Most questions are about pairing and releases. If yours isn't below, email austinjuwon@gmail.com and include your iOS version. We answer within two working days.
It is the only way an iPhone app can shield another app. iOS enforces the lock; Tandem only tells it what and for how long. Tandem never sees your usage data. If you declined, go to iOS Settings › Screen Time and allow Tandem, or reinstall to be asked again.
The list is frozen while a lock is running. Wait for it to end (or be released), then tap the + on Home or Settings › Distractions › Edit.
"Until released": the lock has no end time and only your partner can end it. It is available once you are paired. Combine it with Hard mode and nobody can end it, so be sure.
No early release for this lock, not even by your partner. The Ask button disappears on the Locked screen. Turn on "Hard mode by default" in Settings if you always want it.
One of you opens Your code (Home › Pair, or Settings › Partner › Show my code). The other taps Scan theirs and points the camera at it, or pastes the code if it was shared as text. One scan pairs both phones. Both need iCloud signed in and a connection.
Check that iCloud Drive is on for this device (iOS Settings › your name › iCloud) and that you are online. Then close and reopen Your code. If your partner already scanned it and your screen hasn't moved on, scan their code to finish.
Your code does not change. Show it again, or use Settings › Partner › Re-send my key over iCloud so their new install receives it.
Settings › Partner › Unpair. It is not available during a lock. Both phones forget each other; locks can then only end on time.
Your partner's phone got a notification; they have to open it and tap Release. Until they do, you see "Sent · Waiting". You can withdraw the request any time. If they decline, the lock runs to its end.
A timed lock ends on its own at the time shown, whatever happens. For an "until released" lock, tap Can't reach your partner? on the Locked screen. Tandem starts a 24-hour unlock: the lock ends by itself a day later, and the unlock is written into your history. It exists so you are never stuck, and you can cancel it if your partner turns up.
Tap the inbox icon top-right on Home or Locked (it shows a pink dot). Open the request, read the reason and time left, then Release or Not yet. Releasing ends their lock at once.
On your phone only, under the history icon. It is not synced or backed up by Tandem, and your partner never sees it. Deleting the app deletes it. See the privacy policy for everything else.