Common questions

Yes. LeadMeNot for Chromebook is a Chrome extension you can add from the Chrome Web Store. Sign in with your existing account and the blocking and monitoring rules from your phone apply to your browsing. It has the same features as Android except Uninstall Protection, which ChromeOS does not allow. See the setup guide.

Type leadmenottest into your browser's address bar and go. If LeadMeNot blocks the page, everything is working. This works on every device: on iPhone and iPad use Safari (it tests the Safari Extension), and on Chromebook use Chrome. It only works while blocking is on, for example with Adult Websites & Apps switched on.

Not blocked? Usually a permission is off. iPhone and iPad: check the Safari Extension is on (You › Protection Settings), or VPN protection if you use that instead, and Screen Time access is allowed. Android: check the Accessibility service is on for LeadMeNot and Battery Optimization is off. Mac: check LeadMeNot is on under Accessibility and Automation in System Settings › Privacy & Security. Windows: check you're signed in and restart. Chromebook: check the extension is on and you're signed in. Still not blocked? Email jason@leadmenot.org.

LeadMeNot is available on Android, iOS (iPhone and iPad), Windows PC, Mac, and Chromebook (as a Chrome extension). Kindle is not currently supported.

Yes — LeadMeNot's Annual Plan includes a free trial period. Note: deleting the app does not cancel a subscription. Cancellations must be made through the App Store, Google Play, or at app.leadmenot.org/login.

No — LeadMeNot's accountability partner feature is optional. Users can use the app for content blocking only, without adding a partner. However, combining blocking with accountability produces significantly better long-term results.

The main LeadMeNot app is used by the person seeking accountability. The LMN Partner App is a separate application for accountability partners, available on the App Store and Google Play. Partners do not need to install any app — they receive email alerts automatically. The Partner App provides a richer experience with more visibility and the ability to approve Safe Wall requests.

If the LeadMeNot Windows installer gets stuck, restart the computer and run the installer again; right-click the installer and select Run as Administrator; or download the latest version from leadmenot.org/download. If the issue persists, email jason@leadmenot.org.Step-by-step: Set up LeadMeNot on Windows

Yes — LeadMeNot is used by many parents to protect their children's devices. Parents can set up blocking rules on a teenager's Android, iOS, Windows, or Mac device and serve as the accountability partner themselves, receiving notifications when rules are broken.

No. LeadMeNot runs on iPhone and iPad, Android, Windows, Mac and Chromebook only. There's no Linux version, and Kindle, Fire tablets and smart TVs can't run it. If one of those is a weak spot for you, the honest options are to protect it with your router's or TV's own content filter, or to keep it out of the room. Your other devices are still covered by one account. See what each device needs.

LeadMeNot needs a recent version of macOS or Windows; the requirements page lists what's supported. If your computer can't update that far, the installer won't run and we don't have an older build to offer. Email jason@leadmenot.org with your exact version and we'll tell you for certain.

The account belongs to the person being protected: their name, on their device. You add yourself as the accountability partner with your own email, and that's what gives you the alerts and the approvals. If you signed up in your own name on their phone, the roles are backwards; email jason@leadmenot.org and we'll switch them. Step by step.

A code covers whatever your organization arranged with us, usually a year, sometimes longer. It isn't automatically forever. If you're not sure, email jason@leadmenot.org with the code and we'll tell you the end date. If you entered a code and still got charged after a trial, email us straight away and we'll refund it.

Ask the organization that gave it to you; it's the same code for everyone in your group. Can't reach them? Email jason@leadmenot.org with the organization's name and we'll look it up.

Safe Wall protects every change from the start, so it can't be switched off in a weak moment. If you're still setting up, make the change, then email jason@leadmenot.org and Jason can approve it straight away. See how.

On the very first screen of the app, tap My organization gave me a code, enter it and tap Apply. See how. Code not working? Email us with the code and your organization's name.

Email jason@leadmenot.org and tell us your phone model. We'll send you the app file (APK) to install directly.

LeadMeNot is a digital wellness app that helps people break free from harmful digital habits — including pornography, social media addiction, and compulsive screen use. Founded in 2021 by Jason Mathew in Tulsa, Oklahoma, LeadMeNot combines real-time content blocking with an accountability partner system to help over 100,000 users reclaim their time, relationships, and focus. The app is available on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Chromebook.

