ScreenZen- Screen Time Control Reviews

by Shelbym21

It’s a great concept and I like the simple interface as well as the ability to separate apps and websites into different timing block and/or time limits. The unlock feature is also well-thought out because you set the delay to unlock for 0 seconds or much longer and you can customize the messages that pop up such as “Do you really need to check social media right now?”.

However, the unlock button does not work…it will not unlock the apps even though it is supposed to and as much as I would like to avoid over-using my phone, it’s annoying when I am intentionally trying to check something or I need to order something online and I can’t bypass the screen. I emailed their customer support on Jan. 3rd and haven’t heard back, it’s been 2.5 weeks so I’d love to re-download in the future if they can make it work as intended but until then, it’s just not helpful and I can’t get an answer or solution within a reasonable time period.

by Bltcheese

ScreenZen has been very helpful to me in reducing my time on social media. It was so helpful, I convinced my friend to download ScreenZenScreenTimeControl ! However, when I spoke to her about how she was liking it, it became clear that our apps have completely different UI and features. I have a “groups” tab which allows me to pick which set of apps is blocked at which time; she has a “pickups” tab which tracks how often she’s opened her blocked apps. The other two tabs, “settings” and “more”, are similar between our phones, but still have notable differences.

We both have iPhones, from the same generation, and we have the same version of ScreenZenScreenTimeControl . So why the different experiences? This has left both of us feeling confused, and like we’re missing out on features the other enjoys. Hopefully the developer can resolve these discrepancies soon.

by Ambrosiadreamer

i don't know why, but for some reason ScreenZenScreenTimeControl just hasn't been working now for the last few updates? like, the actual app itself. it still blocks stuff just fine. i had to reinstall it because it kept opening to a black screen and then crashing, even after updating. as well, when i'm creating/editing an app group, there's a decent chance (with the odds improved if i select more than a few apps) the pop-up screen will turn completely grey/blank. i can't save my settings when it does that and i have to completely restart what i was doing. also, i have my screen zoomed in because i am visually impaired, and due to this a bunch of the options in that previously mentioned pop-up screen for editing your app group settings are partially (or even almost entirely) cut off and very hard to read. and that's even after zooming out my text all the way. i really, really appreciate that ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is free and there's no dumb subscription plans, and i know the dev(s) work hard, but these bugs and lack of accessibility are REALLY rough

by Ekogilvie

I like the simple interface much better than ScreenZenScreenTimeControl I was using before (opal), but I’ve run into two pretty significant issues so far:
1. screen zen doesn’t work for pausing websites in safari. it just blocks them. I click the timer button, nothing happens after the timer is out, and if I click it again safari closes and I go back to my home screen.
2. I then have to “disable pause for one hour” to get into those sites on my browser, but the pause doesn’t automatically start working again after an hour. It’ll go all day if I don’t open the screen zen app to get it going again.

aside from those two things, this is a great little app! hoping those bugs can be fixed.

by KateS02125

I first downloaded ScreenZenScreenTimeControl through a recommendation because I felt like
the Iphone screen time was a scam. I wanted to cut down my social media usage, which was a major reason for my phone addiction. After I downloaded, I saw my usage of twitter, tiktok, instagram, fb drop significantly, which was exactly what I wanted! But somewhere in one of their software updates, ScreenZenScreenTimeControl stopped letting me open any of the apps. I would have to delete my restricted apps just to find a restaurant or recipe i saved, which is really annoying to do. It defeated the whole point of ScreenZenScreenTimeControl . I feel really disappointed because I liked ScreenZenScreenTimeControl a lot and I know it worked at one point. I keep ScreenZenScreenTimeControl around in hopes that the software updates and lets me open the apps when I need to, but it so far hasn’t.

by Jesswhitsn

okay first- i heard about ScreenZenScreenTimeControl on the Binchtopia podcast and i am obsessed- it really helps keep my screen time down. however!! i ran into an issue while trying to set up different app groups that start at different times- so that i could have my screen time be more limited on weekdays during the day (45sec delay with a 7 minute limit) and more relaxed on evenings/weekends (10-20sec delay and 60 minute limit). unfortunately when i set the different groups, i only see the more “strict” group when i go to open an app, even if it’s after the time that i set it for. i tried re-saving and editing the groups and double checking the times that i set different groups for, but it will only use the “strict” group settings. would love to see this fixed!!

by Lscap

If I could I would maybe give this a 3.7. I love that you can specify sites/apps, how many unlocks you’re allowed in a day, how long you have to wait to unlock & how long the unlocked period is. The first night I used it it worked fine. The following day, I figured I would allow myself a couple of 10m intervals of screen time throughout the day & went to unlock.. waited the 30 seconds.. & nothing. It tells me that ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is restricted. I don’t understand? I’m still gonna keep ScreenZenScreenTimeControl but now I have to go in ScreenZenScreenTimeControl and temporarily unlock an app & then come back and re add it to the limit list when I’m through. & that feels counterproductive to what I’m trying to do?

