Frequently asked questions.
Find answers to common questions about Prayer Pause.
What does Prayer Pause do?
Prayer Pause helps you manage your screen time around prayer. It blocks distracting apps during salah times, offers mindful interventions (dhikr, Quran reading, an Islamic quiz, reflection, and du'a) when you reach for blocked apps, and tracks your consistency with streaks and a Sabr Score.
How does app blocking work?
Prayer Pause uses Apple's Screen Time API to temporarily block distracting apps during prayer times. You select which apps to block, and they become inaccessible during the prayer window you set.
What are mindful interventions?
When you try to open a blocked app, Prayer Pause offers a meaningful activity instead of just locking you out. Options include a dhikr counter, Quran reading, an Islamic quiz, a moment of reflection, and du'a. Complete the activity and the app unlocks.
Why do I need to grant Screen Time access?
Screen Time access is required by Apple for any app blocking functionality. This permission allows Prayer Pause to manage app restrictions during prayer times. The blocking is handled on your device by Apple's frameworks, not on our servers.
How accurate are the prayer times?
Prayer times are calculated using established Islamic calculation methods (ISNA, Muslim World League, etc.) based on your location. You can choose the method that matches your local mosque or preference.
What is Guardian Mode?
Guardian Mode uses background location updates to keep your prayer times, widgets, and blocking schedules accurate while you travel, so everything stays in sync as your location changes.
How do streaks work?
Streaks track your consecutive days of completing all prayers with your phone blocked. You earn protective passes (hearts) as you build your streak. Using an emergency unblock costs one heart.
Can I customize which apps are blocked?
Yes! Go to Settings, then Apps to Block, and select the specific apps you want blocked during prayer times. You can update this list anytime.
Why aren't my widgets updating?
Make sure Location Services is enabled for Prayer Pause (Settings, then Privacy, then Location Services). Widgets need location access to show accurate prayer times.
How do I change the calculation method?
Go to Settings, then Prayer Times, then Calculation Method. You can choose from various methods or use Auto-detect based on your region.
Is Prayer Pause free?
Prayer Pause is free to download with basic prayer times and Qibla compass. Premium features, including app blocking, mindful interventions, and streak tracking, are available through an optional subscription.
Does Prayer Pause drain my battery?
Prayer Pause is designed to be lightweight. Location is only used when needed to calculate prayer times, and the app uses Apple's efficient background refresh system. Most users see minimal battery impact.
What devices and OS versions are supported?
Prayer Pause runs on iPhone and iPad with iOS 16 or later, and on Mac with macOS 14 or later. It is a single universal purchase on the App Store, so one download covers all of your devices.
How do I delete my data?
Go to Settings, then Reset All Data, to delete all your local data including prayer logs, streaks, and preferences. If you use iCloud sync, you can also remove your data from iCloud through your device's iCloud settings.
Can Prayer Pause see which apps I block or my screen time?
No. App blocking runs entirely on your device through Apple's Screen Time and Family Controls API, so Prayer Pause never sees which apps you choose to block or your screen time data. The app uses anonymous analytics to improve the experience, and the Meta ad-attribution SDK only runs if you opt in through Apple's App Tracking Transparency prompt.
Which apps and times can Prayer Pause block?
You pick the distracting apps you want to step away from, and Prayer Pause blocks them automatically during the five daily prayer windows. You can also create custom schedules for Jummah, Tahajjud, Taraweeh, and the Last 10 Nights of Ramadan, or turn on Brick Mode for all-day focus when you need a longer break from your phone.
Does Prayer Pause need an Apple Watch?
No. Prayer Pause works fully on your iPhone, and no Apple Watch or other device is required. If you want your settings and streak history to follow you to a new iPhone, you can turn on optional iCloud sync, but it is never required to use the app.
Can I still use my phone during a prayer block if I really need to?
Yes. You stay in control the whole time. The blocking only covers the apps you selected, so calls, messages, maps, and anything you did not add stay available. If you genuinely need a blocked app, you can unblock it, though doing so during an active prayer window uses one of your three protective streak passes so your progress is gently protected.