Help Center | LeadMeNot

Question 1

What is LeadMeNot?

Accepted Answer

LeadMeNot is a digital wellness app that helps people break free from harmful digital habits — including pornography, social media addiction, and compulsive screen use. Founded in 2021 by Jason Mathew in Tulsa, Oklahoma, LeadMeNot combines real-time content blocking with an accountability partner system to help over 100,000 users reclaim their time, relationships, and focus. The app is available on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac.

Question 2

How does LeadMeNot work?

Accepted Answer

LeadMeNot gives users two core tools: blocking and accountability. The blocking system stops harmful apps, websites, and keywords from loading in real time — before the user ever gets there. The accountability system notifies a trusted partner immediately via email and push notification whenever a rule is broken. Built-in reflection prompts help users identify triggers and track progress over time. Users can use blocking only, accountability only, or both together. LeadMeNot protects users across all their devices — Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac.

Question 3

How does blocking work?

Accepted Answer

LeadMeNot's blocking system works at the device level, using accessibility services to monitor and block content in real time. Blocking rules are based on a user's selected area of change — for example, Unwanted Sexual Behavior — which activates a master list of explicit and implicit websites, keywords, and phrases. Users can also add custom apps, websites, and keywords. Unlike browser extensions, LeadMeNot's blocking works across all apps on the device, not just web browsers.

Question 4

How does keyword blocking work?

Accepted Answer

LeadMeNot monitors text activity across a user's device and blocks or alerts when specified keywords or phrases are detected — including in search engines, browsers, and apps. Keyword blocking is available today on Android, Windows, and Mac. iOS keyword blocking is currently in development and will be available in an upcoming update.

Question 5

Does LeadMeNot take screenshots or read my screen?

Accepted Answer

LeadMeNot does not take screenshots. The app reads on-screen text to detect keywords and trigger blocking rules, but it does not capture, store, or transmit screenshots of a user's screen. LeadMeNot only collects data to improve its models and never sells user data to third parties.

Question 6

Does LeadMeNot work without a VPN?

Accepted Answer

Yes — LeadMeNot does not require a VPN to function on Android, Windows, or Mac. The app uses accessibility services and system-level monitoring independently of a VPN. On iOS, LeadMeNot uses Apple Screen Time alongside a VPN for certain features. iOS keyword blocking, currently in development, will use VPN functionality when released.

Question 7

Is LeadMeNot a religious or faith-based app?

Accepted Answer

LeadMeNot was founded by Jason Mathew, who follows Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord — the team is transparent about that. However, the app is designed for everyone regardless of faith background. The name comes from the Lord's Prayer — 'lead me not into temptation' — reflecting the conviction that setting boundaries around what is harmful is an act of wisdom, not weakness.

Question 8

Is my data safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. LeadMeNot secures all data in motion and at rest using industry-standard encryption. Users can exclude specific apps and websites from data capture. LeadMeNot does not sell any user data to third parties.

Question 9

How is LeadMeNot different from Covenant Eyes or Accountable2You?

Accepted Answer

Unlike Covenant Eyes and Accountable2You, which primarily focus on reporting accountability after the fact, LeadMeNot actively blocks harmful content before it loads. This prevention-first approach adds meaningful friction at the moment of temptation. LeadMeNot is also significantly more affordable than Covenant Eyes and offers cross-platform protection across Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac.

Question 10

I currently use Covenant Eyes — is there a reason to have both?

Accepted Answer

LeadMeNot is designed to be a full replacement for Covenant Eyes. LeadMeNot offers everything Covenant Eyes provides — accountability partner notifications, monitoring, and reporting — plus active real-time blocking that Covenant Eyes does not. Users who switch typically cite stronger blocking and lower cost as the deciding factors. A free trial is available.

Question 11

How do I switch from Covenant Eyes to LeadMeNot?

Accepted Answer

To switch from Covenant Eyes to LeadMeNot, download LeadMeNot from the App Store, Google Play, or leadmenot.org/download , set up blocking rules and an accountability partner, then cancel the Covenant Eyes subscription. For migration help, email jason@leadmenot.org .