by JenLSwan

I was looking for something to stop me from mindlessly opening my top used social media apps. I wanted to make a habit of enjoying some of my old hobbies instead of scrolling. This has really helped me limit my opens and get back to some of the things I love, along with elimating social media fatigue and the anxiety that can come with it. I do have one complaint - and the reason for the lost star. When I’m in social, I often read stories and open a new tab to look something up, or click on a link to an outside source. Unfortunately, that boots me out of my social app and then when I go back, it tracks against my open count. And it seems to happen immediately and give no time at all to switch back. It would be nice if it didn’t time out so quickly when you open a new window. Maybe I missed something in setup to prevent this from happening? I would appreciate a response from the developer in case I am mistaken.

by Smokey_McBud420

I love the features of ScreenZenScreenTimeControl - adding seconds each time you want to unlock an app is genius. However, I just couldn’t get the website blocker to work. At first, I couldn’t find the website in the list. Then, I realized the list was only populated with sites visited in Safari, and I use Chrome as my main browser, so I finally got the website to appear by visiting it in Safari. That didn’t end up making a difference, though. Even though I added the website, it wouldn’t block it on Safari or on Chrome. I tried hitting the reset screen time button, updating iOS, then deleting and redownloading ScreenZenScreenTimeControl , and finally hitting the reset screen time button again, but none of those worked.

by Naing055

I want to start out by saying I usually don’t write reviews but I’m doing so because I really like ScreenZenScreenTimeControl. I have only tried another app “opal” (which didnt really work for me) and my friend recommended me this so I downloaded. I like ScreenZenScreenTimeControl because it lets you choose prompts to ask yourself before opening apps that you choose to block. For me I chose “check this later?” and I’m not sure how but with a tiny bit of willpower and that pause between opening ScreenZenScreenTimeControl with that question tricks my mind and I end up reducing my use of those apps. In addition, I really like that you can limit how many times you open and app and it’s always visible so before I open an app like instagram it makes me think “oh what if I really want to open it later instead” and it also reduces the amount of time I visits ScreenZenScreenTimeControl . Overall this is a great app and my only reason for not giving it a 5 star is because I’ve only used it for a few days but later on if ScreenZenScreenTimeControl works long term for me I will come and change it to 5 stars.

by Hamburger5003

There are a lot of good things on ScreenZenScreenTimeControl, and it does help me break away from my screen time. But, eventually my brain no longer got annoyed by the shortcut ScreenZenScreenTimeControl employs and was happy to wait to get the next shot of dopamine. You can increase the amount of time to wait, but that can only happen so many times. It’s a good solution, but not a perfect one and honestly that’s fine. My main issue with ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is that trying to tune some of the settings is not possible. For example, I wanted it to completely problem apps during works hours, and do the regular shortcut at all other times. Maybe there is a way to do that, but I couldn’t find it. ScreenZenScreenTimeControl basically forces me to choose one aspect of that or the other.

by Qewufnlosnvheonz🚱❇️💹❇️💹

I like ScreenZenScreenTimeControl a lot and in the first week it has been very helpful and like how u are able to customize pretty much everything to ur abilities. I do have one problem with ScreenZenScreenTimeControl and it’s that it doesn’t let you receive notifications on ScreenZenScreenTimeControl u are trying to reduce your screen time, and since in this case my app is snapchat i get notifications from people texting me or trying to make plans on ScreenZenScreenTimeControl and it’s hard for me to know if they texted or not because i can’t see any notifications popping up so i don’t know whether to waste on one of my clicks or taps to get in ScreenZenScreenTimeControl (in this case snapchat) I have tried to go to the more section in your app and try the shortcut tutorial but this doesn’t work at all and all it does is just redirects u to screen zen which doesn’t do anything to be able to see the notifications. If u could help me to be able to see notifications that would be incredibly helpful and you would be my favorite app ever

by Midwestmsw

I love ScreenZenScreenTimeControl. It is so incredibly helpful!! It has helped me to be more intentional with my time and strengthen my impulse control muscle, which is helping to increase my sense of self-efficacy and feel accomplished and happier. I especially love that it is COMPLETELY FREE, sans even ads (would be pretty ironic if it had ads of any kind, lol). As a struggling student whose skill set, values and passion are most aligned with undervalued field, I can’t afford extra expenses like subscriptions, so I am very grateful for quality free resources like this, especially given how so much of our world (esp apps on our phones) is designed to prey on our brain’s weaknesses.
My one tiny gripe is that I can’t figure out the progress visualizer/how to add my apps or groups to it so if that could be made more intuitive/clear I would update to five stars!!
ALSO if you’re into folk check out the developer’s band, Tourist Club, linked on ScreenZenScreenTimeControl under ‘more’!! Good stuff :))

by Whale_pp

I’ll update this in a week to let you know how it went:

