This issue single handedly destroys the whole point of this app. This needs immediate attention. Please fix this asap!
1 Like
Hey,
We are a bit limited by what apple allows us to do here, but I may have solution for you to make settings harder to reach while in a session:
- Setup a personal automation in the shortcuts app that is triggered when opening the settings app,
- Add an if condition, and use the âIs Opal protection Onâ shortcut as input
- Add an âOpen Appâ block inside the if condition, so Opal will open instead of settings while in a session
You can always take a break if you still want to access settings.
1 Like
It helps but it doesnât change much, because to circumvent it is simply to deactivate the automation in 10 seconds
Wouldnât having Opal block the shortcuts app prevent you turning off the automation?
2 Likes
You right, but I use Opal block 24h day, its mean settings 24h block with this configs, a solution would be, block only âscreen timeâ session from âsettingsâ, but its not possible.
1 Like
@here we now have a solution for this (it came from an idea on this community forum!)
To enhance the security of your Opal sessions and prevent the disabling of Opalâs Screen Time during a session, follow these steps. This process should take less than 5 minutes to set up.
https://www.opal.so/help/how-to-lock-opals-screen-time-access
Please be aware that you wonât be able to access your phoneâs Settings while in a session (unless youâre on a break).
Morning Guys,
Is there any continued work on this issue? Whilst yes, there is the shortcuts workaround, this isnât a solution to the problem. (canât connect to bluetooth devices, wifi, hotspot etc) during session. I purchased a lifetime membership and now regret doing so, knowing the app can just be âturnedâ off. Any information would be great thanks 
Hey !
Apple doesnât provide us any way to do this, so the shortcut is the best alternative we got so far.
We are monitoring changes in the Screentime api at every iOS update, and will inform you if this behaviour change in the future.
In the mean time, you can submit an improvement request to Apple if you want to increase the chances they implement this possibility in the future â Product Feedback - Apple
Peter
Hey, have just realized you can get out of any block session by simply turning off screen time access for Opal in the iOS settings. Would love it if at least during a deep focus session it was impassible to change this/disable it. This might be an Apple issue - even if make a screen time passcode it doesnât prompt me for it when I disable screen time access to apps. It just auto FaceTime IDâs me. So yeah if you guys can do something to address this, it would be too on my list of new features. Would rather not block the whole settings app either which is listed as an option on your website by using shortcuts.
Thanks!
1 Like
A way to control access by setting up a 4-digit passcode. My idea is to have my girlfriend choose a random passcode so I canât modify the settings within the app. If I ever really need access, she can grant it. This is actually how I managed to quit pornâon an iPhone, you can set a passcode for the âScreen Timeâ settings. By enabling the âRestricted Contentâ option and locking the settings with a password, you effectively block access and prevent yourself from making changes. Itâs simple and highly effective.
Iâd be really helpful to be able to lock Opal with a passcode. I use Opal myself, but also for my daughter, however sheâll just open it and change her settings/delete her sessions.
1 Like
I can agree that if this app use to manage the childrenâs device will be nice have a some sort of a protection to prevent the children change the setting.
1 Like
Thank you for sharing! Itâs great to hear youâre using Opal with your children.
How do you typically use it with them?
Do you have a âSchool hoursâ scheduled session planned every day? or "Study time?
Or do you use it any other way?
It would be so great if you needed a passcode to open the Opal app. I donât want to be able to change the session times I scheduled, when the session is not running. If there was a passcode feature, I could have my buddy set a passcode I donât know, so I canât just delete the scheduled session by myself. Please consider adding a passcode feature!
1 Like
ADHD, poor self-control depending on state of medications. Itâd be great to be able to hand control of the app over to my wife.
1 Like
Can the devs add face id lock for the app?
Please please please please. this will significantly improve the app in a day
1 Like
Thanks @Sahil_Arora ! A few questions to make sure I understand:
Are you looking for FaceID lock to open the Opal app? As in a privacy protection?
Or is it to modify a Session?
1 Like
I think it would be great if you try to open an app instead the regular Opal screen it comes up with a passcode or Face ID in order to open the app, and locks when you close it, but for non pro users or when not using deep focus mode.
2 Likes
I LOVE OPAL! Seriously! However, whenever I want access to what itâs supposed to be restricting I can just go into my app settings, turn off screentime restrictions for Opal, and access everything distracting. Obviously I could just not do that, but then whatâs the point of Opal if Iâm just turning it on and off when I want?
