Have you tried other accountability apps only to find out they just don’t work the way you want on Apple?
We get a fair amount of customer support questions like this: “Hey, does Ever Accountable ACTUALLY work on iOS?”
*(NOTE: updated January 16th, 2024 to reflect app updates for using Safari vs. VPN.)
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Does Ever Accountable Work on Apple
The goal of this guide is twofold: to be upfront about what we can and cannot monitor on iOS . We also want to show you how to optimize Ever Accountable for accountability on iOS devices.
First, though, let’s clear up a BIG misconception.
If you’re looking for perfect, absolutely no loopholes, iron-clad online protection from porn on iOS (or even Android for that matter)?
You aren’t going to find it. Not yet. Maybe not ever – because the online cesspool is always expanding. (…though we’ve accepted the challenge of constantly mud-wrestling with this enormous problem…)
However, we’re working very hard to raise the bar of online protection from porn and to be the very best available accountability app on iOS.
Now, here are specific ways to help you maximize accountability on your iOS devices. Challenge accepted?
How Ever Accountable provides protection from porn on iOS
It’s important to understand that Apple considers monitoring other apps a privacy infringement.
In order for accountability to work with iOS, you either need to use Safari as a browser (no VPN needed). Your other option is to use Ever Accountable’s custom browser and premium virtual private network VPN (birthed out of customer feedback and many tweaks).
Use Ever Accountable with Safari as your browser
Here’s how it works. Follow the instructions in the app for Safari Extension setup. Make certain the Safari Web Extension for Ever Accountable has been enabled, and then set Safari as your browser of choice. (See detailed screenshots in the app). This is the best possible accountability option currently offered for iOS.
Use Ever Accountable as a custom browser instead of Safari (OLD version. App updates available.)
Here’s how accountability in iOS works in other browsers (and older versions of our iOS app only functioned this way). The VPN and our custom browser work together to provide online accountability.
When our app is used as the browser of choice, we are able to evaluate online activity and report on any suspicious or potentially inappropriate items.
but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.” Eccl. 4:12
How a VPN works
A virtual private network (VPN) works by connecting your computer, tablet, or smartphone to a server, so you can go online using the server’s internet connection.
The public WiFi network is only used to connect your device to the server, rather than to any of the websites or applications you subsequently access.
One of the biggest advantages of using a VPN is security. The VPN encrypts all data going through it. It also keeps your IP address private as opposed to using a public WiFi network to browse the internet.
Activate our VPN to enable online accountability
Next, check to make sure your VPN is running properly.
If you go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, it should say VPN Connected.
Use optional filtering for added protection.
Ever Accountable for iOS now includes an optional Filtering feature that can block you from accessing sites that are pornographic or otherwise inappropriate or dangerous.
Note: In order to use this feature, you must also have the VPN feature enabled. Click Here for the steps to enable the VPN.
STEP 01: Open the Ever Accountable app and go to “Settings”
STEP 02: In Settings, tap “Filtering”
STEP 03: On the Filtering window, toggle the “Filtering” option to “on”.
*Please note that it can take a minute for the filter activation to complete.*
Why you *might” need to use our custom browser for safe accountability on iOS
If a user decides to browse the internet using another browser besides Safari, for best online protection you need to enable the VPN plus use our customer browser.
In this scenario, if you don’t browse through our custom browser, we lose the ability to share detailed activity.
Instead, when you choose to use another browser like Chrome to browse while our VPN is active, we can simply capture the URLs of sites visited, as well as the date and time of each visit.
Again, this is why we highly recommend using BOTH our custom browser and our VPN together in iOS if you choose to browse outside of Safari.
Ways to be intentionally more accountable on iOS
Add an accountability partner(s)
Accountability simply does NOT work without a partner. So, let’s get off to a great start by choosing at least one partner!
When you reach out to someone, let them know they will get an invitation email or a text. Inside that email or text is a SPECIAL partner link that allows them to sign up for free.
This link is time-sensitive, however. So if your accountability partner misses the time window, you may need to delete them as a partner, add them back, and tell them you are sending them a new invitation.
If you’re a parent, again, your tech-savvy teen will be able to help with this!
Here’s a handy link with steps: How to add Accountability Partner
Now, you may wonder what the accountability partner sees. Here’s a link that explains the basic alerts they get: Does Ever Accountable send instant alerts to accountability partners?
If the accountability partner has set up custom keywords, they should get a flagged report if inappropriate content is viewed.
Utilize our custom keyword feature with an accountability partner
Set a time with your accountability partner when you strategize a success plan and create a list of keywords you would be tempted to search. If you’re a parent, do this exercise with your teen.
Then the accountability partner can use our custom keywords feature to upload these in order to give them an extra heads up. If someone views items flagged inside “Custom Keyword” settings, the partner will get a “blacklisted alert” on the weekly report.
The custom keyword list can only be modified by the accountability partner for effective online safety.
This step prompts open, honest conversations. If you create this list together, it diminishes the power of porn. It’s also another way to keep yourself honest, as we all struggle with varied temptations.
