SFirewall

Support

Answers to common questions. Still stuck? Open an issue on GitHub and describe what you see.

Setting up on iPhone

What do I need?

An iPhone on a current iOS version, signed in to iCloud. Setup asks for Screen Time permission, then for a partner code. Have your accountability partner type the 4 digit code so you never see it.

The Safari extension says it can't read pages

Open Settings, then Apps, Safari, Extensions, SFirewall. Turn on Allow Extension, and set All Websites to Allow. Turn on Allow in Private Browsing too. Without All Websites set to Allow, Safari runs the extension but never lets it check pages.

The Safari extension switches are greyed out

A Screen Time web restriction locks Safari's extension settings. During setup SFirewall pauses its web filter for a few minutes so you can turn the extension on. After that, turning the extension off counts as turning page watching off, and your partner is told.

Your partner

How do I link my partner?

1. Your partner installs SFirewall on their iPhone and chooses Someone I support.
2. On your iPhone, open the Partner tab, type your first name, and tap Send invite. Send the link by Messages or email.
3. Your partner taps the link on their iPhone. SFirewall opens and shows that you are linked.

Your partner needs an iPhone or iPad signed in to iCloud. Android is not supported.

What does my partner see?

Alerts when the partner code is used or something is turned off, when your devices last checked in, and your Safari browsing list for the last 7 days. See the privacy policy.

We forgot the partner code

On iPhone, tap Forgot the code? on any screen that asks for it, then Start the 7 day reset. After 7 days you can set a new code.

• Your blocks stay exactly as they are while you wait, and the new code unblocks nothing by itself.
• Your partner is told when the reset starts, once a day while it runs, and when it ends. Each day counts only once their iPhone, and your Mac if one was linked, confirm they were told. Your partner's SFirewall app needs to be up to date.
• Only time while your iPhone is on counts, and SFirewall needs to open at least once a day. Changing the clock does not shorten the wait.
• If partner alerts, the link with your Mac, your partner or your iCloud account change during the reset, it pauses until they are back.
• You can cancel it at any time. After a cancel, a new reset can start a day later. Your partner cannot cancel it from their phone.
• If your Mac is linked, link it again with the new code afterwards, on the Partner tab.

On Mac, the partner code cannot be reset yet. If it is lost, open an issue on GitHub.

Blocking

What is the difference between Always, Focus and Power?

Always blocks all the time. Focus blocks during your schedule and when you use Lock now. Power is a stricter mode you start when you need to concentrate. Turning a block on is instant; turning one off needs the partner code.

How do time limits work?

Pick apps or websites and a daily allowance, such as 30 minutes. When the time is used, they are blocked until midnight. In Apple's picker, tap Search at the bottom to find an app.

Can I block an app that isn't installed?

Yes. In Apps, Blocked apps, search the App Store by name and tap the app. If it is installed later, it will not open.

Mac

The Mac app is optional. Download the signed installer, then link it to your iPhone on the Partner tab. Each device keeps its own blocks, and you can view and add blocks for the other device from either one.

Removing SFirewall

On iPhone, deleting apps is locked while SFirewall is on. Use Blocks, App Store, Let me delete an app, and the partner code, to unlock deleting for 10 minutes. Turning off Screen Time access or deleting SFirewall removes its blocks, and your partner is told. On Mac, use Uninstall SFirewall in the Blocks window; it needs the partner code and texts your partner first.