I forgot about this, it’s definitely been more than a week haha. I love ScreenZenScreenTimeControl, my screen time has gone down so so much while still letting me use the apps in moderation. I can’t use the Apple screen limit thing because I’ll just click “ignore for today” and it’s done nothing. Also if I’m watching a video, it’ll mess it up but not ScreenZen, it will pause it for me so I can play it again when the timer is up, easy as that. The only complaint I would have is that it also blocks notifications, I’ve missed being tagged in instagram stories, being sent TikToks, getting messages on Facebook. I understand it is part of keeping you off the distracting app but I want to see if someone sent me something. Overall though, a great app that has helped my time management and mental health so much 👍

by Schoolreunion

Love ScreenZenScreenTimeControl! I have a very specific way of interpreting my phone use and ScreenZenScreenTimeControl allows me to track and block accordingly. I am specifically trying to track my behavior on apps that waste my time and attention, so I don’t consider the “messages” app to be part of my problem. I can subtract “messages” from my screen time total, meaning that my screen time calculation is much more accurate to what I want to know — as opposed to the iPhone screentime tracker, which just tracks everything with no filters.

There are some mild bugs to ScreenZenScreenTimeControl which is why I gave four stars instead of five. The password lock feature uses both 0 and O characters which I find frustrating and sometimes requires me to quit and reopen the ScreenZen app to work, but it’s quick and consistently works to fix the problem so it doesn’t bother me so much. Occasionally there will be a day where it just doesn’t block at all but usually I find that when it resets at midnight, it’s all back to normal. Just normal bugs for a young app, and nothing incredibly frustrating or dire.

Overall, I love how specific ScreenZenScreenTimeControl lets you get in tracking and blocking apps, much more so than the capabilities the iPhone gives you. It has changed my behavior for the better and I definitely recommend!

by Kayelare

I figured this would just be like any other basic screen time restriction gimmick, where ultimately it would be easy to bypass just like the terrible one Apple designed. I definitely did not expect it to be as effective as it has been. The settings, timers, and all of the ways it blocks the loopholes that you'd normally have with Apple Screentime is impressive. My phone usage screentime was averaging 10 hours a day consistently. Ever since setting up ScreenZenScreenTimeControl my average is now about 4 hours which is freaking amazing. My only gripe so far is that the bypass feature (where it allows you to bypass for a few minutes) does not seem to work in Safari. Which isn't a huge problem, but every once in a blue moon there's a site that I actually want to visit for a specific task but the bypass feature doesn't actually work when I press "unlock." Again, not the worst problem. It's better to have a slightly too-limiting screen app than to have one that is virtually useless due to its ease of bypassing (cough cough Apple).

by Amy Nystrom

I love the idea of ScreenZenScreenTimeControl, and it seems to work for others. But for me there seems to be a bug where when I click unlock, it does not unlock. Then if i click unlock again, it kicks me out of ScreenZenScreenTimeControl I was trying to access. After this, if i try to open that app again, I get the full “App restricted” screen as if i have used all my unlocks. Also, clicking “Reset” in ScreenZenScreenTimeControl doesn’t change this at all, ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is still fully restricted. Would love to see this bug fixed, because for me it makes ScreenZenScreenTimeControl totally unusable.

Update: the regular way still doesn’t work, but blocking using the shortcuts method does. Thank you for the response

by Xts1145

I have liked ScreenZenScreenTimeControl before the latest update. It worked for me. The update seems like a value addition with strict blocking mode and so on.. But it seems a little buggy.
1.I have set a daily limit of 7 for a few apps. And enabled strict blocking. But it just blocks the apps and does allow to open even once.
2. Every time I open screen zen it starts with the set up screen which is annoying.
3. Lastly, it would be nice to have a count down timer when we open apps instead of just saying that it will open in x seconds.

by Al 👍🏼

I love ScreenZenScreenTimeControl. I appreciate how the block message forces you to consciously assess why you are opening ScreenZenScreenTimeControl and make the best decision. It’s really helped me to be more intentional about my time instead of wasting it out of habit. I would like an option to still be able to receive notifications through blocked apps. For Instagram especially as my classmates often contact me initially through ScreenZenScreenTimeControl for group projects and the like, and I’m unable to see these messages until my unrestricted time. Thank you!

by Jazzafan:D

UODATE: y’all on the team are doing great with your updates, especially when working around the buggy Apple Screentime stuff. I LOVE LOVE the Shortcuts workaround - I have it set for Safari and I get to take a breathing meditation every time I open it. The website blocking issues with Safari seem to have been decently patched, which I love you guys for. I love that you have a cool down on the ScreenZen settings, otherwise I would be all up in there every time my desire overrides
reason!

