Troubleshooting
ScrollJail stops working? Here's how to fix the most common issues.
Automation not firing / stuck
Symptom: Open a blocked app, nothing happens. Or it works once then stops.
iOS queues automation triggers while the Shortcut is waiting for your input. After a few attempts, the queue backs up and automations stop firing.
- Open the Shortcuts app
- Find ScrollJail in your list
- Tap it once to run it manually
- Cancel every popup that shows up - there can be more than one
This drains the queue. Automations will work again.
Still stuck? Restart your phone - this clears iOS automation state.
ScrollJail asks about an app you didn't block
Symptom: You open an app you never added (e.g. Safari) and the Warden still asks why.
iOS automation triggers aren't always precise - occasionally they fire on an app that isn't in your blocked list. It's a quirk of the "App Is Opened" trigger, not a ScrollJail bug.
- Answer the Warden with any reason - it doesn't matter what you type
- After you close the app, your browser opens a quick prompt asking whether that app should be locked up or let go
- Tap "Cut it loose"
ScrollJail will never ask about that app again.
Check your automation setup
Open Shortcuts → Automation and verify:
- ✓ Trigger is "App Is Opened" (not closed)
- ✓ "Run Immediately" is enabled
- ✓ "Notify When Run" is OFF
- ✓ Apps are selected (Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
Test if it's working
- Close all apps completely (swipe up in app switcher)
- Wait 3 seconds
- Open a blocked app (e.g., Instagram)
- ScrollJail should intercept within 1-2 seconds
If nothing happens, see issue #1 (queue stuck).
Still broken? Reinstall
- Delete the ScrollJail shortcut
- Delete the automation (Shortcuts → Automation)
- Go to scrolljail.com/setup
- Follow setup again (3 minutes)
Your account and history are saved - just re-enter your email.