FAQ
Straight answers.
Groups, plans, Screen Time, privacy, cost, and honesty about what iPhone apps can and cannot lock down.
Does Manaya really block apps on iPhone?
Yes. Manaya uses Apple's Screen Time / Family Controls technology to shield the apps and sites you choose. The block runs on your iPhone, not through a VPN gimmick.
Is Manaya a Screen Time alternative?
Yes, for people who find Ignore Limit too easy. Manaya still uses Apple's shielding tech, but you set protection groups and plan strength in advance so the urge is harder to swipe past.
What is a protection group?
A group is a named list of apps (and optional categories or sites) you chose, plus one plan for that list. Example: "Doomscrolling" on Hard. One group with everything is fine. Multiple groups can run at once if you want different strengths.
Which plan should I pick?
Each group gets a plan: Easy (light Wait), Medium (schedules and an open budget), Hard (strong lock, including making app deletion harder while Hard is on), or Custom (you set the dials). Compare details on the Plans page.
What is Wait vs Open window?
Wait is the pause before a protected app can open. Open window is the short time it stays usable after you finish the Wait, then the shield returns. Exact apps are the reliable path for Wait then Open.
Can I block a whole category like Games?
You can select categories, but category-wide Wait then Open is unreliable on iOS today. Prefer exact apps when you want a Wait followed by a short Open window. Full block and Hard still apply as designed.
Can I get around my own block?
That's the point: it should be hard. Hard blocks app deletion (device-wide when on) and locks protection so an impulse can't undo it quickly. Turning Hard off early asks for a deliberate task. You always remain in control via iPhone Settings. No app can make blocking truly impossible, and we won't pretend otherwise.
Is my data private?
Manaya runs on your device. No Manaya account, no Manaya cloud holding your groups, streak, or stats. We don't sell your data.
How much does it cost?
Free for this first public release. When pricing arrives, a genuinely useful free plan stays.
Which apps can I block?
You pick them. Put doom-scroll apps in one group, useful-but-tempting apps in another, or keep everything in a single group. Manaya does not auto-assign apps for you.
What is Mana?
Mana is the Manaya companion. Streaks and small wins should feel encouraging, not like a lecture.