Thank you for being free. The best part is that it’s more hassle to go and delete ScreenZenScreenTimeControl or whatever than it is to just sit with myself for a few moments. works better than an unbreakable lock other apps charge for. y’all are awesome.

old review: the issue: unlocks don’t work on safari. they just stay locked. after the recent update, it doesn’t even show the screenzen screen; it shows the apple screen time messages saying “this is restricted”. doesn’t work at all in any other browsers. otherwise, best free app for screen time limits on iOS. keep it up guys

by Iandrade20

Unlike many of the other apps that offer the same blocking options, ScreenZen gives that and more at no monthly subscription. The philosophy that ScreenZenScreenTimeControl uses, which is creating a delay before you open ScreenZenScreenTimeControl , is a great way to get you to ask “why?” before you indulge your app-opening habits. ScreenZen also has a great blocking system when you reach the end of your opening goals, which prevents you from breaking your goals the same way you could with the “ignore limit” and “15 minutes more” options in screen time. I’ve been locking my settings page on ScreenZen to stop myself from impulsively changing my settings, and I’ve found that I have been truly sticking to my time goals for my phone and iPad. Really, ScreenZenScreenTimeControl gives way more than other app blocking apps and doesn’t lock important features, like unoverrideable blocks and scheduling your blocks, behind a paywall. If I could donate to this developer, I would.

by Lauren A. Slate

I have been using ScreenZen for about 3 months now after I asked a friend of mine why they had stopped using instagram so much. They then showed me ScreenZenScreenTimeControl in action which made them wait 10 seconds to open ScreenZenScreenTimeControl for about 2 minutes. At first I thought that the whole thing was stupid and was probably super easy to get around. But after a while I realized how bad my doomscrolling was after spending 16 hours on instagram while in a depressive slump, it was during this time I saw Drew Goodens video of him trying some internet detox thing and he had recommended ScreenZenScreenTimeControl.

So I finally caved and downloaded ScreenZenScreenTimeControl and I can say with full confidence I should have done this sooner. It’s a really solid app, it’s got a small learning curve but it’s worth it.

ScreenZenScreenTimeControl has taken me from 20+ hours on instagram a week to less than 90 minutes on instagram a week! Somedays I don’t even open ScreenZenScreenTimeControl !

It’s just a really good app, no bells and whistles, lots of different options for different types of people. It has so many features to stop you from messing around with the settings to get around the block from parental passcodes to a wait period to access the settings.

I can’t recommend this enough, Ive recommended this everyone I know. It’s positively impacted me in so many aspects of my life from my grades to my social life.

I can’t say enough good things about ScreenZenScreenTimeControl! Just try it out and see for yourself.

by Jamnchz

If you’re addicted to your phone and it’s sucking the happiness out of you I promise you need ScreenZenScreenTimeControl IMMEDIATELY. Literally SO GOOD AND EFFECTIVE!!!!! I wanted to cut down on screen time and my app addiction (im looking at you tiktok) and this has helped so much and the results were literally INSTANT. Something about the psychology of having a limited number of opens makes me want to cherish them and never open ScreenZenScreenTimeControl ever unless its dire, so day 1 my screen time was cut legit in half.

ScreenZenScreenTimeControl also tops every other one it’s category. Besides the fact that there’s NO ADS OR PAYWALL it has more features than the others I’ve tried, such as restricting access only during certain time periods (for me bed time) which makes it so much less tempting to rage delete when I just want to open an app to find a picture or show someone a video in the middle of the day. It also has an immensely better UI and the way that it doesn’t require setting up a shortcut and awkwardly jumping between apps on your screen to run the popup is just 😙🤌 chefs kiss. AND screen time is integrated for the apps you choose to limit so you can actively SEE your progress is so neat!

long story short, perfect, effective app that everyone needs

by Strawberryoats4ever

You do NOT have to pay for any features on ScreenZenScreenTimeControl, unlike many others. Though, if developers read this, I'd like to say that I'd be willing to pay for ScreenZenScreenTimeControl if it was a one time fee of $5 or less (like the Forest app which I also recommend - yes I use both because I have bad ADD and also it's cute so can you blame me?) I tried Iphone's screentime feature, but I kept clicking it away without even thinking and it started to annoy me because i saw it just as a roadblock to my apps. With ScreenZen, it doesn't feel annoying because it makes you think. I feel like these apps get you addicted so quickly and ScreenZen gives you the opportunity to look past that and actually make the choice for yourself. I love that it gives you a second to pause because more than half the time, I don't actually even realize I'm clicking ScreenZenScreenTimeControl until I do (yes my addiction is that bad). Now I can actually be intentional about the time I spend on my social media & how much of my life I give to it. I still use social media, but I only use it when I have a purpose in going to it (or I REALLY don't have anything else to do). I recommend ScreenZenScreenTimeControl to everyone who is looking to spend less time on their phone / social media. Plus, so many cool customizing options (also free)!!

by Krista000421

Pros: ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is exactly what I was looking for because I spend way too much time checking and rechecking social media and before I know it nothing in my house is getting done.

