Thanks for using Freedom on your iOS device! Here's how to set up the app on your iPhone or iPad.
Download the Freedom App from the App Store
To begin using Freedom on iOS:
Open the App Store on your device.
Search for Freedom and download the app. Or, use this direct link to the app in the app store.
Once downloaded, open the app and log in with your Freedom account email and password.
ℹ️ If you are using an iOS version earlier than 16.1, you may see a prompt asking to download the “last compatible version” of the app. Tap Download to install a version that works with your device.
Note: the earliest compatible iOS for any version of the app is 13.0. Devices on iOS versions below 13.0 will not be able to install Freedom.
Complete the Onboarding Process
When you open the Freedom app for the first time, it will guide you through setup. Follow these steps to install essential permissions and tools;
1. Tap Continue to start moving through the prompts.
2. Enable Screen Time Permissions
Tap Allow Screen Time
When prompted, tap Continue and use Face ID or Touch ID to grant permission.
Note: If your screen says "Allow with Passcode", it means Face ID or Touch ID is not enabled.
To fix this:
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and enable biometric authentication.
Return to the Freedom app to complete permission setup.
3. Install the Freedom Profile (VPN)
Tap Install Profile.
Tap Allow when prompted, then use your passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID to confirm installation.
Optional: The Freedom Profile enables VPN-based blocking (e.g., for blocking sites in browsers like Chrome).
You may not need it depending on your use case.
Learn more: The Freedom Profile (VPN) Explained.
4. Enable Notifications (Optional)
Tap Allow Notifications when prompted.
We recommend enabling Session Start/End notifications to help keep Freedom active.
You can manage notification settings later under the Settings tab in the Freedom iOS app.
Skipped Onboarding? Here’s How to Add Blocking Tools Later
If you skipped setup during onboarding, you can manually install permissions and tools from within the app.
Add app-blocking permissions
To enable app blocking:
Open the Freedom iOS app.
Go to the Today tab.
Tap Enable App Blocking.
When prompted:
Tap Continue to give Freedom access to Screen Time.
Complete Face ID or Touch ID authentication.
Once granted, you can select apps to add to your blocklist.
For more information on app blocking, see How to block apps on iOS.
Note: Screen Time app blocking is available for iOS versions 16.0 and above. If your iOS device cannot update to 16.0 or above, see How to block apps with older versions of Freedom.
Install the Freedom Profile
To install the Freedom Profile outside onboarding:
Open the Freedom app.
Go to the Today tab.
Tap Install Freedom Profile.
On the next screen, tap Install Freedom Profile again.
Use Touch ID, Face ID, or Passcode to approve installation.
After installation:
The Freedom VPN will appear in your iOS Settings > VPN section.
Note: You do not need to manually toggle the VPN on or off.
Freedom’s local VPN connects automatically during block sessions to enforce blocking.
You can also install the profile from Settings > Blocking Tools > Install next to Freedom Profile.
Install the Safari Content Blocker
To block content in Safari:
For iOS 15 and newer:
Go to Settings > Safari > Extensions.
Enable Freedom as an extension.
Then go to Settings > Safari > Content Blockers.
Turn on the toggle for All Websites
For iOS 14 and older:
Go to Settings > Safari > Content Blockers and enable Freedom from there.
Customize Settings
Tap the settings icon in the Freedom iOS app to access additional configuration options:
Enable or disable Locked Mode
Manage notifications
Show or hide blog posts on the Today screen
Reinstall the Freedom Profile (VPN)
For detailed information on these options, see: Freedom for iOS menu options explained.
Having trouble?
If you're having any difficulty, please feel free to contact us. We're happy to help!