The Appcognito user guide
Everything the app can do, written down. Start at the top if you are new, or jump to what you are stuck on.
Appcognito blocks apps and websites on Android. Everything stays on your phone, so there is no account and no support agent who can look up your settings. This guide is the manual instead.
Quick answers
- I just installed it. What now?
- How do I block one app right now?
- What is a block list?
- How do I block on a schedule?
- Why does it want Accessibility?
- What comes built in?
All sections
Start here
The building blocks
Block lists A saved bundle of apps, sites and words. Build once, use anywhere. Rules Blocking that runs itself. 17 triggers to start it. Habits and challenges Streaks. Some kept by a rule, some by you. Screen time and reports Where your time went, and the reports that tell you. Tags NFC stickers and QR codes that switch, unlock or check in. What is predefined Every block list, rule and habit that ships ready-made.
Reference
Six words to know
These come up constantly. Learn them and the rest reads faster.
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Block list | A saved set of apps, sites and words. The thing you block. |
| Rule | A block that runs on its own. A trigger plus a block list. |
| Focus | A timer. Blocks until the clock runs out. |
| Habit | A daily streak, kept by a rule or by you. |
| Aurith | The ghost on Home. Carries your streak and stats. |
| Strict mode | Blocks with no back door. Leaving takes 12 or 24 hours. |
One rule explains a lot: a block beats an allow. If two rules disagree about an app, it stays
blocked. That is why turning one thing off can leave an app blocked, and the app always names what is
still holding it.