LeadMeNot gives users two core tools: blocking and accountability. The blocking system stops harmful apps, websites, and keywords from loading in real time — before the user ever gets there. The accountability system notifies a trusted partner immediately via email and push notification whenever a rule is broken. Built-in reflection prompts help users identify triggers and track progress over time. Users can use blocking only, accountability only, or both together. LeadMeNot protects users across all their devices — Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Chromebook.

To set up blocking, open LeadMeNot and go to the Block & Monitor tab. In the bottom right corner, tap Add Rule. There are multiple rule types depending on your device. On iOS, selecting a rule type will open the Screen Time UI — tap into a specific category to configure it. On Android, rules use LeadMeNot's accessibility service to block apps, websites, and keywords in real time. Rules are based on your selected area of change and a master list of explicit and implicit content. You can also add custom apps, websites, and keywords on top of the master list.

LeadMeNot watches the text on your screen and blocks or alerts when a keyword or phrase you've chosen appears. On Android, Windows and Mac it works across apps, search engines and browsers. On iPhone it works inside Safari through the LeadMeNot Safari Extension, so we recommend blocking every other browser. It's text only: images and video aren't analyzed yet. More on that.

Today, no. LeadMeNot reads the text on your screen (website addresses, searches, keywords, app names) to decide what to block and what to tell your partner. It doesn't capture, store or send pictures of your screen, and it doesn't sell your data. We are building image detection, which will work by analyzing screenshots; before it ships we'll publish exactly what is analyzed, what is kept and what your partner sees.

Yes. LeadMeNot never needs a VPN on Android, Windows, Mac or Chromebook. On iPhone and iPad, VPN protection is optional too: we recommend the Safari Extension plus blocking every browser that isn't Safari, and VPN protection only if you want every browser monitored. How to choose.

LeadMeNot was founded by Jason Mathew, who follows Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord — the team is transparent about that. However, the app is designed for everyone regardless of faith background. The name comes from the Lord's Prayer — 'lead me not into temptation' — reflecting the conviction that setting boundaries around what is harmful is an act of wisdom, not weakness.

Yes. LeadMeNot secures all data in motion and at rest using industry-standard encryption. Users can exclude specific apps and websites from data capture. LeadMeNot does not sell any user data to third parties.

Yes — digital gambling is now a supported area of change in LeadMeNot. Users can block gambling apps, websites, and keywords across Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Chromebook, and set up accountability partner alerts for any gambling-related activity. LeadMeNot supports multiple digital wellness areas including unwanted sexual behavior, social media addiction, digital gambling, gaming, and more — users choose what areas matter most to them.

Not yet. LeadMeNot is text-based today: it reads the words on your screen (website addresses, searches, keywords, app names) and blocks or alerts on those. A photo in a text message, an explicit thumbnail in search results, or a video with no telling words around it isn't caught on its own. What does catch most of it is the built-in Adult Websites & Apps list, which blocks the sites and apps where that content lives, plus keyword rules for the terms that lead there. Image detection is in development: it will work by analyzing screenshots, and we'll explain exactly how it handles your privacy before it ships.

Unlike Covenant Eyes and Accountable2You, which primarily focus on reporting accountability after the fact, LeadMeNot actively blocks harmful content before it loads. This prevention-first approach adds meaningful friction at the moment of temptation. LeadMeNot is also significantly more affordable than Covenant Eyes and offers cross-platform protection across Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Chromebook.

LeadMeNot is designed to be a full replacement for Covenant Eyes. LeadMeNot offers everything Covenant Eyes provides — accountability partner notifications, monitoring, and reporting — plus active real-time blocking that Covenant Eyes does not. Users who switch typically cite stronger blocking and lower cost as the deciding factors. A free trial is available.

To switch from Covenant Eyes to LeadMeNot, download LeadMeNot from the App Store, Google Play, or leadmenot.org/download, set up blocking rules and an accountability partner, then cancel the Covenant Eyes subscription. For migration help, email jason@leadmenot.org.

