How do we prevent turning off 'Screen Time Access' in Settings? {SOLVED}

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#165

In settings there is a way to disable opal without it impacting streaks and allowing you to access apps that should be locked. I am unsure if there would be a way to remove this but just putting it out there anyways

#166

Hey @Sparkly,

This is already possible! Here’s how to lock your access to Screen Time to prevent yourself from toggling off that button:

There are several other ways to make Opal harder to bypass also featured here:

I’ve also merged your comment into the existing thread on the topic.

All the best,
Team Opal

#167

All you have to do is restart your phone and access settings as the shortcut won’t start straight away

#168

Hey @Peds ,

We have some good news! We’ve tested and recreated an advanced-level Shortcut & Automation to prevent you from toggling off access to Screen Time. Before you implement it, please ensure you’ve set up our existing system:

If you’ve already done so and want something more foolproof, please follow these steps:

  1. Open the “Shortcuts” app
  2. Tap “Shortcuts” or “Library” if using the iOS 26 interface
  3. Tap the “＋” button in the top-right
  4. Tap “Search Actions”
  5. In the field, type “Lock Screen,” then tap to add
  6. Tap “Search Actions” again, type “Go to Home Screen”, then tap to add
  7. Tap “Search Actions” once more, type “Opal,” then tap “Start Session”
  8. Tap “App List” and choose the block list you want to activate
  9. Tap the toggle beside the shortcut name and rename it to “Settings Workaround”
  10. Tap “Done" or the "<“ toggle if using the iOS 26 interface

Once the Shortcut is made, you must also create the “Automation” within the same “Shortcuts” app to trigger the Shortcut. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Tap the “Automation” tab
  2. Tap “+” or “New Automation”
  3. Scroll down and tap “App”
  4. Tap “Choose”
  5. Type “Settings” in the "Search Apps” bar, tap “Settings,” then tap “Done” or “:heavy_check_mark:”
  6. Tap on “Is Opened”
  7. Tap “Next”
  8. Tap on the “Settings Workaround” shortcut you just made
  9. Tap on the Automation you just made
  10. Tap on “Run Immediately”
  11. Ensure “Notify When Run” is toggled off
  12. Tap “Done”

When finished, this advanced level Automation and Shortcut combination will automatically lock your screen, return you to the Home Screen, and start an Opal block Session whenever you try to open your phone’s “Settings”.

All the best,
Team Opal

#169

Hi, Sarah,

Thanks for this. I’m a new Opal subscriber and have successfully done all of the above. Do you guys have any advice for a workaround on the issue of the Control Center access to Settings? Everything else is working great, but I can still access Settings completely from within the Control Center.

Thanks for any input you may have!