Why Are Some Apps Not Blocked by ScreenCoach on iPhone/iPad?

There can be three main reasons:

ScreenCoach allows you to designate specific apps as "Always Allowed," meaning they remain accessible regardless of set restrictions.

Resolution:

• Open ScreenCoach on your child's device.
• Tap on "Change" in the top left-hand corner, below the user name.
• Switch to the parent user profile.
• Tap "Settings" from the tab bar at the bottom of the screen.
• Choose "App Categories."
• Remove the unwanted apps from the "Always Allowed" category.
• Switch back to the child user profile.

If you were using ScreenTime for device restrictions before switching to ScreenCoach, and had set up "Always allowed Apps" in ScreenTime settings, this can cause a conflict with ScreenCoach. Sometimes, this conflict will be present even if the ScreenTime is turned off for that particular child with the "Turn off Web & App Activity" button.

Resolution:

• Open Settings on the Parent device (Apple iOS Settings)
• Tap on your Apple Family and tap on the child you want to fix this for.
• Scroll down and look for ScreenTime (If the ScreenTime is already off, turn it on and follow the steps)
• Under ScreenTime settings, Go to Always Allowed
• Remove all the apps under Always allowed (except the mandatory Apple's Native apps such as Phone, Messages, FaceTime & Maps)
• Once the apps are removed, Go back and "Turn off App & Website Activity" now.

 Please note the Parent device and child device should be under the same Apple Family.****

ScreenCoach can only block apps downloaded using the Apple ID currently logged in on the device. 

Apps downloaded with a different Apple ID might remain accessible.

This scenario can occur if the device being used by the child was previously being used by a parent or another person, so the apps being used on the device were downloaded with a different Apple ID than the current Apple ID , therefore the old apps remain linked to the old Apple ID (and cant be blocked by the new Apple ID)

• Uninstall the unblocked apps from the device (completely remove them, not just from the home screen).
• Re-download the apps from the App Store using the Apple ID associated with ScreenCoach setup.
• Ensure the child device has a designated child Apple ID logged in for optimal ScreenCoach functionality and app blocking.
• Close and reopen the ScreenCoach app.

By following these steps, you should be able to ensure all desired apps are subject to ScreenCoach's restrictions.

Updated on: 05/06/2025