It allows you to select each individual app you want to put a timer and message on the screen requiring you to really think, “ should I be doing something more productive” that’s what I have mine say. You can select the amount of time it makes you wait for it to unlock. And has a counter to show you how many times you’ve pressed unlock that day.

It’s definitely helped me.

Cons: There is one small glitch that needs to be fixed, that doesn’t work properly. The pause button under settings that says it lets you pause for 60 minutes, doesn’t pause for 60 minutes. It turns it off for the rest of the day allowing you to use your phone as normal. This doesn’t help. I have turned it off while I take a lunch break and after the 60 it just stays off and I get sucked back into sitting down on my phone. Just that bug needs to get fixed and maybe make it have a pause for 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes since most people have lunch breaks for 30 to 60 minutes and gives them the ability to set it for how long their break is.

by Julia McNeill

This is perfect for my use, which is dealing with a moderate phone addiction while still needing to use social media for photography purposes. I’ve tried various blockers in the past, but they tend to be either too lenient (letting you bypass too quickly and easily) or too strict (blocking apps completely with no bypass option). I’ve also tried ditching my smart phone completely, but that does disconnect me from social networks that I do want to be a part of.

With ScreenZen, I can set a prompt like “Is this for business?” on relevant apps, and it’s been shocking to me the number of times I’ve mindlessly opened an app and been given the prompt without even realizing that I was just seeking a dopamine hit. Having a specific time delay, up to 30 seconds, before being able to access an app is also brilliant, as it prevents me from bypassing the prompt without truly being confronted with the consequences of my actions.

Great app!

by &:@39

Between being unable to work due to a disability, the accompanying depression, and my already ADHD brain. Let me tell you the doom scrolling was taking over my life. ScreenZen brought my social media usage down from 4 + hours a day, to 30 minutes a day!! Even though my limit is an hour a day. Having it cut me off after 15 minutes and waiting 30 seconds to open has got me out of the addiction-like mindset of social media. I’m recommending it to everyone, can’t say enough about it. I looked for hours for a app time limiter that would work for me. I could not fined one! My daily schedule varies greatly between doctor apts and physical therapy and such, so a “block from 9-5” wouldn’t work for me. All the other apps that had an actual minute limit would just remind you to get off, but I would just ignore the reminder . ScreenZen is the only app I found that could put a hard per day time limit. And it’s exactly what I needed.

by SarahDrob

I cannot recommend ScreenZenScreenTimeControl highly enough. It is so much more effective than other apps or just adjusting your phone’s settings to try and limit your screen time. You can schedule your app limits ahead of time, and once your limit is set, you only have a certain number of times you can unlock ScreenZenScreenTimeControl before it’s blocked from usage. Since you only have a certain number of unlocks, you’re forced to consider if you truly want to use an app instead of just mindlessly staring at your phone.

And if you’re tempted to go in and remove limits, it breaks your “streak”, which I think is a fun little way to motivate yourself not to mess with your app limits. You can also make yourself play a game or wait a few seconds before being able to unlock an app.

And it’s free. No ads, no in-app purchases. I seriously cannot rate ScreenZenScreenTimeControl highly enough. 10/10!!

by Goooodoododdidododoodododod

Its a super good app and is great at what it does with no lag. I tried one sec and it was much more expensive and was incredibly tedious to set up, and most of the work done isnt even in ScreenZenScreenTimeControl itself. Im very grateful for all that ScreenZenScreenTimeControl offers. I think something I’d love to have from ScreenZenScreenTimeControl though would be a quiz pause alternative where you can maybe upload a text or csv file with notes and flashcard information. It’d be great to force myself to answer and review what i need to study and remind myself to study in order to be allowed to use whatever app I want. For example, I’m learning Korean, so it’d be nice if I could upload the vocab list I’m learning and force myself to review 10 vocab words correctly before unlocking ScreenZenScreenTimeControl . Also, one thing I’d also like is if the cooldown was longer. 2 hours is a long time, but some apps I’d like to force myself to get away from for even longer, like 6, 10, or 12 hours. It’d motivate me to wake up earlier and fit more hours into my day so I could use ScreenZenScreenTimeControl 2 times a day, and also would help me get into the zone of other things since I wouldnt be able to touch my gaming app for half the day anyways.

Also, the developers band is nice!! Give it a listen lol.

by Tkokayde

I love ScreenZenScreenTimeControl! I have been using it for months now, and it has made a huge difference in how much time I spend on my phone (especially social media). My favorite feature is the checklist of activities you would rather be using your time for, I have ADD and it’s easy to get zoned out and then later feel crappy because I didn’t focus my energy on the important things I want to prioritize. ScreenZenScreenTimeControl doesn’t let me get lost in my phone and has helped me be so much more productive. Thanks for that!

