How To Block Apps but Still Get Notifications?

In this article, you’ll find a complete tutorial on how to block apps while keeping notifications. This method requires using the Shortcuts app.

Before you begin, please make sure Shortcuts is installed on your iPhone. If it isn’t, please download it from the App Store. The app is distributed by Apple.

How Does It Work?

1. Apps are not blocked by default.
2. When you open them, a Session starts.
3. The apps are then blocked.
4. You’ll need to unlock them.
5. After a limited amount of time, they’ll be unblocked again.

How to Set It Up?

We have two methods, because we don’t fully agree on which one is best. We’ll let you decide. Choose one of the two.

Set Up Method 1:

1. Open Jomo.
2. Go to Rules, then tap Start blocking.
3. Tap Block on a schedule.
4. In the Block section, choose the content you want to block.
5. In the Active section, choose Always-On.
6. In the Unlocks section, choose a reasonable number of unlocks and maximum duration.
7. Confirm by tapping New template.

Then:

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
2. Tap Automation, then New Automation.
3. In the list, choose App.
4. Next to App, tap Choose.
5. Choose your apps, the same ones as in your Template.
6. Confirm by tapping ✓.
7. Tap Is Opened and check Run Immediately.
8. Tap Next.
9. Tap Create New Shortcut. On iOS 17-18: New Blank Automation.
10. In the search bar, type Jomo.
11. In the list, select Start Session.
12. In the blue Session Template field, tap and choose your Template.
13. Tap the blue chevron, then tap Use Template’s Timing and select Duration.
14. Set a duration 5 minutes longer than your Unlock duration. For example, 15 minutes if you set a 10-minute maximum Unlock time.
15. Turn off Show When Run.
16. Confirm by tapping ✓.

Set Up Method 2:

1. Open Jomo.
2. Go to Rules, then tap Start blocking.
3. Tap Block on a schedule.
4. In the Block section, choose a random app or website, not the ones you want to block.
5. In the Active section, choose Always-On.
6. In the Unlocks section, choose a reasonable number of unlocks and maximum duration.
7. Confirm by tapping New template.

Then:

1. Open the Shortcuts app.
2. Tap Automation, then New Automation.
3. In the list, choose App.
4. Next to App, tap Choose.
5. Choose the apps you want to block, not the ones in the Template.
6. Confirm by tapping ✓.
7. Tap Is Opened and check Run Immediately.
8. Tap Next.
9. Tap Create New Shortcut. On iOS 17-18: New Blank Automation.
10. In the search bar, type Jomo.
11. In the list, select Redirect to Jomo If Rule Named… Is Blocking.
12. Enter the name of the Template you created in Jomo.
13. Confirm by tapping Done.

Have a question or issue? Please double-check that the Template names match in the Jomo app and in Shortcuts. If you’re experiencing a technical issue, contact us at hello@jomo.so. In that case, please share screenshots and specify which method you used.

Updated on: 15/06/2026