Question 12

Which devices does LeadMeNot support?

Accepted Answer

LeadMeNot is available on Android, iOS (iPhone and iPad), Windows PC, and Mac. Chromebook support is in development. Kindle is not currently supported.

Question 13

Is there a free trial?

Accepted Answer

Yes — LeadMeNot's Annual Plan includes a free trial period. Note: deleting the app does not cancel a subscription. Cancellations must be made through the App Store, Google Play, or at app.leadmenot.org/login .

Question 14

Is the accountability partner feature required?

Accepted Answer

No — LeadMeNot's accountability partner feature is optional. Users can use the app for content blocking only, without adding a partner. However, combining blocking with accountability produces significantly better long-term results.

Question 15

What's the difference between the main app and the Partner App?

Accepted Answer

The main LeadMeNot app is used by the person seeking accountability. The LMN Partner App is a separate application for accountability partners, available on the App Store and Google Play. Partners do not need to install any app — they receive email alerts automatically. The Partner App provides a richer experience with more visibility and the ability to approve Safe Wall requests.

Question 16

I can't install on Windows — the installer gets stuck.

Accepted Answer

If the LeadMeNot Windows installer gets stuck, restart the computer and run the installer again; right-click the installer and select Run as Administrator; or download the latest version from leadmenot.org/download . If the issue persists, email jason@leadmenot.org .

Question 17

Can I use LeadMeNot on my teenager's devices?

Accepted Answer

Yes — LeadMeNot is used by many parents to protect their children's devices. Parents can set up blocking rules on a teenager's Android, iOS, Windows, or Mac device and serve as the accountability partner themselves, receiving notifications when rules are broken.

Question 18

I'm seeing "Device Limit Reached" — what do I do?

Accepted Answer

The Device Limit Reached error occurs when an account is still registered to an old device — typically after getting a new phone, performing a factory reset, or updating the OS. To fix it, email jason@leadmenot.org with the account email address. The issue is typically resolved within minutes.

Question 19

I got a new phone. How do I transfer LeadMeNot?

Accepted Answer

To transfer LeadMeNot to a new phone, email jason@leadmenot.org with the account email address. The support team will clear the old device registration so the user can log in on the new device. All rules and settings are preserved.

Question 20

My old phone died and I can't log out of it.

Accepted Answer

If a device is lost or inaccessible, LeadMeNot's support team can clear the old device registration remotely. Email jason@leadmenot.org with the account email. No access to the old device is required.

Question 21

I factory reset my phone and now I can't log in.

Accepted Answer

A factory reset does not remove a device's registration from LeadMeNot's system, which causes a login error. Email jason@leadmenot.org with the account email and the registration will be cleared within minutes.

Question 22

I'm getting a "Server Error" when trying to log in.

Accepted Answer

A server error on login is usually resolved by updating to the latest version of LeadMeNot from leadmenot.org/download and restarting the device. If the error persists, email jason@leadmenot.org .

Question 23

I can't sign in — getting a Google Authentication error.

Accepted Answer

A Google Authentication error typically occurs when the wrong Google account is being used, or when there is a typo in the email. Use the exact Google account used during signup. If the issue continues, email jason@leadmenot.org .

Question 24

Can LeadMeNot block keyword searches?

Accepted Answer

Yes — LeadMeNot blocks keyword searches on Android, Windows, and Mac. When a blocked keyword is detected, LeadMeNot stops the content from loading and notifies the accountability partner. iOS keyword blocking is in development and will be available in an upcoming update.

Question 25

My blocking rules aren't working — content is still getting through.

Accepted Answer

If blocking rules are not working, verify the Accessibility Service is enabled for LeadMeNot on Android; Screen Time permissions are granted on iOS; rules are scheduled for the correct times; and the latest app version is installed. If content is still getting through, email jason@leadmenot.org with a screenshot of the Block & Monitor tab.

Question 26

A website I need is being blocked by mistake. How do I whitelist it?

Accepted Answer

To whitelist an app or website on Android, go to the You tab and select Whitelisted Apps & Websites. On Windows and Mac, open the You tab, click LeadMeNot in the bottom left, and select Whitelisted Apps and Websites.

