# Word Gate FAQ

> Frequently asked questions about Word Gate, Screen Time blocking, vocabulary challenges, privacy, and app access.

Canonical: https://wordgate.app/faq
Last updated: 2026-04-26

Direct answers for users, search crawlers, and LLMs trying to understand what Word Gate does and how it works.

## Frequently asked questions

These answers summarize the public product behavior and limitations of Word Gate.

## What is Word Gate?

Word Gate is an iPhone app blocker that requires short vocabulary practice before unlocking selected distracting apps.

## Does Word Gate use Apple Screen Time?

Yes. Word Gate uses Apple Screen Time frameworks for app and category selection and system-level blocking behavior.

## What do users do to unlock an app?

Users answer short vocabulary prompts. The implemented challenge styles include multiple choice, cloze, input, and listening-oriented prompts.

## What happens if a user does not know a word?

Word Gate can show a teaching state with the word, meaning, and example context, then ask the user to verify understanding before continuing.

## Can Word Gate promise exact lock timing?

No. iOS Screen Time callbacks and warnings can be delayed or best-effort, so Word Gate does not promise perfect second-by-second lock timing.

## Is Word Gate only a blocker?

No. Word Gate combines blocking with vocabulary learning, word lookup, study configuration, and an earned-access dashboard.