Routines allow you to schedule different sets of rules throughout the day. They provide full customization so that you can set specific rules for specific moments - like homework and bedtime - in advance.
What kind of rules can I set in routines?
Routines allow you to set special rules for website categories and apps. They also enable you to block the internet or block devices. You can decide whether you want time limits to apply to your routines.
How to create a routine:
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- Log into Qustodio and choose the child you want to create a routine for
- Go to Rules and then Routines
- Select Add a routine and choose one of the presets from the list
- Confirm the time and the days you want the routine to run
- Select Save routine
See below what each preset offers you:
| Routines | Benefit | Rules |
| Study | Enables your child to access educational resources while removing distractions | Allows educational websites and blocks all other websites and apps |
| Entertainment | Gives your child freedom to play games while staying safe | Allows all apps and blocks all websites |
| Focus | Prevents your child from being distracted by the internet and helps them focus | Blocks internet connection to browsers and apps |
| Bedtime | Stops your child from using their devices so they have healthy sleep habits | Blocks apps on Android and hides apps on iOS. Logs out user on computers. |
You can edit the preset routines to include the app and website category rules you want.
How do I edit routines?
Once you’ve created a routine, you can return to edit it. Click on the routine you want to edit and then choose Edit app rules, Edit website rules, or Change style depending on the changes you want to make.
If you want to edit the time that the routine runs, click the pencil icon next to the time slot and adjust the time and days. Alternatively, add more time slots by clicking the Add button. Remove a time slot by clicking Delete time slot.
How to create a custom routine to block devices
- Log into Qustodio and choose the child you want to create a routine for
- Go to Rules and then Routines
- Select Add a routine and choose Custom
- Select Device blocks
- Choose the type of block you want to use in this routine
- Give this routine a name, color and icon, and write a description if you want
- Finally, enter the time and the days you want the routine to run
How to create a custom routine to set special app and website rules
- Choose the child you want to create a routine for
- Go to Rules and then Routines
- Select Add a routine and choose Custom
- Select App & website rules
- First, select a general app rule to block or allow all apps during the routine
- Then, click the plus sign in the App exceptions box and select the apps you want to exclude from the general rule. Click save then continue
- Next, select a general website rule to block or allow website categories during the routine
- Then, click the plus sign in the Category exceptions box and select the categories you want to exclude from the general rule*. Click save then continue
- Note that if you choose to allow all website categories, Qustodio will automatically add unsafe categories as exceptions
- Now, choose a time limit option. We suggest using the recommended option. See the daily time limit section below for more information
- Give your new routine a name, color and icon, and write a description if you want
- Finally, enter the time and the days you want the routine to run
*The website exceptions you’ve set in Web filtering rules, and your SafeSearch setting, will apply throughout a routine.
What happens when I apply daily time limits to a custom routine?
When you create a routine with custom app and website rules, you will be asked to choose a time limit option.
If you choose the Recommended option, any time spent on screens during the routine won’t count towards the daily time limit you’ve set. We recommend choosing this option because it means that your child will have access to their devices during the whole routine.
If you choose Apply daily time limits, any screen time spent during the routine will count towards the daily time limit you’ve set. This could mean that, if your child reaches their time limit during the routine, their devices will be blocked and they won’t have access to the content allowed in the routine.
Please note that once you have created a routine, it is not possible to modify this option.
How do I disable or delete a routine?
To disable a routine, click on it and then turn off the toggle next to Enable time slots. Doing this means that the routine won’t run at the scheduled times. We recommend this option if you want to keep your rules and may want to enable the routine again later.
To completely delete a routine, click on it and then click Delete routine at the bottom. The time slots and rules you’ve set will be completely removed.
How do I see an overview of the routines I’ve created?
Go to Routines and click on the calendar icon. You’ll see a schedule for the whole week in one view. Click on any of the routines to edit them.
How do routines interact with other rules?
Routines override your other rules except in the following cases:
- Your web filtering website exceptions still apply
- Your SafeSearch setting still applies
- You can still pause the internet
- If you have chosen Apply daily time limits while creating your routine, then your daily time limits still apply
Your standard rules will apply as normal when there is no routine running.
Why can’t I see routines?
Routines are available on Premium Basic and Premium Complete plans, and for parents using Qustodio through School Connect. If you are on one of these plans but can’t see routines, make sure you update your Parents App.
If you are on an older Qustodio Premium plan (Small, Medium, or Large) then you will need to switch to one of our new plans to access Routines. Please reach out to our Customer Support team to assist you with this. You can check which plan you are currently on by going to the account page on your Parents App.
I used to see restricted times but now I see routines
Routines replaces an older feature called Restricted times. If you used restricted times in the past, don’t worry - your settings haven’t changed. We’ve turned your scheduled blocks into a routine named Restricted times. This routine is scheduled for the times you initially set up, and the blocking type is also the same as the one you chose. You can click on the routine to edit it if you need.