How to temporarily unblock an app on iPhone
With Apple's built-in Screen Time, tap Ignore Limit on the limit screen and choose One More Minute, Remind Me in 15 Minutes or Ignore Limit for Today. With FocusPass, tap USE A PASS on the shield and pick a length such as 10 minutes. The app opens, and when the Pass ends iOS puts the shield back by itself, even if FocusPass is closed.
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.
Option 1: Screen Time's Ignore Limit
When an App Limit runs out, iOS shows a limit screen. Without a Screen Time passcode you can tap Ignore Limit and pick one more minute, a 15-minute reminder, or the rest of the day. With a passcode, Ask for More Time needs the code.
It's quick, but "Ignore Limit for Today" is one tap away, and nothing brings the limit back until tomorrow.
Option 2: a timed Pass in FocusPass
FocusPass shows a shield with two choices: GO BACK or USE A PASS. A Pass is short access with a built-in end.
- Pick a length from your plan, for example 5, 10 or 15 minutes.
- Add an optional reason such as Reply or Check something, as a note to yourself.
- The relock is scheduled with iOS before the app opens, so it happens even if you never reopen FocusPass.
- You get a set number of Passes a day, and an optional Reset Window adds a pause before the next one.
When you're out of Passes
FocusPass Pro adds Task Access: up to 3 minutes for one stated task, which never spends a Pass and is limited so it can't become a loop. Emergency access and Turn Off All Protection are always available and are never locked behind a purchase.
Platform limits worth knowing
FocusPass uses Apple's Screen Time frameworks (Family Controls, Managed Settings and Device Activity). iOS shows the shield and handles relocking; FocusPass never sees what you do inside other apps, and Apple doesn't let apps read that.
Common questions
Can I unblock an app on iPhone for just 5 minutes?
Yes. In FocusPass, choose a 5-minute Pass on the shield (if 5 minutes is in your plan). The app opens for 5 minutes and is shielded again automatically.
Does the app relock if FocusPass is closed?
Yes. The relock is handed to iOS through Apple's Device Activity framework when the Pass starts, so it doesn't depend on FocusPass running.
Can I end a Pass early?
Yes. Ending early shields the app again right away. The Pass still counts as used.
Can I switch protection off completely?
Yes. Settings > Protection > Turn Off All FocusPass Protection removes every shield immediately. It's never gated by a purchase, streak or cooldown.
Get FocusPass free on the App Store