Advanced setup

Block access to Settings while locked

Prevent bypassing LOKD by locking down Settings access during focus sessions. This one-time setup uses an iOS Shortcut and a Personal Automation to block the Settings app whenever LOKD is active.

Get the LOKD Block Settings shortcut

You'll return to this page after adding the shortcut.

Setup

  1. Confirm the Shortcuts app is installed

    Shortcuts comes preinstalled on iOS 13 and later. If it's missing, download it free from the App Store.

    Confirm the Shortcuts app is installed

  2. Add the shortcut to your library

    Tap the button above, then tap “Add Shortcut”.

  3. Open the Shortcuts app

    Go back to your home screen and open Shortcuts.

  4. Create a new Personal Automation

    Switch to the “Automation” tab at the bottom, then tap “New Automation”.

    Create a new Personal Automation

  5. Choose “App” as the trigger

    Under “When”, select App and tap Choose.

  6. Select “Is Opened” and “Run Immediately”

    Then tap Next.

    Select “Is Opened” and “Run Immediately”

  7. Pick the Settings app

    Search for “Settings”, select it, then tap Done and Next.

    Pick the Settings app

  8. Select the LOKD Block Settings shortcut

    Search for “LOKD Block Settings” and tap it.

    Select the LOKD Block Settings shortcut

  9. Check the automation was created

    Your Automation tab should now list one automation for Settings running LOKD Block Settings.

    Check the automation was created

  10. Verify the details

    Tap into the automation. It should read: When “Settings” is opened → LOKD Block Settings.

    Verify the details

  11. You're all set

    Test it: start a LOKD session, then try to open Settings. It should close immediately and take you straight back to the LOKD app.

Troubleshooting

Nothing happens when I open Settings.

Check three things:

1. The automation is enabled — the toggle in the Automation tab must be green.

2. “Run Immediately” is selected.

3. Restart your iPhone, especially after an iOS update.

Can I still use Settings when LOKD is unlocked?

Yes. The blocker only fires while a LOKD session is active. Outside a focus session, Settings works completely normally.

How do I remove the blocker?

Open Shortcuts → Automation tab → tap the LOKD Block Settings automation → tap the ⋯ menu → Delete Automation.

You can also delete the shortcut itself from your library.

Still having trouble? Email us at support@lokd.io