The Device Limit Reached error occurs when an account is still registered to an old device — typically after getting a new phone, performing a factory reset, or updating the OS. To fix it, email jason@leadmenot.org with the account email address. The issue is typically resolved within minutes.

To transfer LeadMeNot to a new phone, email jason@leadmenot.org with the account email address. The support team will clear the old device registration so the user can log in on the new device. All rules and settings are preserved.Step-by-step: Move LeadMeNot to a new phone

If a device is lost or inaccessible, LeadMeNot's support team can clear the old device registration remotely. Email jason@leadmenot.org with the account email. No access to the old device is required.Step-by-step: Move LeadMeNot to a new phone

A factory reset does not remove a device's registration from LeadMeNot's system, which causes a login error. Email jason@leadmenot.org with the account email and the registration will be cleared within minutes.

A server error on login is usually resolved by updating to the latest version of LeadMeNot from leadmenot.org/download and restarting the device. If the error persists, email jason@leadmenot.org.

A Google Authentication error typically occurs when the wrong Google account is being used, or when there is a typo in the email. Use the exact Google account used during signup. If the issue continues, email jason@leadmenot.org.

Same account, same sign-in. You need the Unlimited Devices plan (check under You › Subscription), then install LeadMeNot on the other device and sign in exactly the way you did the first time. Seeing Device Limit Reached? Remove an old device under You › Manage devices, or email jason@leadmenot.org. Step by step.

This usually happens when you sign in a different way than the first time (email once, Google the next). Email jason@leadmenot.org with both email addresses and we'll merge or remove the extra one. Don't pay again on the second account. What you can change yourself.

Yes — LeadMeNot blocks keyword searches on Android, Windows, and Mac across all apps and browsers. On iOS, keyword blocking is now available through the LeadMeNot Safari Extension. Because Apple only allows browser extensions in Safari, we recommend blocking all non-Safari browsers on iOS so all web activity routes through Safari where the extension monitors it.

If blocking rules are not working, verify the Accessibility Service is enabled for LeadMeNot on Android; Screen Time permissions are granted on iOS; rules are scheduled for the correct times; and the latest app version is installed. If content is still getting through, email jason@leadmenot.org with a screenshot of the Block & Monitor tab.

To whitelist an app or website on Android, go to the You tab and select Whitelisted Apps & Websites. On Windows and Mac, open the You tab, click LeadMeNot in the bottom left, and select Whitelisted Apps and Websites.Step-by-step: Allow a website that's being blocked

LeadMeNot is designed to make bypassing as difficult as possible. On Android, Device Restart Protection prevents safe mode bypasses and Uninstall Protection prevents deletion. On iOS, we recommend two layers — have your accountability partner set a Screen Time passcode only they know, and block the Settings app using a Shortcuts automation to prevent tampering. Mac and Windows both include Uninstall Protection. No content blocking app is 100% unbypassable, but LeadMeNot adds significant technical friction and immediate accountability partner notifications that make any bypass attempt visible.Step-by-step: Lock it down so you can't undo it

To prevent uninstallation, enable Uninstall Protection in the Block & Monitor tab of the LeadMeNot app. On iOS, blocking the Settings app in addition to Uninstall Protection provides the most comprehensive protection against removal.Step-by-step: Stop new apps being installed or LeadMeNot being deleted

Device Restart Protection is a LeadMeNot feature for Android that prevents the app from being bypassed by rebooting into safe mode. It is available on Android only, as this bypass method is specific to the Android operating system.

This is caused by LeadMeNot's Uninstall Protection feature. To temporarily delete another app, disable Uninstall Protection in the Block & Monitor tab, delete the app, then re-enable Uninstall Protection.

We recommend the Safari Extension, then using LeadMeNot to block every browser that isn't Safari, so all your browsing goes through Safari where it's protected. Choose VPN protection only if you want every browser monitored. Like every VPN on iPhone, it comes with limits that no app developer can get around: iPhone can switch it off in the background, it can't run alongside another VPN (like a work or school VPN), and it can slow your connection or stop some apps and Wi-Fi networks working properly. See how to choose.

On Android, Windows, Mac and Chromebook, yes: LeadMeNot doesn't use a VPN, so another VPN doesn't affect it. On iPhone, use the Safari Extension rather than our VPN protection, because iPhone only allows one VPN at a time. Safari Extension or VPN?

