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Opal is blocking an app/website it shouldn't

Sometimes, specific apps or websites you did not want to block can be included in your Blocked Apps. If you notice that a specific app or website is blocked when it shouldn't be, please follow the steps below to get the issue sorted.

Step 1: Reload Blocks

Navigate to the Opal "Blocks" tab, tap "Reload Blocks" in the top right corner, and select "Reload Blocks Now". If this doesn't fix the issue:

Step 2: check your existing iOS Screen Time settings

  • Do you have App Limits set up on your iPhone (outside of Opal)? Make sure you don't have an app limit that is blocking this app. Here is how to do it.
  • Do you have Downtime or Focus Mode set up on your iPhone? Make sure you don't have a downtime affecting this app. Here is how to do it.
  • Do you have any "Always Allowed" app in your iPhone screen time settings? Make sure you select or unselect them. Here is how to do it.

If this doesn't fix the issue:

Step 3: Check Block List and Allow List for Apps and Websites that are selected

  • Open the Session that is improperly blocking from your "Blocks" tab. Please note that you can not edit your Block List or Allow List for an ongoing Session.
  • Tap on "Selected Apps" if it's a Session, "Apps Blocked" if it's an App Block, or "On these apps" if it's an App Limit
  • Check the Apps and Websites that are selected. Ensure that you open each Folder to inspect the list. Be sure to double-check that corresponding websites for apps are not blocked, including:
    facebook.com -> this can shield apps associated with Meta, including Messenger and WhatsApp
    google.com
    -> this can shield apps associated with Google, including Youtube
    amazon.com
    -> this can shield apps associated with Amazon, including Kindle and Alexa
  • If you find that the app and/or website is being blocked by a Block List or Allow List, deselect it
  • Tap "Save"

If this doesn't fix the issue:

Step 4: Clear Your Block List or Allow List

  • Repeat the steps above
  • In the "Choose Activities" screen, select "All Apps & Categories," then unselect it
  • Select again any app and/or website you want to block
  • Hit "Save"

If this doesn't fix the issue:

Step 5: Reset Screen Time Connection

  • Go to your Opal "Settings" (accessible from the top right corner of your "Profile" tab)
  • Tap on "FAQs"
  • Tap on "Advanced Features"
  • Tap and hold down on "Reset my Screen Time Connection"
  • Wait for a few seconds, and you will receive a confirmation message once the reset is complete

If you removed Screen time permissions or uninstalled the Opal app, but apps are still blocked

If you toggled off Screen Time permissions or uninstalled Opal while in a Session, please visit this page.

If your apps or websites continue to be improperly blocked, please follow the steps here. If you want to block an app or website that is not on Opal's block list, please follow the steps here. If you continue to have problems after following every single step listed above, please let us know using the instructions here.

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