Block Screen

Configure the appearance and behavior of the full-screen blocking overlay.

Block Screen Configuration

When a blocklisted application is launched during an active commitment window, CommitT renders a full-screen overlay that prevents the user from accessing the app. The Block Screen settings allow customization of this overlay’s appearance.

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How the Overlay Works

The blocking overlay is rendered using the SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW permission (Appear On Top). When the Accessibility Service detects a blocklisted app entering the foreground:

1. The service queries the local SQLite database for active block rules
2. If the app is in the blocklist for the current time slot, an overlay is spawned via WindowManager
3. The overlay intercepts all touch events, preventing interaction with the underlying app
4. The user must navigate away (press Back or Home) to dismiss the overlay

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Customization Options

The Block Screen settings allow the user to personalize the overlay experience:

Setting	Description
Message	Custom text displayed on the overlay (e.g., “Stay focused. You committed to this.”)
Background Style	Color or gradient of the overlay background
Opacity	Transparency level of the overlay

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Example

A user has Instagram blocked from 9 AM – 5 PM. At 2:30 PM, they instinctively tap the Instagram icon. Instead of the app opening, a full-screen dark overlay appears with the message:

“You committed to no social media until 5:00 PM. Stay focused.”

The user presses the Back button and returns to their previous activity. The overlay disappears, and CommitT logs the block event.