How to block applications on Mac
Choose installed Mac applications you want to keep out of reach while you focus. This guide covers adding apps to Hyud's blocked list and enabling the application blocker.
1. Download and open Hyud for macOS
Download Hyud for Mac, install it, and open the application. These instructions cover the macOS app, not the iPhone app or a browser extension.
2. Allow Hyud to run in the background
Follow the setup prompts to authorize Hyud's background helper. In System Settings, open General, then Login Items & Extensions, and allow Hyud to run in the background. Enter your Mac password if prompted, then return to Hyud and confirm with "I allowed". Grant any additional permissions requested during setup.
The screenshots show the setup flow; the appearance may differ with your macOS or Hyud version.
3. Select the applications to block
Open Hyud's settings and go to the application blocker. Click "Block an app", then select the installed application from your Mac. Repeat for each application you want to block and check that it appears in "Blocked Applications".
Select the actual application, not its website or a document opened by it. An app must be installed on your Mac to select it. Blocking a browser application blocks the browser itself, not just a particular website.
4. Enable the application blocker
Save your work in the selected applications before enabling blocking: Hyud closes blocked applications. Turn on "Enable applications blocker" to start blocking the apps in your list.
If you want blocking to continue when Hyud is closed, enable "Block applications at system level" as well. This requires the background helper authorized during setup.
5. Check and manage blocked applications
Try opening one of the selected apps to confirm it is blocked. If it stays open, check that it appears in the blocked list, that the blocker is enabled, and that the background helper is authorized if you use system-level blocking.
Use the trash button beside an application to remove it from the list, or turn off "Enable applications blocker" to stop manual application blocking. If a focus session is active, check its blocking rules too.
Blocking an installed app does not add its website to your website block list. To block access through a browser too, follow the website blocking guide. For setup problems, visit the macOS help center.
Hyud is much more than a website and application blocker.
Hyud helps you stay focused by blocking distracting websites and applications and creating structured focus sessions.
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