Time Limits are an integral feature of Opal. They allow you to block apps/websites you find distracting for a scheduled period of time. All Opal users, regardless of subscription status, may set up three Rules (including Time Limits). Meanwhile, those who’ve upgraded to Opal Pro may set unlimited Rules (on a weekly schedule).
How do Time Limits Work on iOS?
When you reach your cumulative limit on the apps/websites you've selected, they will be blocked for a duration you set. That means if you set a 30-minute Time Limit which applies to both Instagram and TikTok, you may use that total on both or either before you are blocked. If you'd prefer to have 30 minutes for each app, you will need to set up individual Time Limits.
How do I add a Time Limit on the iOS version?
To add an Time Limit on the iOS version of the app, tap on the "+ New Rule" button on the "My Apps" tab and tap “Time Limit". You may then edit the following information about your Time Limit by tapping on the adjacent editing icons:
- “When I use this App”
- “For this long”
- "On these days"
- “Then block app until”
- "Unblocks Allowed"
In the "Unblocks Allowed" option, you will have two protection level options available:
- Yes: Take short breaks or cancel
- No: (available only on Opal Pro): Can't take breaks or leave early. Get one emergency pass per week
Once you’ve set up your Time Limit, tap “Hold to Commit” until you see the word “Committed” appear. Your Time Limit is now live.
How can I unblock my app or website in a Time Limit on the iOS version?
You may only take breaks on apps or websites with “unblocks allowed.” If you have multiple Rules applying to the same app or website, “no unblocks allowed” will supersede all other protection levels. However, if unblocks are allowed, you may unblock by following these steps:
- From the “My Apps” tab, tap on the blocked app you’d like to access
- Tap “Unblock”
- Wait for the Waiting Room to countdown
- Tap “Continue”
- Select how long you would like to “Unblock distractions for….”
- Tap “Unblock”
If you’ve setup your Time Limit so that it does not allow unblocks, you will be unable to follow the steps above. Instead, you must wait until it resets to edit it.
How Can I Edit, Cancel, or Delete My Time Limit on the iOS version?
You may only edit, cancel, or delete Time Limits that have “unblocks allowed.” If you have multiple Rules applying to the same app or website, “no unblocks allowed” will supersede all other protection levels. However, if unblocks are allowed, you may edit, cancel, or delete your Time Limit by following these steps:
- From the “My Apps" tab, tap on your Time Limit (below “Rules”)
- If you want to "Edit Rule," tap the button
- If the Time Limit is not currently running and you want to "Disable Rule,” tap the button
- If the Time Limit is currently running and you want to “Disable Rule”:
- Tap “Edit Rule”
- Wait for the Waiting Room to countdown
- Tap “Continue”
- Tap “Disable Rule”
- If you want to delete the rule, tap “Remove Rule”
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 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 gear icon in the top right corner)
- Scroll down and tap on “Emergency Pass”
- Tap “Hold to Redeem”
This button will cancel all of your currently running Schedules, Time Limits, and/or Open Limits for one hour, and will also cancel any “Hard Mode” Timer that is active. If your recurrent 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 Schedule, Time Limit, Open Limit, or Timer for you. For that reason, we recommend only using your Emergency Pass in a true emergency.