Tips for accountability partners (we think you’re AMAZING)
If you’re an accountability partner, your special link to sign in is included in the invitation you received to be an Accountability Partner. You would have received this via email or text message. If you have yet to receive it, reach out to your friend. Then they can resend the invite. Your role is critical to their success.
There is never a charge to be an accountability partner! You are AMAZING, and we appreciate you deeply. Here’s a link to a blog post to encourage you and give you helpful tips.
We care about your protection from porn, too. If you see a flagged item on a report, we strongly encourage you to reach out to your friend about this first, instead of clicking on the item viewed.
And if you’re also a customer of Ever Accountable, your own report will be flagged if you choose to view your friend’s flagged image(s). This helps you remain accountable and fight against your own triggers.
We’re also here to help you if you have any questions or need tech help. Please reach out! support@everaccountable.com.
How to customize your settings for maximum accountability on iOS
Our software is centered around the concept of accountability, more so than filtering or blocking. However, you may want or need additional help fighting porn. You can maximize your success! Set up all of the safety protections ahead of time to help you in a moment of weakness.
Here’s a round-up of helpful links in one place to help you get started.
- How To Install Ever Accountable on your iPad or iPhone
- How do I enable the iOS VPN feature? – Ever Accountable
Frequently asked questions about using iOS with Ever Accountable
Does your VPN slow down internet connection?
Simply put, the VPN does slow the connection speed because it is an extra step. There is a tradeoff though. Our VPN offers a more secure browsing experience. That being said, with a premium VPN like we are using you won’t normally notice any internet lag. The slowdown is almost imperceptible for the user.
Does Ever Accountable work on apps like YouTube
Do you want to access YouTube safely with good accountability? The only way to get around iOS restrictions is not installing YouTube’s standard app, but rather to use Ever Accountable’s browser to access YouTube.
So, we’re an iOS family. How can we safely use Ever Accountable to teach our children to be accountable online?
There are different ways you can protect your child on iOS with Ever Accountable after you’ve signed up. You can add unlimited devices. Here’s a bit of good news from Apple, too.
First, use parental controls in iOS to set up restrictions on your iPhone or iPad.
- First, select Settings and enable Family Sharing
- Next in Settings select > Screen Time > Content & Privacy
- Consider restricting Content, Privacy (location especially), Allowed Apps
Suggestion for using YouTube: download the kid’s version of YouTube, then use our custom browser to view videos.
Next, you can whitelist safe kid’s apps and block things you KNOW are inappropriate.
Again, here are the steps to set up our optional filtering on iOS. This only works when the VPN is enabled.
For an added step of protection, set yourself up as an accountability partner and use our custom keyword feature.
Our software will note and report any flagged items, and you’ll be alerted if your child searches for something inappropriate.
Here’s one final common-sense suggestion for parents. Password protect all your devices and change those passwords regularly.
Why do apps on my iPhone stop working when I use your VPN
A VPN is by design a Very Protective Network. It’s always on guard against apps or websites that try to access personal data, IP addresses as well as geographical location. If an app on your device requires permission to one or more of these things, the VPN will most likely block it for safety reasons.
What are the benefits of using Ever Accountable for protection from porn on iOS
Rewire your brain to reach for something better than pornography.
Any bad habit takes practice to break. By using the Ever Accountable app, you can train your brain to recover from porn. Accountability is a vital first step. We help you be honest and intentional about owning your online viewing habits.
Porn thrives in secrecy, but you can find your own power by breaking the silence!
When you’re able to refocus on your life goals and reach for your potential, it feels amazing. Even better, accountability helps you begin reconnecting with the people around you on life’s journey. Life is much too short and precious to let it be hijacked by hours and hours on screen.
Rebuild trust in your relationship with your spouse.
Honesty plays an important role in trust. A popular therapy site, choosingtherapy.com notes 20 tips for rebuilding trust.
This includes having a plan, as well as being vulnerable and open about your failings: “Work together to develop a plan to prevent further breaches of trust. Be open to identifying areas that may have created mistrust…”
While it’s often helpful to have an accountability partner other than your spouse, including your spouse in the accountability process demonstrates a commitment to honesty. A clean report is a measurable, tangible sign of progress.
Model accountability and mentor the next generation.
If you’re a parent, our app will help you practice responsible digital parenting, too. One of the best side benefits? You normalize online accountability for future generations. We’ve never had a generation of children more exposed to pornography than our current one – raised on porn! The effects of pornography on our children have yet to be measured.
In fact, many highschoolers now consider porn use “normal”. It’s time to create a new normal that doesn’t include porn.
When you lead by example, you’re building a better tomorrow. Accountability is a timeless principle. It never goes out of style in healthy relationships.
Ultimately that’s our goal. We want to empower you and those you love to live above pornography AND reach your highest potential. Please feel free to reach out to support@everaccountable if you have questions or need help with using our app on iOS.
We’re here for you!
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