Question 27

How easily can LeadMeNot be bypassed?

Accepted Answer

LeadMeNot is designed to make bypassing as difficult as possible. On Android, Device Restart Protection prevents safe mode bypasses and Uninstall Protection prevents deletion. On iOS, blocking the Settings app prevents Screen Time from being disabled. Mac and Windows both include Uninstall Protection. No content blocking app is 100% unbypassable, but LeadMeNot adds significant technical friction and immediate accountability partner notifications that make any bypass attempt visible.

Question 28

How do I prevent someone from uninstalling LeadMeNot?

Accepted Answer

To prevent uninstallation, enable Uninstall Protection in the Block & Monitor tab of the LeadMeNot app. On iOS, blocking the Settings app in addition to Uninstall Protection provides the most comprehensive protection against removal.

Question 29

What is Restart Protection?

Accepted Answer

Device Restart Protection is a LeadMeNot feature for Android that prevents the app from being bypassed by rebooting into safe mode. It is available on Android only, as this bypass method is specific to the Android operating system.

Question 30

LeadMeNot is preventing me from deleting other apps. Why?

Accepted Answer

This is caused by LeadMeNot's Uninstall Protection feature. To temporarily delete another app, disable Uninstall Protection in the Block & Monitor tab, delete the app, then re-enable Uninstall Protection.

Question 31

My app time limits aren't blocking after the limit is reached (iOS).

Accepted Answer

App time limits not triggering after the limit is reached on iOS is a known bug. A fix has been submitted to Apple and will be released as soon as it clears Apple's review process.

Question 32

How do I invite my accountability partner?

Accepted Answer

To add an accountability partner, go to the Partner tab in the LeadMeNot app and enter the partner's email address. The partner receives an email invitation automatically and does not need to install any app to receive alerts.

Question 33

My partner isn't receiving notifications or emails.

Accepted Answer

If an accountability partner is not receiving notifications, verify that Monitoring is turned ON in the Block & Monitor tab — not just Blocking. Monitoring must be enabled for each rule for partner alerts to be sent. If monitoring is on and alerts are still not arriving, check the partner's spam folder, then email jason@leadmenot.org .

Question 34

Does my partner need to install an app?

Accepted Answer

No — accountability partners do not need to install any app to receive alerts. LeadMeNot sends email notifications automatically when a rule is broken. Partners can optionally download the LMN Partner App for a richer experience and the ability to approve Safe Wall requests.

Question 35

How do I change or remove my accountability partner?

Accepted Answer

To change or remove an accountability partner, email jason@leadmenot.org . If an ex-partner needs to be removed and is not cooperating, LeadMeNot's team can remove them from the account without requiring their involvement.

Question 36

My ex is my accountability partner and won't remove themselves.

Accepted Answer

LeadMeNot's support team can remove any accountability partner from an account without the partner's cooperation. Email jason@leadmenot.org to request removal.

Question 37

My partner keeps getting false alerts when I turn my computer off.

Accepted Answer

False partner alerts triggered by computer shutdowns are resolved by updating to the latest version of the LeadMeNot Windows app at leadmenot.org/download . If the issue continues after updating, email jason@leadmenot.org .

Question 38

How do I request a Safe Wall change?

Accepted Answer

To request a Safe Wall change, go to the You tab in the LeadMeNot app and tap Safe Wall. The request is sent to the accountability partner for approval. Safe Wall is LeadMeNot's partner-approval system for adjusting blocking settings.

Question 39

How do I stop receiving partner alerts (as a partner)?

Accepted Answer

To stop receiving accountability partner alerts, email jason@leadmenot.org . The LeadMeNot team will remove the partner from the associated account.

Question 40

How much does LeadMeNot cost?

Accepted Answer

LeadMeNot offers Monthly, Annual, and Lifetime subscription plans for both single-device and unlimited-device configurations. The Annual Plan includes a free trial. Current pricing is available at leadmenot.org/pricing . If cost is a barrier, email jason@leadmenot.org — no one is turned away due to financial constraints.

