Guides

Some fundamentals to help you get started with OpenAppLock.

Basics

OpenAppLock provides three modes of blocking. A blocking rule can fall into three categories:

• Schedule
  • Apps on the app list block on a schedule (days during a week, plus a timeframe)
• Time limit
  • Apps on an app list are blocked after those apps have been collectively used for the set amount of time
• Open limit
  • Apps on an app list are blocked after having opened them a set number of times
  • Each “open” unlocks the app list for 15 minutes, until being gated by another open

Each blocking rule corresponds to an app list. For schedule rules, you may choose to block an app list or allow only the app list to be used.

To start blocking apps, tap on the Rules tab and create a new rule. You’ll be prompted to select or create an app list in the process.

Lock while blocking, and blocking uninstalls

When creating a rule, you may choose to turn on Lock while blocking. If a locked rule is blocking apps:

• That rule cannot be paused, edited, disabled or deleted
• All app lists cannot be edited
• If Block uninstalls for locked rules is on, OpenAppLock disables uninstallation of all apps on your device

Block uninstalls for locked rules can be found in the Settings tab.

Send me a troubleshooting log

If you suspect something is off with the app blocking, you may send me one or more troubleshooting logs.

In the app, navigate to Settings, then Logs.

Select the log which corresponds to the problematic blocking.

On the top right, tap the Share icon to export your log outside of the app as a text file.

Send this file (or multiple) to openapplock@bchen.dev. By doing this, you agree that logs may be stored for the necessary time to diagnose and provide a fix, in accordance with the privacy policy.

Have other questions?

See the FAQs, or reach out to openapplock@bchen.dev!