HanaLock

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about how HanaLock works.

Blocking and Screen Time

Why does HanaLock need Screen Time permission?

HanaLock uses Apple's Screen Time system to block the apps, categories, and websites you choose. Without that permission, HanaLock can still show learning content, but it cannot apply iOS-level shields to other apps.

What does HanaLock block?

HanaLock can block apps, app categories, and websites selected through Apple's picker. The exact items available in the picker come from iOS.

Can HanaLock see what I do inside other apps?

No. HanaLock uses Screen Time permissions to apply restrictions to selected targets. It does not read your messages, feeds, posts, or activity inside other apps.

Why do I choose apps through Apple's picker?

Apple requires Screen Time apps to use its picker for selecting apps, categories, and websites. This keeps selection under iOS control and avoids HanaLock asking for direct access to your apps.

Why are some apps or websites missing from the picker?

The picker is provided by iOS, so HanaLock does not fully control what appears there. Availability can depend on Apple's Screen Time data, installed apps, device state, and website activity.

Why don't I get notifications from blocked apps?

When HanaLock blocks an app, iOS also pauses that app's notifications while the shield is active. This is built into Apple's Screen Time framework — notifications and shielding are tied together, and there is no way for HanaLock to separate them. If you need to keep receiving messages from a specific app, leave it unblocked, or use a schedule that pauses blocking during the hours you need it.

Unlocks and Relocking

Why do I see an iOS shield?

The shield is the system-level block from Apple Screen Time. HanaLock configures which targets should be shielded, but iOS displays the shield itself.

Why do I need to tap a notification?

The notification is part of moving from the iOS shield into HanaLock. After you tap Continue on the shield, the notification opens the correct unlock challenge inside the app.

What happens when I finish a challenge?

If you complete the challenge, HanaLock grants temporary access to the blocked target. You then open the app yourself from the Home Screen or app switcher. iOS does not allow HanaLock to switch you into another app automatically.

What happens if I cancel a challenge?

The unlock is not granted. HanaLock clears the pending unlock request so the same challenge does not keep reopening later.

How long does an unlock last?

The allowance is based on your blocking settings. HanaLock describes it as "up to" that amount because iOS may reconcile blocking through usage, timers, and app lifecycle events.

Why does HanaLock use approximate timing?

Screen Time enforcement is not a normal stopwatch. HanaLock can apply and reapply shields, but iOS decides exactly when the visible shield appears in some states — especially if the blocked app is already open.

Why did the app relock sooner than expected?

Some limits are usage-based, and daily limits or schedules can also affect access. If a target reaches its allowance or enters an active blocking schedule, HanaLock may reapply the shield.

Why did it take a moment to relock?

iOS may not always show the shield instantly while the blocked app is already in the foreground. HanaLock reconciles blocking through usage callbacks, timers, and when the app or device state changes.

Learning Method

What does HanaLock teach?

HanaLock focuses on vocabulary, recognition, scripts where needed, and short reusable phrases. It is designed for quick moments, not long lessons.

Is HanaLock a full language course?

No. HanaLock is not trying to fully teach a language on its own. It helps turn heavy phone usage into small learning moments that build recognition over time.

Why vocabulary and recognition?

Unlock moments are short. Vocabulary, scripts, and short phrases fit that rhythm better than long grammar explanations.

How are unlock challenges chosen?

Unlock challenges use the language path and challenge settings you chose for blocked targets. HanaLock keeps the sessions short so they fit naturally between the impulse to open an app and the choice to continue.

Why does the app sometimes hide romanization?

For some script-learning moments, HanaLock hides the pronunciation helper so you can practice recognizing the actual characters. Helpers are useful, but the goal is to gradually recognize the target language directly.

What are Quick Phrases?

Quick Phrases are short reusable phrases that fit real-life situations. They are practical chunks designed for small moments, not full grammar lessons.

Subscription

Is HanaLock free?

HanaLock requires an active subscription to use the app. Every new user gets a 14-day free trial if eligible per Apple's rules. You will not be charged during the trial and you can cancel any time before it ends.

How much does HanaLock cost?

HanaLock Pro is available as two auto-renewing plans through the App Store:

Both plans unlock the same features. Local pricing may differ depending on your country and Apple's regional pricing.

How do I cancel?

You can cancel any time from inside the app at Help & Settings → Subscription → Manage Subscription, or from iOS Settings under your name → Subscriptions → HanaLock → Cancel Subscription. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period — you keep access until then.

What happens if I cancel during the free trial?

You will not be charged. Access ends when the 14-day trial period expires. Apple's rules apply: cancel at least 24 hours before the trial ends to avoid being billed.

How do I get a refund?

Refunds for App Store subscriptions are handled by Apple, not by us. Visit reportaproblem.apple.com and choose the HanaLock charge you want to request a refund for.

I reinstalled the app and the paywall came back. What now?

Open the app and tap Restore Purchases on the paywall (or in Help & Settings → Subscription). Your Apple ID will be checked for an active HanaLock subscription, and if found, access is restored.

Does my subscription work on multiple devices?

Yes. Subscriptions are tied to your Apple ID, so HanaLock Pro works on any iPhone signed in with the same Apple ID. Use Restore Purchases on a new device after installing.

Troubleshooting

I allowed Screen Time, but blocking is not working.

Check that Protection is enabled, that you selected at least one app, category, or website, and that Screen Time permission is still active in iOS Settings. If the target was already open, iOS may not show the shield until you leave and return to it.

Still need help?

Email us at support@hanalock.app and describe what's happening — we read every message.