How an exercise app blocker works on iPhone
See how SlothUp uses Apple Screen Time to shield distracting iPhone apps until you exchange screen time earned through movement.
Updated 24 August 2026An exercise app blocker adds a positive action before access to a distracting app. With SlothUp, a short guided movement session earns a balance that you can exchange for app access instead of using a fixed block with no way through.
SlothUp uses Apple’s Screen Time and Family Controls technology. App Shield is optional and requires permission on your iPhone before it can protect selected apps or categories.
Set up App Shield
Complete the setup inside SlothUp only when you want to connect movement rewards with app access.
- Open App Shield in SlothUp settings.
- Allow the Screen Time permission requested by iOS.
- Choose an app or category that you want to use more intentionally.
- Earn SlothUps by completing guided movement sessions.
- Spend the balance on access time when you decide to open the selected app.
What SlothUp can and cannot see
Apple represents selected apps and categories with protected Family Controls tokens. SlothUp does not receive a readable history of the content you view in other apps, your browsing history, or the names of your selected apps through analytics.
App Shield depends on iOS permissions, device settings, available SlothUps, and the current app configuration. It is designed as a personal habit aid rather than tamper-proof parental control.
Choose the right apps to shield
Begin with the one app you open most automatically. Avoid shielding anything needed for emergencies, transportation, authentication, work, or essential communication. A focused setup is easier to understand and maintain than blocking everything at once.
Frequently asked questions
Does SlothUp work with Apple Screen Time?
Yes. The optional App Shield uses Apple Screen Time APIs and requires the corresponding iOS permission.
Can SlothUp read what I do inside another app?
No. SlothUp does not receive the content you view, a readable browsing history, or a readable history of how you use other apps.