How to block social media on iPhone
Use an app built on Apple's Screen Time frameworks to shield your social apps, or pick the whole Social category. With FocusPass, you can still get in for short timed Passes to reply or post, and the apps lock again when the time is up.
Updated
Interactive demo: tap a protected app, then choose Go Back or Use a Pass and watch the Pass expire and relock. Nothing on your phone is blocked.
Step by step with FocusPass
Setup takes about a minute:
- Open FocusPass and tap CREATE MY FIRST BLOCK.
- Allow Screen Time access (Apple asks you to confirm).
- In Apple's picker, choose the Social category or individual apps.
- Pick a plan, such as 3 Passes of 10 minutes a day.
- Turn protection on. Opening those apps now shows the FocusPass shield.
Blocking social media websites too
Apple's picker also lets you choose websites, so the shield applies in Safari as well. Other browsers may behave differently.
Keep the useful parts
Social apps aren't all bad. Messages from friends, community updates and work posts are real needs. Pick a reason when you use a Pass (Reply, Post, Check something) as a reminder of why you opened it.
Common questions
How do I block social media while studying?
Create a Study Focus Zone for your study hours, or start a Deep Focus session. Your social apps stay shielded until it ends.
Can I block TikTok, Instagram or other apps individually?
Yes. Apple's picker lets you choose single apps, whole categories or websites.
Will my friends know I blocked the app?
No. The shield is only on your device, and FocusPass doesn't post or send anything.
Get FocusPass free on the App Store