Mute

Keep essential apps available during a pause

Updated September 17, 2026

A quieter phone can still be a useful phone. Essentials only lets you choose the individual apps and supported websites that should remain available while Mute restricts other supported apps and websites.

Build your essentials list

• Open Essentials → Choose essential apps.
• Expand a category with its arrow to see individual apps.
• Choose the apps you need during a pause, then tap Done.
• Open Today, choose Essentials only and start a short session.
• Check that your important apps still open before starting a longer break.

Choose individual apps, not whole categories

Apple’s restriction controls accept individual exceptions here. Selecting a whole category or All Apps & Categories is not supported for the Essentials list in this version. Expand the category and select the specific apps you want to keep.

Why the list stops at 50

iOS allows up to 50 app exceptions and 50 website exceptions for this kind of restriction. Mute follows that system limit. It is not a paid-plan limit, and there is no upgrade that raises it.

Think about what you actually need

Your list might include messaging, navigation, banking or a health app. Availability and system behavior can vary by app, so check the specific tools you rely on. Mute does not replace emergency calling or the iPhone’s system settings.

Use Distractions for a smaller list

If you only want to stop a few feeds or games, use Distractions instead. Select the distracting apps and categories, then start that mode from Today. Everything outside the applicable restrictions remains available. See the app blocking guide.

Change your mind or stop restrictions

Review your Essentials list as your needs change. To stop every Mute restriction immediately, open Settings → Turn off all Mute restrictions. You can also revoke Screen Time permission in iOS Settings. For help, visit Mute support.