The only two things I would like to see are 1) the ability to add a specific website to a group rather than the entire access to the browser. Not sure if that’s possible but would help to keep me from doom scrolling while still being able to use the browser for the random needs. 2) to be able to retroactively check a task off the list. Sometimes (because I am not on my phone nearly as much anymore) I will complete one of my checklist items for the day but forget to check it off. Once the clock hits midnight the counters reset and you can only click it once per day. So even though I might do the activity 4/4 times that week, ScreenZenScreenTimeControl will only reflect 3/4. Would be nice to be able to just keep a running tally for that week whenever I get the chance to account for it, rather than having to be sure I check it off before midnight. Otherwise, ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is perfection.

by Mdortega

I’ve been using ScreenZen for a few days now after realizing I’ve had a problem with constantly being on my phone. It’s been perfect for keeping me on track and not spending more time than necessary on my phone.
There are so many features which make it so easy to tailor your experience; it can even make you pause at websites. It doesn’t block your whole phone (unless you want it to) so you can keep using work-related apps like Gmail (or keep you from using them, if you’re trying to get a better work-life balance).
The best part is that it’s completely free. No subscriptions, no ads— the developers are really generous here.
If you struggle with staying off your phone or doomscrolling, I can’t recommend ScreenZenScreenTimeControl enough.

by Wolfiecatgaming

Honestly I can’t think of a better app out there for helping keeping you on track, off your phone, and focused. Not only that it’s free right now, and very accessible. There’s so many features to put it above and beyond what apples screen time does. Not only that it incorporates features that Apple phones already have. I’m not sure if it works on other brands but it’s amazing on Apple. Thank you so much for making ScreenZenScreenTimeControl, it’s helped me a lot with doomscrolling and wasting time to just looking at TikTok or instagram. I especially love the fact that you can tie focus modes to the period of focus, that is extremely helpful. I also love the feature where you can add an additional task you have to do before accessing ScreenZenScreenTimeControl , and the fact that there are limited unlocks. Truly thank you. This has helped me immensely. One thing that could be an additional thing to add would be a way to access your to-do list within ScreenZenScreenTimeControl when it isn’t being used to unlock an app, and an easier way to tie focus modes to the overall focus time, but those are just additional. I love ScreenZenScreenTimeControl and it’s cut down my screen time significantly.

<3

by Maiyeeezy!

ScreenZenScreenTimeControl has already been a tremendous help for me to stay off social media. Social media has been so detrimental to my productivity and mental health. With ScreenZenScreenTimeControl, i can limit how many opens I have and do brain activities or breathing (for ex.) which actually help me think about how it can be helpful before I go on. Having time limits on the use of the apps is amazing as well.

There’s also levels of restriction with ScreenZenScreenTimeControl even to the point where I can block myself from using cortina apps. I’m excited to slow transition to not using social media at all during the week. I believe ScreenZenScreenTimeControl can help me slowly build towards my goals.

Y’all should def check it out for some support with productivity and this 21st century phone addiction.

by ♪iluvmusic♪

These app developers are doing the work of God (Source, Universe, mental health) here. ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is cognitive behavior therapy at its finest and most practical / accessible. I recently decided to spend awhile sober, and in the past 2 1/2 months without regular psychedellic/THC use (or any substance use for that matter), my old phone addictions have been trying to slither back in like a squirmy parasite and steal energy, time, and focus. I didn't push pause on substance use to abuse my phone instead. I'd 111% rather go back to being a stoner than have my eyes glued to this little screen all day.
Thank you Screen Zen for renewing my faith in humanity and my ability to not fall into an endless, neurotic loop of pixellated dissociation every time I have a day off. If karma is real I'm pretty sure you've got 10,000 virgins awaiting you, or something like that. Now, away with me, I must go. I'm off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of NOT STARING AT THIS SCREEN. Thank you Screen Zen for kicking a**.

by Holden1

I’m 27 and grew up with smartphones since middle school. Over the years, my screen time has steadily crept up to the point that I know it’s reducing my enjoyment of my life. There is so much there to experience out in the real world instead of on a small screen. ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is one of the few tools that has actually helped me break digital addiction habits. Apple’s Screen Time is too easy to disable. Other apps that I won’t call out by name were easy for me to get around as well. ScreenZenScreenTimeControl, on the other hand, puts in a long enough delay as well as an opportunity to write about why I want to use an app for me to realize most times that I was going out of habit, not because it’s what I consciously wanted to do with my time. Give it a try. You’ll notice you don’t have to delete/quit social media cold turkey but instead will just use it less and less as your phone becomes more of a nuisance than an attention magnet. You won’t regret it.

by 2648492629

I have been on the hunt for an app blocking / limiting app that’s as customizable as this. I finally found it, and it’s FREE! If you want to full on block certain apps during certain times you can. If you want to give yourself access to apps in 5 minute spurts you can. You can make it as strict or not strict as you want, and you can set a passcode if you want to use it for your kids.

