SOLVED | Location based blocking - Focus Filters & Focus Modes

[Sh5]

I’d love the ability to unblock apps during a session using an NFC tag, with the app triggering different unblocking rules depending on whether I manually unblock or use the NFC. This would allow for precise location-based rules to be triggered.

This feature would be especially useful for short breaks, like when I’m making coffee. I could instantly unblock for 5 minutes via NFC, while still keeping the timeout setting when I’m at my desk during the workday.

[Sarah_K]

Hey there @Sh5,

Thanks for the feature request! I’ve passed this suggestion along to our engineers to consider as we continue to upgrade the app. Stay tuned!

All the best,
Team Opal

[Daniel_Tapp]

You might be able to get fairly close to what you want using Apple Shortcuts -

1. open shortcuts
2. automations
3. new automation
4. NFC Tag
5. Set up to run without confirmation or not
6. Search “Start Session” to get the Opal launcher

It’s not specific enough to set certain apps, but is a step towards what you want for now.

[Opal]

Feature Requested By: Anonymous
Number of Votes: 20
View Original Post: https://opal.nolt.io/21

A function that recognizes you are at home with your family or around your close friends

[Opal]

Comment By: Kenneth

Add quality time when spending time with your family, kids or friends

[Opal]

Feature Requested By: Anonymous
Number of Votes: 4
View Original Post: https://opal.nolt.io/139

Whenever I leave the house at night I want to have access to social media to connect with new people. If there were a feature that recognized when I was at home by location and blocked media I would love that

[kenneth]

As requested by the community, from version 3.1.1 you can Sync your iPhone or iPad’s Focus Mode and Focus Filters together with Opal.

So for example, when you set your iPhone’s Focus to ‘Work’, Opal will automatically block apps in your ‘Work Apps’ App Group.

Here is an article written by @randy to tell you more about it, and the feature was built by @lilpit

Opal FAQ | How to block apps with iPhone Focus Mode

We’re excited to build more integrations with native iOS settings and other apps, please let us know if you want any other integration direclty in #feature-requests !

[James_H]

I agree with this! Would be fantastic to have.

Also handy if I want to have some apps block only when physically preset at work

[kenneth]

You can actually do this using shortcuts! Follow these steps: https://www.opal.so/help/how-do-i-install-shortcut-automations-ios

[RosGnl]

I would like to block some apps and websites when I am at home but when I am out in the streets then I would like this deep focus to not apply .

We need location based Deep Focus !

The location finds where we live . And we can select a circle around where we live for the block to apply .

If you used android then this is done in the app called lockmeout

[kenneth]

Thank you for sharing this and love this idea. I know it’s not ideal,; but have you tried setting this up via Shortcuts? Opal FAQ | 5+ Ways to use Opal with shortcuts

Here is a complete how to article https://www.opal.so/help/how-do-i-install-shortcut-automations-ios

[BahaaBatayneh]

For example you want your phone blocked at work or home by open anywhere else, you will determine the location where the app activates or deactivate, and by recognizing the phone location it will do so automatically

I am not sure if this is doable

[kenneth]

yes it is! actually you can do this now using Shortcut automations.

See this article, section:

Start an Opal Session automatically when you arrive at work

Opal FAQ | 5+ Ways to use Opal with shortcuts

[James_Anderson]

Block certain apps in certain locations. Have areas like work where instagram is blocked, but then not have it blocked at parties. Would be great for people with unusual hours

[Ajay_Prem_Shankar]

Kenneth, while love that there is hack to achieve this, but it is not exactly what I’m looking for. Let me try to expand what would make lot of sense for Opal to build as a feature:

There are two modes i’ve:

1. I’m at home
2. I need step out for various reasons.

When I’m at home. I want my deep focus to be enabled (based on scheduled time) but when I’m outside i want those deep focus to disable.

For example, i keep my phone on deep focus from 10:30pm to 9:30am. Now, generally this works great. But the day I’m travelling I’m left with no option but to disable Opal from iPhone settings because i dont want to struggle with my phone.

I hope this makes sense.

And btw, macOS app is just . Thanks for thinking ahead.

[User32343234]

I don’t what a block to be active when I’m at home on lunch so would like the blocks to be linked to a geo fence so they can be switched on and off depending on location.

[Enemymind]

This seems like such an obvious use case.
Character limit I would like to stay categorically that the developers should immediately institute this

[kenneth]

Thank you @here for this - have you tried this approach with Shortcuts?:

Start an Opal Session automatically when you arrive at work

If you’d like an Opal Session to start automatically when you arrive at work, here’s how to make that happen:

• Open Shortcuts App
• Select the “Automations” Tab
• Select “New Automation”
• Scroll down and tap “Arrive”
• Tap “Choose”
• Select your desired location
• Tap “New Blank Automation”
• Tap “Add Action”
• Search for Opal and select “Start Session”
• Tap on the “App List” option and select the Block List you’d like to use for this Session
• You can customize Session parameters if you tap on the blue arrow
• Tap “Done” when finished

Please note that Opal does not have access to any location data. Shortcuts simply recognizes your location, and instructs Opal to start a Session.

[Srishail_S_Pujar]

I request you add a option to block apps on based on location, like when Im at library I block Instagram, but when I take break and go out for a lunch break I want to check for my dms , so it could be convenient to have location based blocking , this feature is available in Appblock app. Additon for this feature will take this app from 7/10 to perfect/10 for me personally.

[Sarah_K]

Hey @Srishail_S_Pujar,

Thanks for the suggestion! This is already possible if you use Focus Mode and/or Shortcuts:

Opal FAQ | How to block apps with iPhone Focus Mode

Opal FAQ | 5+ Ways to use Opal with shortcuts

Good luck setting those up! I’ve also merged your thread into the existing conversation on the topic so other Gems can easily find it.

All the best,
Team Opal