Sessions are an integral feature of Opal. They allow you to immediately start a non-recurring Session. All Opal users, regardless of subscription status, may set up unlimited immediate Sessions. Meanwhile, those who’ve upgraded to Opal Pro may set unlimited Rules. To ensure that your Session setup matches the instructions below, update to the newest version of the app here.
How do I start a non-recurring Session on the iOS version?
To start a Session on the iOS version of the app, tap on the "+" button on the "My Apps" tab and select “Session." You may then edit the following information about your Session by tapping on the editing icons:
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Session name (tap on the pen icon)
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"Apps Blocked”
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Block: these apps and websites will be blocked during your Rule
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Allow Only: all apps, except the ones selected, will be blocked
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“For this long”
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Tap on “Difficulty,” and you will see the following options:
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Easy: You can unblock apps after a short pause.
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Increasing: Gets longer every time you unblock.
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Hard Mode: You can’t unblock apps, cancel, or bypass (available only on Opal Pro)
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“Other Settings”
Once you’ve set up your Difficulty Level, tap the “<” toggle. Then “Hold to Commit” until you see the word “Committed” appear. Your Session is now live.
How can I “Unblock Apps” in a Session or “Leave Early” in a Session on the iOS version?
You may only take breaks or Leave Early on apps or websites on “Easy” or “Increasing” difficulty. If you have multiple Rules applying to the same app or website, “Hard Mode” will supersede all other protection levels. However, if you’ve selected “Easy” or “Increasing” difficulty levels, you may unblock by following these steps:
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From the “My Apps" tab, tap on your Session (below “Rules”)
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To “Unblock Apps” on your Session
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Tap “Unblock Apps”
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Select the apps you’d like to unblock
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Tap “Continue”
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Wait for the Waiting Room to countdown
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Select how long you’d like to unblock for
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Tap “Unblock”
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To “Leave Early” on your Session
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Tap “Leave Early”
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Wait for the Waiting Room to countdown
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Tap “Continue”
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Set the pause duration
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Tap “Pause” or “Delete Rule” based on your preference
If you’ve setup your Session so that it does not allow unblocks, you will be unable to follow the steps above. Instead, you must wait until the Session ends or use your Emergency Pass to exit your Session.
What if I need to access to an app or website that’s locked on the iOS version?
If you require emergency access to an app that is locked, the iOS version of Opal has an Emergency Pass that you may use once per week. Here's how to disable a locked app/website in the event of an emergency:
- Open the Opal app on your iOS device
- Tap on “Home”
- Tap on “Profile” (accessible from the profile icon in the top right corner)
- Tap on “Settings” (accessible from the drop down menu)
- Scroll down and tap on “Emergency Pass”
- Tap “Hold to Redeem”
This button will cancel all of your currently running Sessions, Schedules, Time Limits, and/or Open Limits for one hour, and will also cancel any “Hard Mode” Timer that is active. If your recurrent Sessions, Schedules, Time Limits, and/or Open Limits are programmed to reinitiate, you must edit or delete them (as needed) immediately after using your Emergency Pass. It's also important to note that the "Emergency Pass" should only be used when necessary, as it is strictly available once per week. If you've already used your “Emergency Pass” this week, our Support team is unable to force end a Session, Schedule, Time Limit, Open Limit, or Timer for you. For that reason, we recommend only using your Emergency Pass in a true emergency.