Why some Apple system apps can't be blocked

Apple restricts what third-party apps can do with Screen Time. A handful of system apps can't be blocked, even by Koodos, even by Apple's own Screen Time in some cases.

Apps you can always block

• Most third-party apps from the App Store (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, games, etc.)
• Apple's browser (Safari) — you can block this
• Categories like Social, Games, Entertainment

Apps you can't block

A few Apple system apps are exempt from Screen Time:

• Phone — for emergency calls
• FaceTime — partial; can be restricted but not fully blocked in all cases
• Settings — so you can always change device settings
• Find My — for safety

If you absolutely need to keep your child off these, you'd have to use Apple's Family Sharing and Apple's own Screen Time controls on top of Koodos — they have a few more knobs than the API exposes.

What about Safari?

Safari can be blocked. If you want to restrict the web entirely, block Safari in the mode of your choice.

If your child uses a different browser (Chrome, Firefox), block that one too — Koodos only blocks the apps you select.

Workarounds your child might try

Kids are inventive. They might try uninstalling apps and reinstalling, or hiding apps in folders. Blocking by category catches both — when an app is in the Social category, it doesn't matter what folder it's in. Reinstalling doesn't bypass the block either.

If you see Koodos missing a blocked app, see Pairing keeps failing or email support@koodos.app.