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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

All sections

Start here

Getting started Set it up, learn the tabs, block your first app. How to set a block Five ways to block. Pick by how you want it to end.

The building blocks

Groups A saved bundle of apps, sites and words. Build once, use anywhere. Actions Blocking that runs itself. 16 triggers to start it. Habits and challenges Streaks. Some kept by an Action, some by you. What is predefined Every Group, Action and habit that ships ready-made.

Reference

Permissions What each one does, and why you are only asked when you need it. Settings Every switch in the app, in one list.

Six words to know

These come up constantly. Learn them and the rest reads faster.

TermWhat it means
GroupA saved list of apps, sites and words. The thing you block.
ActionA rule that blocks on its own. A trigger plus a Group.
FocusA timer. Blocks until the clock runs out.
HabitA daily streak, kept by an Action or by you.
AurithThe ghost on Home. Carries your streak and stats.
Strict modeBlocks 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.