On Android, Windows and Mac, yes: keyword and website rules apply to what's on screen, whichever app shows it. On iPhone, in-app browsers aren't Safari, so the Safari Extension can't see them; the built-in adult and gambling lists still apply, and VPN protection covers them if you choose that. How to choose.Step-by-step: Monitor Instagram on iPhone

Yes. Our built-in adult and gambling lists include words and phrases as well as sites, and they apply wherever you've switched those standard rules on. Your own keyword rules sit on top. Now and then a built-in word catches something innocent; email jason@leadmenot.org and we'll fix the list for everyone.

Yes. Explicit sites are blocked and tracked in private windows too. On iPhone, make sure the Safari Extension is allowed in Private Browsing. On Chromebook, switch on Allow in Incognito for the extension. See how.

Right now each app can only be in one custom rule, so you can't, for example, have a 6 to 10am rule and an all-day Sunday rule for Instagram at the same time. We're working on lifting this. Until then, email jason@leadmenot.org and we'll help you set up the closest match.

Yes. If it isn't one of your own rules, it's on our built-in list. Email jason@leadmenot.org with the word or site and we'll remove it, usually the same day. Then close and reopen LeadMeNot and pull down to refresh. See how.

That's Uninstall Protection doing its job. It stops every app from being deleted, not just LeadMeNot. Switch it off on the Block & Monitor tab, delete the app, then switch it back on. See how.

App time limits on iOS work correctly in the current version of LeadMeNot. If the issue persists, update to the latest version from the App Store or email jason@leadmenot.org.Step-by-step: Limit time on an app

Yes — keyword blocking is now available on iOS through the LeadMeNot Safari Extension, available in the App Store. Any combination of keywords and phrases can be blocked and alerts sent to accountability partners. Because Apple only allows extensions in Safari, we recommend blocking all non-Safari browsers on the device so all web browsing goes through Safari where the extension can monitor it.Step-by-step: Turn on Safari protection

The Safari Extension is part of the LeadMeNot app, not a separate download. It blocks websites and keywords inside Safari and alerts your partner. Turn it on under You › Protection Settings (tap Reinstall if it shows a red message), then switch on LeadMeNot Shield in iPhone Settings › Apps › Safari › Extensions, with Allow in Private Browsing on and All Websites set to Allow. Apple only allows extensions in Safari, so block every other browser in LeadMeNot. Step by step.

Instagram's native app hides search activity on iPhone due to Apple privacy restrictions. The workaround is to remove the Instagram app entirely, block all non-Safari browsers in LeadMeNot, and use Instagram through Safari instead. With the LeadMeNot Safari Extension installed, all Instagram web activity including searches will be monitored and any blocked keywords will trigger an alert to your accountability partner.Step-by-step: Monitor Instagram on iPhone

To prevent tampering with Screen Time or VPN settings on iPhone, there are two layers of protection we recommend. First, have your accountability partner set a Screen Time passcode on your device that only they know — this prevents Screen Time settings from being changed without their involvement. Second, block the Settings app using an iOS Shortcut automation: open the Shortcuts app, go to the Automations tab, tap Create Personal Automation, choose App Is Opened and select the Settings app, add an Open App action to redirect to another app, and turn off Ask Before Running. Then block the Shortcuts app itself in LeadMeNot so the automation cannot be edited. Any attempt to open Settings will be immediately redirected out.

Yes, as an option under You › Protection Settings. It monitors web activity in every browser, but like every VPN on iPhone it has limits no developer can avoid: iPhone can switch it off in the background, it can't run alongside another VPN, and it can slow your connection or stop some apps and Wi-Fi networks working. That's why we recommend the Safari Extension plus blocking other browsers instead. Safari Extension or VPN: which should I use?

