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Ziggyj32

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 20, 2020
15
0
Hi All

I really need some help.
I am totally addicted to gaming and dating apps. The only way I can stop myself using them is to delete them and then use screen time to prevent myself from being able to install apps - then forgetting the password.

Unfortunately I just reset the whole phone using a trick and encrypted backup and I can get screen time turned off. Is there any way I can permanently enforce screentime to be on (even when I reset the device?!) or is there any way i can request Apple to stop me being able to download apps from the App Store?

Any help would be much appreciated
I have an iPhone XR. I am also pursuing therapy options so please just let me know in the reply if there is any technical solution that can help me - I use so many of the other features of the XR and really don’t want to have to downgrade to a dumb phone but it looks as though that may happen if I can’t find a solution. :(
 
You can use a drill the next time exactly at the position of the app icon to remove it permanently
 
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As long as you are in control I think you’ll always find a way. It’s not a technical issue but more one of self control - best to start working at the root and not the symptoms.

Best success!
 
I've already stated clearly that i am pursuing an addictions counsellor. Is there no technical way of restricting this? :(

I know people who's lives have been completely ruined by this and others who have lost it all & i don't want to become one of them. Does nobody else think these companies are totally in the wrong by developing addictive apps which suck people in & offering no technical solution or way of permanently disabling them?

I am trying to brainstorm here; for example

1. Is there any way to stop an i-phone from being restored & (and as such permanently enabling screen time)?
2. Is there any data one could put on the phone such that restoring it would be hugely inconvenient?
3. Are there any specific apps that could block specific apps? (e.g freedom - but I know Apple have now removed this app from their app store.)
 
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You could let a trusted person set up the phone for you and that person sets all the Passcodes for your Apple ID, for the parental control, for screen time etc.

Apple already provided you with a way to view your behaviour patterns - are they responsible for you spending too much time on a specific app? Almost anything can become addictive if we chose so. Do I like chocolate? Damn yes but would I complain to Lindt or Milka for me eating too much of their stuff? Certainly not. I am responsible for what’s happening in my life and I need to live with my good and bad sides.
 
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Smash your phone, destroy it. Get a land line or learn how to send smoke signals.
 
Smash your phone, destroy it. Get a land line or learn how to send smoke signals.
not even remotely helpful or funny
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You could let a trusted person set up the phone for you and that person sets all the Passcodes for your Apple ID, for the parental control, for screen time etc.

Apple already provided you with a way to view your behaviour patterns - are they responsible for you spending too much time on a specific app? Almost anything can become addictive if we chose so. Do I like chocolate? Damn yes but would I complain to Lindt or Milka for me eating too much of their stuff? Certainly not. I am responsible for what’s happening in my life and I need to live with my good and bad sides.

Really appreciate this. I have now signed out of my apple id, asked someone else to change the password for it & put a forgotten screen time password on the phone with installing and removing apps disabled. I could still create a new apple id easily and reset the phone. I guess there really is no technical solution.
 
not even remotely helpful or funny
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Really appreciate this. I have now signed out of my apple id, asked someone else to change the password for it & put a forgotten screen time password on the phone with installing and removing apps disabled. I could still create a new apple id easily and reset the phone. I guess there really is no technical solution.
If he sets up a device password you can’t reset it without.
you could just use face/touch id for login. But if the face id doesn’t work you are locked out and have to wait for your friend.

but i think parental control could work. no?
 
So the parental controls are set up with screen time on. When screen time is set to prevent account changes, would that still apply if the phone is reset and the screen time passcode is taken off?
 
i've actually realised now that having gotten my friend to change the apple id password I cant either log out of the apple id or reset the phone, since I cant turn off findmyiphone. The only way around it now would be buying a new phone or upgrading which I hopefully wont do. thanks all for your support and help with this. It is very much appreciated & apologies for my angry responses above!
 
i've actually realised now that having gotten my friend to change the apple id password I cant either log out of the apple id or reset the phone, since I cant turn off findmyiphone. The only way around it now would be buying a new phone or upgrading which I hopefully wont do. thanks all for your support and help with this. It is very much appreciated & apologies for my angry responses above!

You’re making no sense now I’m afraid! The whole point of you not having the password etc was to stop you from having control over your phone to help with your addiction!
 
is it? So hilarious that some people have lost their lives over it. As such, your ignorance is pathetic.
 
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