Time Limits are an integral feature of Opal. They allow you to block apps/websites you find distracting for a scheduled period of time after you exceed your designated limit. 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 then be blocked for the 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 both are blocked. If you'd prefer to have 30 minutes for each app, you will need to set up individual Time Limits that apply to each individual app.
Otherwise, it’s very important to mention that due to Apple restrictions, Time Limits are affected by iOS’s “Share Across Devices” settings. If “Share Across Devices” is toggled on, Apple will combine Time Limit usage from every Apple device signed in to your Apple Account. This means that if you’re in a Family Sharing group, your Time Limit may include usage reported on your family members devices too - even if your family members do not use Opal. To prevent your Time Limits from including Screen Time from your Family Sharing group, follow these steps:
- Open your device “Settings”
- Tap on “Screen Time”
- Toggle “Share Across Devices” to Off
- Ensure this process is repeated for everyone in your “Family Sharing” group
Unfortunately, Opal is unable to segregate this usage due to how Apple reports app Screen Time totals. Instead, you’ll need to ensure that “Share Across Devices” is toggled to Off on both your and your family members devices to ensure that your Time Limits work as intended.
‼️ Toggling off “Share Across Limits” on all devices in your Family Sharing group will not remove Time Limit usage that has already been counted today. Instead, once that feature has been toggled off, your Time Limits will count only your individual usage moving forward.
How do I add a Time Limit on the iOS version?
To add a Time Limit on the iOS version of the app, tap on the "+" button on the "My Apps" tab and select “Time Limit." You may then edit the following information about your Time Limit by tapping on the editing icons:
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Time Limit 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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“Time Allowed” daily
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"Then block until”
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“On these days”
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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 Time Limit is now live.
How Can I “Edit,” “Reset Limit,” or “Delete” My Time Limit on the iOS version?
You may edit, reset, pause, or delete Time Limits that are on “Easy” and “Increasing” difficulty only. You may edit, reset, pause, or delete your Time Limit by following these steps:
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From the “My Apps" tab, tap on your Time Limit (below “Rules”)
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Tap “Edit,” “Reset Limit,” or “Pause Rule” (depending on your preference)
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To “Edit” your Time Limit
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Tap “Edit”
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Wait for the Waiting Room to countdown
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Tap “Continue”
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Make the changes you prefer, and tap “Done”
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If you instead want to “Delete Rule,” tap the button
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To “Reset Limit” on your Time Limit
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Tap “Reset Limit”
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Wait for the Waiting Room to countdown
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Tap “Continue”
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If you reset your Time Limit
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To “Pause Rule” on your Time Limit
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Tap “Pause Rule”
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Wait for the Waiting Room to countdown
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Tap “Continue”
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“Set pause duration”
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Tap “Pause”
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If you instead want to “Delete Rule,” tap the button
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 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.
‼️ If you’re encountering any other issues with your Time Limit, please contact Support by navigating to your Settings > Chat with Support. Ask to speak to a human, and let them know exactly what is occurring: is your Time Limit not applying at all, is your Time Limit initiating too early, or is your Time Limit reset failing?