🔒 Features & Usage
Can I manually lock apps outside of my focus locations?
Yes! Use the manual lock toggle on the home screen to block apps even when you're not in a designated location. It works independently from location-based locking.
What is the 3-minute break feature?
When locked, you can take a 3-minute break to check important messages or handle emergencies. After the break ends, apps automatically re-lock.
💡 Tip: Use it wisely! The break is for genuine needs, not scheduled social media checks.
What happens if my battery is low?
For your safety, LocBlock automatically unlocks all apps when your battery drops to 10% or below. This prevents you from being stranded without access to maps, communication, or emergency services.
🔋 Battery Recovery: When your battery recovers to 15% or above, the app will automatically re-lock if you're still in a focus location or had manual lock active.
How accurate is location detection?
LocBlock uses geofencing with a radius you control (10m-100m). The system is optimized for accuracy while preserving battery life. In testing, it reliably detects when you enter/exit locations within 10-30 seconds.
🔐 Permissions & Privacy
Why does LocBlock need location permissions?
LocBlock needs location access to automatically detect when you enter or exit your focus locations. You must select "Always Allow" for the app to work in the background.
What LocBlock doesn't do:
- ❌ Track your location history
- ❌ Upload location data to servers
- ❌ Share location data with anyone
- ✅ Only checks if you're inside a geofence radius you defined
Why does LocBlock need Screen Time permission?
Screen Time permission allows LocBlock to block apps using Apple's Family Controls API. This is the only official way to restrict app access on iOS.
What LocBlock doesn't do:
- ❌ See what apps you use
- ❌ Track your screen time
- ❌ Upload app usage data
- ✅ Only has permission to block apps you selected
Is my data safe?
100% Yes. LocBlock is built with privacy as the #1 priority:
- ✅ All data stays on your device (locally stored)
- ✅ No servers, no cloud sync, no tracking
- ✅ No analytics, no third-party SDKs
- ✅ No account required, no sign-in
- ✅ Open about what permissions are used and why
Can you see what apps I'm blocking?
No. LocBlock never sees, tracks, or stores information about what apps you choose to block. That data stays encrypted on your device only.
🔧 Troubleshooting
The app isn't locking when I enter a location. What's wrong?
Common fixes:
- Check location permissions: Settings → LocBlock → Location → "Always Allow"
- Enable Background App Refresh: Settings → General → Background App Refresh → LocBlock → On
- Check location is enabled: In LocBlock → Manage Locations → Make sure the location toggle is green
- Verify radius: The detection radius might be too small. Try increasing it.
- Wait 30 seconds: Location detection can take 10-30 seconds after crossing the boundary
The app unlocks by itself even though I'm still in the location. Why?
- GPS drift: Your phone's GPS might fluctuate. Try increasing the location radius.
- Low battery: If your battery is below 10%, the app auto-unlocks for safety
- Background restrictions: Make sure Background App Refresh is enabled
What happens if I force quit LocBlock?
Blocks remain active! Force quitting does NOT stop the blocking. The shields are managed by iOS system services.
✅ Location automation STILL WORKS!
LocBlock uses iOS geofencing technology that automatically wakes up the app when you enter/exit your focus locations - even after force quit! The app will launch in the background and trigger lock/unlock automatically.
⚠️ However, while force quit:
- Break timers won't run (need app open)
- Manual lock toggle won't work until reopened
- Low battery monitoring paused
📱 After device reboot: You'll need to open the app once to resume region monitoring. iOS clears all monitored regions after a restart.
💡 This is a powerful feature: Location-based blocking continues working seamlessly even when the app is force quit, providing reliable focus enforcement without draining your battery!
Can I delete the app to bypass the blocks?
Yes, but that defeats the purpose! LocBlock is designed to help you build better habits, not to forcefully restrict you. If you delete the app, restrictions are removed immediately.
💡 Tip: Think of LocBlock as a commitment device, not a prison. Your success depends on your intention to focus.
💡 Best Practices
How many locations should I set up?
Start with 2-3 key locations where you struggle with distractions:
- Your university library
- Your home study desk
- Your office workspace
You can always add more later, but starting small helps build the habit.
What apps should I block?
Focus on your biggest distractions:
✅ Block:
- Social media (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X)
- Messaging apps (if appropriate)
- Gaming apps
- Entertainment (YouTube, Netflix)
⚠️ DON'T block:
- Essential apps (Phone, Messages if you need them)
- Navigation apps (Maps)
- School/work apps you need
Should I use manual lock when working at home?
Absolutely! If your home isn't a focus location (maybe you relax there too), use manual lock to create focus sessions:
- Sit down to study
- Toggle manual lock ON
- Focus for your study session
- Toggle OFF when done