I like this because it doesn’t force a strict pomodoro schedule on you. You can set it up so you can use your limited apps whenever you want but you only get so many times to open them so you can “budget” your opens during the scheduled time. Nice for jobs / studying / chores etc where you want to take a little break here and there without shutting everything down. I’m telling all my friends and family about ScreenZenScreenTimeControl, this is LIFE CHANGING! I believe EVERYONE should use ScreenZenScreenTimeControl, it’s seriously THE BEST!

by A Name That Hasnt Been Taken

Apple’s built-in screen time controls are too easy to get around and don’t do anything to help prevent you from opening apps out of habit. ScreenZenScreenTimeControl lets you set a popup that happens when you open apps that makes you wait a set period of time (I chose 10 seconds) before opening, enough to help you reconsider if you actually want to open ScreenZenScreenTimeControl . 9/10 times I decide that no, I don’t really want to start scrolling social media. Since I started using it, I’ve cut down my screen time on addicting apps by like 60%.

You can also set a soft limit on ScreenZenScreenTimeControl so that after X minutes the popup shows again and makes you wait a few seconds before being able to continue, which helps when I do want to go on social media for a bit but not let it turn into hours and hours of scrolling.

There are a ton of other features there to help you customize exactly what limits you want for yourself and lots of mechanisms to help you stick to those limits. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who struggles with phone addiction. Now I can keep social media on my phone and stay connected with people without wasting hours mindlessly scrolling.

by MaryMa101

Absolutely love ScreenZenScreenTimeControl. The best one on the market out of all screen time limitation services in my opinion / personal experience.

Many kudos for everyone who worked on this! Like I said, great experience with it. Been using it for almost two weeks now.

The following is not to dim my positive review of ScreenZenScreenTimeControl down, just my only ‘negative’ with it, and it’s really a nitpick.

There’s one slight problem I haven’t found a solution for online. It’s not a big deal, it’s just clutter I want to have the option to get rid of.

When you have an app group and your alternative pause setting is set to intentional reason, the intentional reasons are kept track of.
I was able to see reasons from almost 2 weeks ago after first downloading ScreenZenScreenTimeControl.

It became almost like visual clutter to me not to have the option to clear them after a while had passed, so I redownloaded ScreenZenScreenTimeControl and made my 2 app groups again for the sake of having a clean slate.

I’m hoping that can be a future feature. Just being able to clear those past list of intentional reasons you logged if you wanted to.

Thank you so much for all the effort that was put into this, seriously, wonderful app and many options to choose from!
- A happy user

by Le Mint Tea

to be fully honest, i had a PROBLEM. i was spending upwards of 4-5 hours on instagram a day, every day. this number does not include the hours i spent on other apps, like tiktok, etc. i'd find myself scrolling and wasting time when i could've been productive, and it was impossible to stop once i started. i've had ScreenZenScreenTimeControl for a week, and my screen time has already dropped SIGNIFICANTLY. as of today, my screen time average has dropped to around an hour a day, and my time on instagram only about 30 minutes, which is a HUGE change from 5 hours. unlike other apps (which aren't always affordable like ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is), the interface is super easy to use and is designed to stop you from wanting to ignore the block. i appreciate how it makes you stop and think before you use ScreenZenScreenTimeControl - this feature is very customizable and helpful. overall, i'd recommend ScreenZenScreenTimeControl to anyone like me, or anyone who just wants to find a reason to do something better than scroll. you won't regret it.

by RileyMG

This is the best screen time app I have come across. I love that it’s free. I gave a $5 tip when I downloaded it to help it stay free but it is not necessary to give any money. All the features are free to use and there are a ton. TikTok has been sucking all my free time and making me feel worse, so with ScreenZenScreenTimeControl I can only open it 7 times a day for up to 15 minutes, have to wait 10 seconds before unlocking it to think about why I’m opening it, and type my reason out. There are many more things you can do including solving a math problem before you can open each app like Alarmy can do to wake you up. It’s worth trying simply because it’s free to use. I understand paying developers is difficult with a free app so I hope they are able to keep it free. If you are able to give a tip like I did I would recommend it, but if you are in a tough place financially do not feel pressured!

by Zaphlox

I just started using ScreenZenScreenTimeControl and it’s already been very useful to me. I really like the pause feature and the kinds of activities that you can pick from to open ScreenZenScreenTimeControl to help you with your goals.

