To help make foolproof, you may implement a Screen Time Passcode on the iOS version of Opal. A Screen Time Passcode is a 4-digit code set in your iPhone's Settings that prevents Opal's access to Screen Time from being disabled. Available if you upgrade to iOS 26.4, it will mean that once your Screen Time Passcode is set, it must be inputted to toggle off Opal's access to Screen Time. This means no one can turn off Opal's permissions without knowing this code. Please note that this feature is separate from your device passcode and separate from Opal's Pin Code Protection feature. Together, they make Opal fully tamper-proof.
❗ Important Note: on earlier iOS versions, the Screen Time Passcode feature exists, but Face ID or your device passcode can be inputted to bypass it. Please update to iOS 26.4 so that this feature can not be bypassed.
How do I set up the Screen Time Passcode on iOS?
We recommend having a trusted friend, partner, or family member set up the passcode on your behalf so that you don't know it yourself. To do so, follow these steps:
- Open "Settings" on your iPhone
- Tap "Screen Time"
- Tap "Lock Screen Time Settings"
- Enter a 4-digit passcode — to make this foolproof, be sure to hand your phone to your trusted person and let them choose the code
- Confirm the passcode
Once implemented, your Screen Time Passcode will be required to delete Opal, or to disable Opal's access to Screen Time.
How can I lock Opal's Screen Time Access if my iOS device does not support iOS 26.4?
If your device does not support iOS 26.4, or if you find yourself able to bypass the method outlined above, you may use the iOS Shortcuts app to restrict access to your iPhone's Settings during an Opal Session. This prevents toggling off Opal's Screen Time permissions. Please note that once this setup is complete, you won't be able to open your iOS devices Settings while a Rule is active, unless you initiate a break. To do so, follow these steps:
- Tap and open the Shortcuts app (if you do not have it on your device, download it here)
- Tap on "Automation"
- Tap on the "+" icon in the top right corner of the screen if you have existing Automations; select "New Automation" in the centre of the screen if not
- Select "App" from the list
- When it opens, tap "Choose"
- Select Settings
- Keep "Is Opened" toggled and switch to "Run Immediately," then tap "Next"
- Tap "Create New Shortcut"
- On the "When 'App' is opened" screen, search for "Is Opal Protection On?" in the "Search Actions" toolbar and tap it
- Toggle "off" Show When Run
- In the "Search Actions" toolbar, search "If" and tap it
- In the "Search Actions" toolbar, search "Open App" and tap it
- Tap on the app next to "Open App", search "Opal," and select it
- Tap the Done icon in the top right corner
- Now that your automation is set up, test it to ensure it works as expected. You can do this by starting a Session in the Opal app, and then trying to open the iOS Settings App. You should see the Opal app opening instead
- Final bonus steps: Add Shortcuts to your Opal Sessions. Add the Shortcuts App to all of your app groups. This will prevent you from disabling the Automation you set up