Support

Before you start

You need an iPhone XS, iPhone XR or newer running iOS 18 or later, and the Anchor app from the App Store. Anchor doesn't need an account or a subscription.

Set up in five steps

1. Open the Anchor app and tap “Already have an anchor?”.

2. Allow Screen Time access when iOS asks. Anchor uses this to block the apps you choose. It can't see what you do in them.

3. Choose the apps or categories you want blocked while you're anchored.

4. Pair your Anchor: when the scan sheet appears, hold the top back edge of your iPhone flat against your Anchor until it confirms. You can pair the same Anchor with more than one iPhone. Each phone uses the same Anchor to lock and unlock.

5. On the Home tab, tap “Tap to Anchor” and touch your Anchor. Your chosen apps are now blocked. To unblock, tap “Tap to UnAnchor” and touch the same Anchor again.

The scan doesn't pick up my Anchor

Your iPhone reads Anchor at the top back edge of the phone. Hold that spot flat against the Anchor and keep it still for a second or two. Thick metal or magnetic cases can get in the way, so try without the case.

If the sheet says “That's not your Anchor”, you're tapping a different Anchor from the one paired to this iPhone. Only your paired Anchor can start or end a session.

The app says Screen Time access is off

Open the Anchor app and tap Allow access, or go to iPhone Settings → Screen Time and turn Anchor's access back on. Blocks only work while Anchor has Screen Time access.

I lost my Anchor during a session

Nothing inside the app can end a session early. That's what makes Anchor work. To remove the blocks, turn off Anchor's Screen Time access in iPhone Settings → Screen Time. Then turn it back on, and pair a replacement Anchor in the app under Settings → My Anchor.

If your Anchor works on another iPhone, it still works on yours. Pairing a second phone doesn't change your Anchor.

Using Anchor on iPad

Anchor needs an iPhone with NFC. It isn't available for iPad.

Why can't I change my blocked apps or re-pair?

While you're anchored, editing your blocked apps, re-pairing and resetting are locked so you can't talk yourself out of a session. UnAnchor with your Anchor first, then make the change.

Orders, shipping and returns

Your order confirmation email has your order ID (it starts with ANC-). We email tracking details as soon as your order ships. See the Shipping Policy for delivery times and the Refund & Cancellation Policy for cancellations, 7-day returns and the 12-month warranty.

Privacy

The Anchor app keeps your blocked apps, paired Anchor and sessions on your iPhone. Nothing is sent to us. Read the full Privacy Policy for details.

Contact us

Email [email protected]. For order questions, include your order ID. For app issues, include your iPhone model and iOS version.