To add an accountability partner, open LeadMeNot and go to the You tab. Enter your partner\'s email address and they will receive an invitation automatically. Partners do not need to install any app to receive alerts. Note: if you only have Windows or Mac and not a mobile device, email jason@leadmenot.org to add or remove partners.Step-by-step: Add an accountability partner

If an accountability partner is not receiving notifications, verify that Monitoring is turned ON in the Block & Monitor tab — not just Blocking. Monitoring must be enabled for each rule for partner alerts to be sent. If monitoring is on and alerts are still not arriving, check the partner's spam folder, then email jason@leadmenot.org.Step-by-step: Make sure your partner gets alerts

No — accountability partners do not need to install any app to receive alerts. LeadMeNot sends email notifications automatically when a rule is broken. Partners can optionally download the LMN Partner App for a richer experience and the ability to approve Safe Wall requests.

Open the You tab and go to Partner. Removing a partner goes through your Safe Wall like any other change, so it's sent as a request your primary partner can approve. If you can't reach them, or an ex-partner won't cooperate, email jason@leadmenot.org and we'll remove them for you.

Email jason@leadmenot.org. We can remove any partner from an account without their cooperation.

False partner alerts triggered by computer shutdowns are resolved by updating to the latest version of the LeadMeNot Windows app at leadmenot.org/download. If the issue continues after updating, email jason@leadmenot.org.

You don't request one directly. Safe Wall steps in automatically whenever you adjust a rule to turn it off, switch protection off, or whitelist something. Depending on your setting, you'll either start a Make me wait countdown or send a request to your partner, who approves or declines by email or in the LMN Partner app. Pending changes show under Open Requests on Home. See what it looks like.Step-by-step: Choose your Safe Wall

To stop receiving accountability partner alerts, email jason@leadmenot.org. The LeadMeNot team will remove the partner from the associated account.

Your partner gets alerts when a monitored rule is triggered: which app or site and the words that matched, not your full browsing history. They also receive your evening reflections, so they can see how you're doing, not just when something went wrong. Streaks and the rest of your Journey tab are yours. The LMN Partner app shows your partner the alerts, your reflections and any Safe Wall requests waiting for them.

No. Partners are reached by email: that's where alerts and approval requests go, and it's what they use to sign in to the LMN Partner app. There's no phone number field any more. Just make sure the email is exactly right.

Email jason@leadmenot.org from your account email and say what you need changed. Jason can approve the request or fix a partner's details for you. Partners do get alerted when he does, so this isn't a way around your accountability.Step-by-step: Choose your Safe Wall

Setup only asks for an accountability partner when monitoring is part of your plan. If you chose Blocking only, it skips the partner step and Monitor stays off, so nobody is alerted. You can add a partner any time from the You tab, then turn on Monitor for your rules. See how.

Yes. With monitoring on, your partner is alerted if LeadMeNot is logged out, uninstalled, or protection is switched off. With Safe Wall set to Approval from partner, nothing can be switched off without their OK in the first place.

Not if Safe Wall is set to Approval from partner when they set up. After that, any change to their protection, including whitelisting a site or turning off monitoring, needs your approval first.

Check your spam or junk folder first, and make sure you're signing in with the exact email your partner added. Still nothing? Email jason@leadmenot.org with that email address and we'll sort it out.

LeadMeNot offers Monthly, Annual, and Lifetime subscription plans for both single-device and unlimited-device configurations. The Annual Plan includes a free trial. Current pricing is available at leadmenot.org/pricing. If cost is a barrier, email jason@leadmenot.org — no one is turned away due to financial constraints.

LeadMeNot subscriptions are managed through the original purchase platform. On Android: Google Play → Payments & Subscriptions → Subscriptions → LeadMeNot. On iOS: iPhone Settings → your name → Subscriptions → LeadMeNot. For web subscriptions, visit app.leadmenot.org/login and select Manage Subscription. Deleting the app does not cancel a subscription.Step-by-step: Manage or cancel your subscription

Deleting the LeadMeNot app does not cancel a subscription. Cancellation must be completed through the App Store or Google Play. If a charge occurred after deletion and a cancellation was not processed, email jason@leadmenot.org to review the case.

To upgrade from a single-device plan to unlimited, go to the You tab → Manage Devices → Manage Subscription. Some upgrades may require account deletion and recreation due to how app stores handle plan changes. Email jason@leadmenot.org for guided assistance.

If the renewal button is unresponsive, the account may be on a legacy plan that is no longer available. Email jason@leadmenot.org to have the account updated so a new subscription can be created.

