If you are having trouble using Freedom to block apps or websites on your Android device, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.

Apps or websites are not blocked

If you're running a session but apps or websites are not being blocked, follow these steps to ensure the necessary permissions are enabled:

1. Enable Permissions

Open the Freedom app.
Go to the Settings section.
Scroll down to the Permissions section.
Look for Block Applications and Websites and click Enable.
You will be redirected to the permissions screen. Ensure that all required permissions for Freedom are turned on.

After enabling, the status should say "Enabled."

2. If You Can't Find the Permission

If tapping "Block Applications and Websites" takes you to the Accessibility screen but the Freedom permission doesn't appear, check for a page called "Installed Services" or "Added Services". Freedom may be listed there.

3. Adjust Battery Optimization Settings

If blocking is still not working after enabling permissions, you may need to adjust your battery optimization settings. For more information, see Android Battery Optimization Settings.

Notifications aren't blocked

To block notifications from apps during a session, you need to enable a separate permission.

1. Enable Notification Blocking Permission

Open the Freedom app.
Navigate to Settings > General.
Look for the option to block notifications and ensure it is enabled.

Freedom App loses permissions after they've been enabled

If your device is losing accessibility permissions after you've already enabled them, this may be due to interference from other settings or apps.

1. Interference from Battery-Saving Services

Some devices, like Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, and others, may automatically remove or revoke accessibility services. This is often due to battery-saving features.

To fix this, follow the guidance in Android Battery Optimization Settings.

2. Interference from Cleaner Apps

“Cleaner apps” designed to optimize device storage and performance may accidentally reset permissions, including those for Freedom.

Exclude Freedom from cleaning or optimization in the cleaner app’s settings to prevent this.

3. Interference from Accessibility Shortcut

Some devices may have a Freedom Shortcut in the accessibility settings, which can inadvertently disable the app’s permissions.

To Disable the Freedom Shortcut:

Go to Android Settings and search for Accessibility.
Tap on Freedom to open its settings.
Toggle Freedom Shortcut off.
Ensure that Use Freedom is set to ON.
If Freedom is still not working, try toggling Use Freedom OFF and then ON again.

If you have tried these steps, and you are still having trouble with Freedom losing permissions, please contact our team at [email protected] and we can provide you with further assistance.

Freedom app notifies you to enable permissions, but they are already enabled

If Freedom notifies you to enable permissions but they appear to already be enabled, a battery-saver setting may have revoked access.

Fix:

Go to Android Accessibility Settings.
Turn the permission for Freedom OFF, then back ON.
Open the Freedom app again, and the status should show as Enabled next to "Block Applications and Websites."

For more details, check out Android Battery Optimization Settings.