Phone-Free Morning / Good Morning Countdown not Working? [iOS]

Is your Phone-Free Morning block not triggering? Learn why HealthKit sync might be slow and how to set up a reliable alternative using your morning alarm.

Last updated 2 months ago

Article Content:

The Phone-Free Morning (formerly Good Morning Countdown) relies on Apple Health (HealthKit) to detect when you wake up. Sometimes, iOS is slow to deliver this information to one sec, or the sync fails entirely.

If you are experiencing issues with the automatic detection, we recommend using a Shortcut Automation triggered by your alarm instead. This is often much more reliable.

The Workaround: Block Apps When Your Alarm Goes Off

By setting up a personal automation in the Shortcuts app, you can ensure that one sec starts a block session the exact moment you stop your alarm.

Step 1: Create a new Automation

  1. Open the Apple Shortcuts app.

  2. Select the Automation tab at the bottom.

  3. Tap the [+] icon to create a new Personal Automation.

  4. Search for and select Alarm.

Step 2: Configure the Trigger

Set the following options to ensure the block starts correctly:

  • When: Select is stopped (this ensures the block starts when you are actually awake, not while the alarm is still ringing).

  • Existing: Tap "Any" or select the specific alarms you use for waking up (this prevents the block from triggering for random timers or reminders).

  • Execution: Select Run Immediately. This is crucial so that the block starts without asking for permission first.

Step 3: Select the Action

  1. Tap Next.

  2. Select New Blank Automation.

  3. Search for one sec and select the action Start Block Session.

Step 4: Customize and Save

  1. Tap on the blue variables within the action to select the Group of apps you want to block and the Duration (e.g., 30 or 60 minutes).

  2. Tap Done to save the automation.

Alternative: Use Recurring Blocks

If you wake up at the same time every day, a Recurring Block (Scheduled Block) might be the easiest solution. You can simply set a fixed time window (e.g., 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM) where distracting apps are blocked, regardless of your alarm or HealthKit data.