Regular lockouts

Lockouts are organized into two separate lists: regular and usage based.

Regular lockouts occur on a fixed schedule. They may repeat regularly at chosen times on chosen days of the week, or be scheduled to occur one-time with specific start and end times and dates.

Usage based lockouts

Lockouts are organized into two separate lists: regular and usage based.

Usage based lockouts will trigger a lockout only when the parameters of the usage rule you set up are exceeded. Usage rule enforcement may be scheduled to repeat regularly at chosen times on chosen days of the week, or be scheduled to occur one-time with specific start and end times and dates. You may set up usage rules based on time spent in chosen apps, total screen time, the number of times apps are opened, or the number of device unlocks.

App blocking modes

There are three app blocking modes, listen here in order from least strict to most strict.

The blocked apps mode allows you to choose a list of apps you want blocked during the lockout. You may choose to not block any apps using this mode, but use other functions of the lockout such as website blocking or DND control.

The allowed apps mode allows you to choose a list of apps you want to allow during the lockout. Any apps not chosen will be blocked. Any newly downloaded apps will be blocked by default.

The lock screen only mode only allows use of the device’s lock screen. You can still use any other apps that appear above the lock screen such as incoming calls or navigation. You may also call emergency numbers using this mode.

Website blocking modes

There are two website blocking modes.

The blocked websites mode allows you to enter a list of website URLs or URL keywords you want blocked during the lockout. Use this mode and choose 0 websites if you don’t want to block any websites.

The allowed websites mode allows you to enter a list of website URLs or URL keywords you want to allow during the lockout. Any websites not in the list will be blocked.

Lockout break modes

There are three break modes to choose from if you choose to allow built-in breaks under “Lockout Options.”

The first mode will pause the lockout on demand. You may choose the break duration and after how much time spent locked out the break becomes available.

The second mode will pause the lockout automatically on a regular basis. You may choose the break duration and after how much time spent locked out you get a break.

The third mode will also pause the lockout automatically on a regular basis, but relative to the wall clock time. You may choose the break duration and how often you get a break relative to the day’s clock.

Ending lockouts early

There are two ways to end active lockouts or active usage enforcement early.

The first way is by entering the prohibited changes password, if you set one up on the settings page.

The second way is by paying, if you choose to allow it under “Lockout Options.” You may also choose the price level you are willing to pay.

Locking based on location

There are two location modes to choose from if you choose to lock depending on location under “Lockout Options.”

The first mode let you choose locations at which to activate the lockout.

The second mode lets you choose locations at which to pause the lockout.

Other lockout options

In addition to lockout options already discussed above, there are a few other lockout options that are more self explanatory.

You may choose for the lockout to hide notifications issued by blocked apps.

You may choose for the lockout to pause background audio playback from blocked apps.

You may choose for the lockout to turn on Do Not Disturb (DND) mode on your device. When the lockout is over, DND will be set back to what it was originally.

You may choose for the lockout to silence the ringer volume on your phone. When the lockout is over, ringer volume will be set back to what it was originally.

Circumvention protection

Lockouts would not be very effective if you could disable them. For this reason, there are various levels of protection.

Stricter changes are always allowed, even while lockouts are already active. For example, you may add a blocked app, or remove an allowed app to an active lockout. You can also undo any stricter change you’ve made before you leave the lockout setup page.

More lenient changes are not allowed while lockouts are active. For example, you cannot set an earlier end time for an active lockout.

If you have just enabled a lockout and are still on the lockout setup page, you can continue to make any changes you wish.

You may also choose to prevent more lenient changes a certain amount of time before a lockout starts, or at certain times of day from the general settings page.

Most importantly, you may choose to prevent uninstallation and tampering from the general settings page. This will automatically block attempts to uninstall Lock Me Out, remove its permissions, or otherwise tamper with it in order to disable it. You must set a prohibited changes password in order to use this feature, so that it can be disabled if required.