Yes — LeadMeNot offers pricing flexibility for international users and students. Email jason@leadmenot.org and Jason Mathew will personally work out a solution. Financial constraints should never prevent access to tools for digital freedom.

Yes — LeadMeNot offers group plans for churches, ministries, counseling practices, and other organizations. Email jason@leadmenot.org for organizational pricing.

Whitelist the exam tool or site first; that's usually enough. If the lockdown browser still refuses to run, email jason@leadmenot.org before the exam with the tool's name. Switching protection off goes through your Safe Wall like any other change, so leave time for that.

It depends where you paid. App Store: Apple handles refunds at reportaproblem.apple.com: choose the LeadMeNot purchase and select Request a refund. Google Play: go to play.google.com › Order history, find LeadMeNot and choose Request a refund. Paid on our website (app.leadmenot.org): email jason@leadmenot.org and we'll refund you directly. Charged the wrong amount? Email a screenshot of the charge.Step-by-step: Get a refund or fix a charge

Yes. On the Unlimited plan we can set you up with a code so each family member gets their own account, with their own accountability partner and rules. Email jason@leadmenot.org to set it up.

There are a few different scenarios here. If one of your own rules is blocking a legitimate app — like your Messages app on Android where link previews can trigger blocking rules, which is a known issue — the fix is to whitelist it. Go to the You tab and select Whitelisted Apps and Websites, then add the app. On Mac and Windows, go to the You tab, click LeadMeNot in the bottom left, then Whitelisted Apps and Websites. Important: any whitelist change goes through your Safe Wall first, which will require either Partner Approval or a Make Me Wait timer depending on your settings. If you cannot reach your partner or cannot wait, email jason@leadmenot.org and Jason will approve it from his end. If the app is being blocked without any custom rule you set, it may be on our master list — email jason@leadmenot.org and Jason will investigate whether it should be removed.

Battery drain from LeadMeNot on Android is resolved by disabling Battery Optimization for the app. Open LeadMeNot and follow the prompt, or go to device Settings → Battery → LeadMeNot → set to Don't Optimize. This setting is required for the app to run properly in the background.Step-by-step: Monitoring keeps turning off

Monitoring turning off on its own is almost always caused by Battery Optimization being enabled on Android. Disable it as described above. Also check that the Accessibility Shortcut for LeadMeNot is turned off in device Accessibility Settings.Step-by-step: Monitoring keeps turning off

If LeadMeNot stops blocking when apps are closed, Battery Optimization is likely still enabled. On some Android devices, also enable Allow Background Activity for LeadMeNot in Settings → Apps → LeadMeNot → Battery.

If buttons are cut off at the bottom of the screen, rotate the device to landscape mode to access them. If the issue persists, email jason@leadmenot.org.

If LeadMeNot is blocking an app that should be allowed, add it to the Whitelisted Apps & Websites list. On Android, go to the You tab → Whitelisted Apps & Websites. On Windows and Mac, go to the You tab → LeadMeNot in the bottom left → Whitelisted Apps and Websites.

LeadMeNot can be updated through Google Play on Android, the App Store on iOS, or by downloading the latest version from leadmenot.org/download on Windows and Mac.

LeadMeNot runs in the background. Click its icon in the menu bar at the top right of your screen to open it, and choose Check for updates there too.

Whitelist the exam tool or website first. If it still clashes, email jason@leadmenot.org before your exam with the name of the tool and we'll help.

On Android, long-press the notification, tap the settings icon and turn off just that notification. Protection keeps running. See how.

LeadMeNot accounts are tied to the email address used to sign up. If you're changing your Gmail, email jason@leadmenot.org with your old and new email addresses and Jason will update your account. For phone number changes, simply update your accountability partner's contact details in the app — your phone number is not used to log in.

Display name changes are not yet self-serve for Google account users. To update a display name, email jason@leadmenot.org with the account email and the preferred display name.

To delete a LeadMeNot account, submit a request through the Account Deletion page on the LeadMeNot website, or email jason@leadmenot.org.

To exclude an app from monitoring, add it to the Whitelisted Apps & Websites list. On Android, go to the You tab → Whitelisted Apps & Websites. On Windows and Mac, go to the You tab → LeadMeNot in the bottom left → Whitelisted Apps and Websites.