If you regularly catch yourself mindlessly scrolling through apps on your phone, it's easy to get caught up and not realize how much time you waste on them. Sometimes having app-blocking controls and time limits can be useful, especially if you don't want distractions while you complete a task. Plus, excessive screen time can cause eye strain, so limiting app usage will have more than one noticeable benefit.
To avoid mindlessly scrolling (or doomscrolling) through social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, we've experimented with and found some great screentime-blocking gadgets and apps. Try using these devices to give yourself a break from your phone and focus on other interests beyond your screens.
The Brick is a device shaped like a block, which is meant to function as a locking device on your smartphone. It has an accompanying app that lets you pick the apps you’d like blocked. You can customize if you want them to be blocked during specific times. For example, if you don’t want distractions during work hours or study time. Press the Brick button to activate the lock, and a timer will tell you how long you’ve gone without looking at your phone.
This is ideal if you, your family or friends are looking to curb smartphone use and want to be held accountable. And you can’t cheat with this device because the Brick shows a notification reminding you that the app you blocked is a distraction.
This app is free for Android and iPhone, and it prompts you before allowing access to an app. Some reviewers mention that this app caused them to think twice before opening an app, partly because of the 30-second lag but also because it also asks you why you’re trying to access a specific app. This reminds us how mindlessly we tend to reach for our phones and puts our choices in perspective.
Fans of the ScreenZen app also pointed out how this feature dramatically reduced their screen time, specifically with social media apps. Those with ADHD say having a function like ScreenZen on their phone forced them to focus more on the tasks they need to be doing instead of doomscrolling on social media. It doesn’t hurt that the app is free and runs on any smartphone.
This stainless steel card is similar to the Brick: It’s a device that lets you block specific apps. The Bloom looks like a credit card that's set up through the app (available through both iOS and Google stores), and it controls your phone preferences. You can customize it to block certain websites and apps or even use a childproof mode to keep your kids from getting into your phone. You can customize a schedule, as well if you prefer not to be tempted to scroll through some apps during work or study hours. Once you select the apps you want to block for a set time limit, you scan the card on the screen to activate it.
The Bloom card is $40, and it's easy to carry in your wallet if you need it on the go. It doesn’t require any charging. Some reviewers say that this product was life-changing, while others say it made them more productive and they didn’t realize how much time they were wasting on social media apps until they used it.
iPhone users can take advantage of the phone’s built-in app to limit screen time. Screen time can tell you how often you use your phone, and it can also let you limit how often you or other family members use it. This tool has you input a passcode, and you can use the Downtime feature to block apps and notifications for specific periods when you want to focus and not be distracted by your iPhone. When downtime is enabled, only phone calls and apps that you choose to allow are permitted. This function can be especially useful for parents who want to monitor their children’s screen time and control it themselves.
The Unpluq Tag is a small tag that connects through near-field communication and allows two devices to connect to each other in close range (no Bluetooth required). It can be attached to your keychain and helps you control screen time on your smartphone (iPhone or Android). This tag functions similarly to some of the other gadgets on this list, where you can download the accompanying app and select which apps you’d like blocked for a limited time. This tag on its own costs $26.50, but requires either a six-month ($35), yearly ($79) or three-year subscription ($159).
While the other screen-blocking gadgets have their own methods to get you to think twice before disabling the lock, Unpluq Tag has you complete different types of challenges to unlock them.
This is an ideal option for students who want to focus in class or while they’re studying without distractions. Reviewers share that this is the only screen-reduction app that has ever worked for them, and they’ve reduced the amount of time spent on apps dramatically.
Screen time management app FAQs
What can screen-time management apps and gadgets be used for?
These apps are ideal for individuals who find themselves constantly on their phones and want a more restrictive way to prevent them from using their phones. They're also ideal for students or professionals who need to focus during business and school hours or for studying.
Are there data security concerns with screen-time apps?
Yes. When you download a third-party app and give it permission to access your screen-time information or grant it other types of access to your phone, it's important to consider how the company says it's handling your data.
We asked former CNET cybersecurity and data privacy expert Bree Fowler what she thought of screen-time management apps as a whole. Her suggestion was to look at the app store description, which should tell you what the company is tracking or collecting.
Some apps also say they use a local VPN, or virtual private network, but that may not ultimately mean much, according to Fowler. "They're taking your data, and there's nothing stopping them from sharing or selling it," she says of companies that use VPNs.
To make sure you're comfortable with what you're potentially sharing, read each company's privacy policy and what's listed on the app store before downloading any app to your phone. For more security content and tips to stay protected online, you can peruse our best VPN services list to help keep your devices safe.
Do screen-time management apps work?
It depends on the app and how you're using it, but many of the apps on this list claim users have taken hours off their weekly screen time by using a screen-time management app. Like any tool used to help achieve a goal, its success will mostly depend on your intention while using it.
Are there other ways I can reduce screen time besides third-party apps?
Yes. In fact, there are built-in screen-time management tools for both Apple and Android users. For more ways to limit your screen time, read more on how to use your Apple or Android device settings.
There are also more "natural" ways you can spend less time on your phone. Some people really benefit from enabling "do not disturb" mode during certain hours (or all the time) and deleting social media apps, so in order to access content, you have to log in from a browser. Others even physically leave their phones in another room so they're less tempted to grab them out of impulse.