
4. Choose 0 hr and 0 min, then confirm by tapping ✓.

Or lock the Shortcut app with Jomo directly.

We know this isn’t ideal. However, this is a limitation imposed by Apple and it applies to all screen time apps, regardless of their price or what they claim. We do our best to keep this article up to date and add new methods whenever needed.

Updated on: 18/06/2026