Switching from Opal to Nudge
Write down your Opal rules and blocked apps, set the same apps up in Nudge, then end or turn off your Opal rules so the two apps don't fight. Deleting Opal doesn't cancel it: cancel in iPhone Settings if you paid through Apple, or through Opal's billing link if you paid on its website.
1. Note your Opal setup
Open Opal and write down your Rules (Sessions, Schedules, Time Limits and Open Limits), which apps are in them, and anything in Always Allowed. You'll recreate the apps in Nudge. The rules translate a little differently (step 3).
2. Set up Nudge
- Get Nudge from the App Store and allow Screen Time access.
- Pick the apps from your Opal rules, one by one (Nudge doesn't lock whole categories). Add websites if you blocked them. Leave your Always Allowed apps out.
- Turn on notifications. Unlocking a locked app uses one.
3. Translate your Opal rules
| In Opal you used... | In Nudge, do this |
|---|---|
| Sessions or Schedules to block apps | Nothing to schedule: Nudge keeps your picked apps locked all the time, and you choose when to go in. For stricter work hours, use a Pro Hard Mode schedule. |
| Schedules for free time | Use a Nudge Pro schedule to leave apps unlocked during the hours you choose. |
| Time Limits | Each unlock asks how long you want, and the app locks again when time is up. |
| Open Limits | Use Medium: your first unlock each day is instant, then each one adds 10 seconds, up to a minute. |
| Hard Mode | Use Hard: a 10-minute wait every time, and sessions capped at 10 minutes. |
| Autofocus | Use Task Mode: say what you're there to do, and Nudge nudges you back if your screen drifts away from it. |
4. Turn off Opal (watch for these)
- Hard Mode rules can't be ended early. They run until they finish. Opal's weekly Emergency Pass lifts running rules for an hour if you need out sooner.
- App Uninstall Protection can stop you deleting apps during a session. Turn it off in Opal (Profile, then Settings, then Advanced) when your rules allow it.
- Your Opal streak ends when you delete the app. Opal says it can't be recovered.
- Two blockers on one app make it hard to tell which one is stopping you, so turn off Opal's rules once Nudge is set up.
5. Cancel Opal (deleting it doesn't)
- Paid through Apple: open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions, then Opal, then Cancel Subscription. Pro keeps working until the end of the period you paid for. Refunds come from Apple at reportaproblem.apple.com.
- Paid on Opal's website or Mac app: use the billing link in Opal's help center. Apple can't cancel web purchases.
- Paid on Android: cancel in Google Play subscriptions.
- Lifetime purchase: nothing to cancel.
Not sure yet?
Read the honest Nudge vs Opal comparison. Some people keep Opal for scheduled deep-work blocks and use Nudge for the rest of the day.
Opal details come from Opal's help center and App Store listing, checked Oct 14, 2026. Opal is a product of Opal OS Corporation. Nudge isn't affiliated with Opal. Menus may change; check Opal's help center for its current steps.
