You can always open your locked apps early with emergency unlock, which is free and lasts anywhere from 15 minutes up to 8 hours, or the rest of the day.
A prayer habit shouldn't come between you and a ride you need to call, a work message that can't wait or a family emergency. Prayer Latch is built so that never happens.
How do I use emergency unlock?
Open Prayer Latch and choose Emergency unlock. Pick how long you need, from 15 minutes up to 8 hours, or the rest of the day. Your apps open right away and lock again when the time is up.
Does emergency unlock cost anything?
No. It's free with or without Prayer Latch Plus.
Is there any catch?
A gentle one. An emergency unlock can move Latch back one level on the 90-day journey. It never goes below level 1, and it only changes the level if it hasn't already changed that day. That's a nudge to pray when you can, not a punishment. Your prayer journal and everything else stay exactly as they were.
Why isn't the lock unbreakable?
Because a lock you can never open is a lock you'll eventually delete. Prayer Latch works by making prayer the easiest first step on an ordinary morning, not by trapping you. Most mornings, a minute of prayer is quicker than finding the emergency button anyway. And knowing there's a way out makes it easier to trust the app with the apps that matter to you.
Can I still make calls and get texts while apps are locked?
Prayer Latch only locks the apps you choose. Pick distractions, like social media, video and games, and leave your phone, messages and anything essential unlocked. On Android, Settings and your home screen are never locked.
What if I just don't want to pray today?
That's between you and God. Prayer Latch isn't meant to force anything. It's meant to make prayer the easy first step on an ordinary morning. Emergency unlock is there for the mornings that aren't ordinary.
Can I pause protection completely?
Yes. You can turn off the Screen Time permission (iPhone) or the Accessibility service (Android) at any time in your phone's settings. Your app choices stay saved for when you turn it back on.
Pray before you scroll
Prayer Latch locks your chosen apps each morning until you pray. Your first 7 days are free, no card needed.
Updated October 20, 2026 by the Prayer Latch team at Janus Works LLC.