Question 41

How do I cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

LeadMeNot subscriptions are managed through the original purchase platform. On Android: Google Play → Payments & Subscriptions → Subscriptions → LeadMeNot. On iOS: iPhone Settings → your name → Subscriptions → LeadMeNot. For web subscriptions, visit app.leadmenot.org/login and select Manage Subscription. Deleting the app does not cancel a subscription.

Question 42

I deleted the app and was still charged.

Accepted Answer

Deleting the LeadMeNot app does not cancel a subscription. Cancellation must be completed through the App Store or Google Play. If a charge occurred after deletion and a cancellation was not processed, email jason@leadmenot.org to review the case.

Question 43

How do I upgrade from single device to unlimited?

Accepted Answer

To upgrade from a single-device plan to unlimited, go to the You tab → Manage Devices → Manage Subscription. Some upgrades may require account deletion and recreation due to how app stores handle plan changes. Email jason@leadmenot.org for guided assistance.

Question 44

I can't renew my subscription — the button does nothing.

Accepted Answer

If the renewal button is unresponsive, the account may be on a legacy plan that is no longer available. Email jason@leadmenot.org to have the account updated so a new subscription can be created.

Question 45

Do you offer discounts for international users or students?

Accepted Answer

Yes — LeadMeNot offers pricing flexibility for international users and students. Email jason@leadmenot.org and Jason Mathew will personally work out a solution. Financial constraints should never prevent access to tools for digital freedom.

Question 46

Can I get a custom or organizational quote?

Accepted Answer

Yes — LeadMeNot offers group plans for churches, ministries, counseling practices, and other organizations. Email jason@leadmenot.org for organizational pricing.

Question 47

LeadMeNot is draining my battery.

Accepted Answer

Battery drain from LeadMeNot on Android is resolved by disabling Battery Optimization for the app. Open LeadMeNot and follow the prompt, or go to device Settings → Battery → LeadMeNot → set to Don't Optimize. This setting is required for the app to run properly in the background.

Question 48

The app keeps turning off or monitoring switches off on its own.

Accepted Answer

Monitoring turning off on its own is almost always caused by Battery Optimization being enabled on Android. Disable it as described above. Also check that the Accessibility Shortcut for LeadMeNot is turned off in device Accessibility Settings.

Question 49

LeadMeNot isn't blocking when I close recent apps.

Accepted Answer

If LeadMeNot stops blocking when apps are closed, Battery Optimization is likely still enabled. On some Android devices, also enable Allow Background Activity for LeadMeNot in Settings → Apps → LeadMeNot → Battery.

Question 50

The app UI doesn't fit my screen — buttons are cut off.

Accepted Answer

Buttons being cut off is a known display issue on certain smaller-screen devices. A fix is in development. As a temporary workaround, rotate the device to landscape mode to access cut-off buttons.

Question 51

LeadMeNot is blocking an app I need (like my banking or church app).

Accepted Answer

If LeadMeNot is blocking an app that should be allowed, add it to the Whitelisted Apps & Websites list. On Android, go to the You tab → Whitelisted Apps & Websites. On Windows and Mac, go to the You tab → LeadMeNot in the bottom left → Whitelisted Apps and Websites.

Question 52

How do I update LeadMeNot?

Accepted Answer

LeadMeNot can be updated through Google Play on Android, the App Store on iOS, or by downloading the latest version from leadmenot.org/download on Windows and Mac.

Question 53

My name is showing incorrectly in the app.

Accepted Answer

Display name changes are not yet self-serve for Google account users. To update a display name, email jason@leadmenot.org with the account email and the preferred display name.

Question 54

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

To delete a LeadMeNot account, submit a request through the Account Deletion page on the LeadMeNot website, or email jason@leadmenot.org .

Question 55

How do I exclude an app from monitoring?

Accepted Answer

To exclude an app from monitoring, add it to the Whitelisted Apps & Websites list. On Android, go to the You tab → Whitelisted Apps & Websites. On Windows and Mac, go to the You tab → LeadMeNot in the bottom left → Whitelisted Apps and Websites.