Block an App on Mac

Stay focused and increase your productivity by blocking distracting apps on your Mac with 1Focus.

1Focus helps you prevent internet addiction by limiting your screen time. It’s especially beneficial for those managing ADHD-related distractions.

Block as many apps as you need on your Mac with a custom schedule. Enhance your concentration through monotasking and deep work. You can block email, social media, or video games. Restrict internet access by blocking the App Store and installed web browsers. With 1Focus, you can create a work environment free from interruptions.

Additionally, you can limit internet access at night to establish a regular bedtime routine and improve your sleep quality.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to block apps on your Mac using 1Focus.

How to Block Distracting Apps on Mac

Steps (3 Minutes):

1. Download 1Focus on the Mac App Store.
2. Open 1Focus by clicking its arrow icon in the top right of your screen.
3. Create or select a preset on the left side of the 1Focus window.
4. Click the tab Apps.
5. Select “Block these apps”.
6. Click the + button under Apps.
7. Select the application you want to block. You can use the search field 🔍 in the top right to find an app.
8. Click the tab Schedule, and enable blocking.

Done!

How to Block Access to All Apps Except Specific Ones

If you want to focus on a single task for a set period, select the “Block all apps except these” option. This setting promotes monotasking by allowing access only to the chosen programs, helping you concentrate fully on your current project.

Steps (3 Minutes):

1. Download 1Focus on the Mac App Store.
2. Open 1Focus by clicking its arrow icon at the top right of your screen.
3. Create or select a preset on the left side of the 1Focus window.
4. Click the tab Apps.
5. Select “Block all apps except these”.
6. Click the + button under Apps.
7. Select the programs you need for work or study. You can use the search bar 🔍 located at the top right to find them easily.
8. Click the tab Schedule, and enable blocking.

Done!

In the same preset, you can also create an allowlist to block all websites except those that are essential to your work or study sessions, to support monotasking.

Troubleshooting

• Learn how to schedule block sessions.
• Note that block durations longer than six hours require 1Focus Pro.
• Restart your computer if you encounter issues.
• Uninstall 1Focus, permanently delete it from the Trash (important), and reinstall it from the Mac App Store. No data will be lost.
• Optionally, prevent bypassing blocking.

For help, contact support.

Further Reading

Now that you know how to set up 1Focus for blocking distracting apps, check out our guide on how to block a website on Mac.

Take a look at all the features of 1Focus and find out how to set it up to suit your needs.

Want to learn more about the benefits of using 1Focus? Read the following blog articles:

• Monotasking with 1Focus: The secret to high-quality work: Discover how focusing on one task at a time can significantly improve the quality of your work.

• How to set up 1Focus for a distraction-free sleep environment: Learn how 1Focus can help you create a peaceful, distraction-free environment for better sleep.

• How to prevent the internet from harming your mental health: Find out how limiting online time with 1Focus can protect your mental health.