I set it up so that my social media app I used most requires me to do a short breathing exercise every 45 minutes, as someone with pretty bad anxiety I think this is very helpful to helping me with controlling it even when I’m not entirely aware of it. I also made it ask me if it’s a good time to use an entertainment app and show me a To Do list so that I don’t forget about things I need to do. I could see how some of the other things like that would be useful, there’s a good variety and you can really customize things to fit your exact needs.

I think if I could change something it’s that you have to exit out of ScreenZenScreenTimeControl you want to use in order to do one of these activities and then go back to ScreenZenScreenTimeControl , I feel like there’s gotta be a way to make it happen more automatically, but it’s also not that difficult to work with.

by Mmalaria

I saw screenzen in a drew gooden video and downloaded it to try, and planned on deleting it if it didn’t work. I’ve tried setting screen time limits in my phone and within apps that have a setting for reminders and stuff, and nothing worked. I have adhd and get really easily pulled into doomscrolling on apps like tiktok. I’ve had screenzen for a couple of weeks and it’s worked so far!! The way it keeps track of your streak of following time limits was really helpful for me. I’m actually thinking before I mindlessly open apps and I’m letting myself be bored, even if only for a few seconds. I’m reading a lot more and I’m consciously thinking about the time I’m spending. I still use up a few of my opens to turn off my brain and scroll, but I’m getting better. I like that I can adjust the limits if they’re not working, like I set a limit for reddit but realized I open ScreenZenScreenTimeControl a lot more for just quick checks, like looking something up and clicking on a link to a reddit post.

The screens popping up whenever I wanted to open an app and the pause before it opens it annoyed me just enough that I started to avoid opening the apps unless I was consciously taking a break and scrolling. So it’s working for me which is great! It’s free as of when I’m writing this (Oct 2024) which is awesome as well.

by Manduoajo

I don’t usually write app reviews, but I was recently diagnosed with ADHD-PI at the age of 24. My phone usage has wreaked havoc on my life for so long. Many other screen time apps were ineffective or had great features behind a paywall. ScreenZenScreenTimeControl has already reduced my screen time usage by 60%. My brain feels so much clearer now. I use my phone much more intent as well. And the customizability of ScreenZenScreenTimeControl allows you to customize it to your needs. One of my personal favorite features is having the breathing exercises before I open a blocked app. I feel more grounded than I’ve ever been in years Beyond grateful. ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is clearly made by someone who knows the struggle of phone addiction. I hope many blessings come your way.

by Hlk33

Listen. In ONE DAY ScreenZenScreenTimeControl has changed my life. Seriously, ONE. DAY. It is easy to use, very straightforward and uncomplicated, yet feature rich.

I really like being able to fine tune the time limits on various apps. I love that I can choose how long I allow myself to spend on those apps. News? 10 minutes. Doom scrolling TikTok or Instagram? 5 minutes. NYT games? 15 minutes, twice a day. I can choose which apps might enrich my mind / day and allow them, while shortening the time spent on ones that don’t. This is way, way better than Apple’s default screen time controls.

I have ADHD so something like this is necessary for me. I went from somewhere like 6 hours of screen time (embarrassing, despite being a productive person) to 2 hours and I feel like I got my life back. Even if you don’t suffer from it, ScreenZenScreenTimeControl asking you to just PAUSE and think about what you’re doing before mindlessly using your phone is so valuable. I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t benefit.

I wanted to thank this developer personally, and writing this glowing review is the best way I can think of. Thank you!

by Funny Panda 😜

As a teen I’m realizing how addictive an app can be and how I can just subconsciously tap on a app and never leave. I was looking for a self blocker to brake this annoying system of going to bed too late then waking up late. Ofc there were so many apps out there trying to go for the same purpose but ScreenZenScreenTimeControl really helped me out. I also love that you can have a choice to reopen ScreenZenScreenTimeControl when it sends the “are you sure you want to continue” memo.

Can everyone give them a round of applause for the simple and practical use of this. they don’t shove advertisement in your face! There’s vary few apps who don’t send spontaneously ads. Here

few ideas:
-is it possible to add more labels such as how you added “Pinterest”, “safari” eta. I understand there’s a lot of apps out there but maybe is it possible to add simple categories such as “games” or you can create your own label for ScreenZenScreenTimeControl ?
- a reward system; where you reached a certain amount of times you didn’t open ScreenZenScreenTimeControl . Such as confetti all over homepage of “ScreenZen”. These are just a few ideas, thank you for this fantastic app.

by Tigerjumper

It’s a free app that has all the base features you would want to help get you the time, presence, and awareness you would want back into your day. It’s also cool to see the developers working with anyone who has a bug in their app to then go fix it and leaves a comment. Might be good to have a report issue section of app as well (and maybe they already do an I just haven’t found it).

Other features that would be cool.
1. Partnerships with Headspace or Calm or some other mindfulness platform to integrate different techniques into the “Pause and reflect screens” (would help them add an income method if people then signed up for an account with the apps).
2. The ability to choose multiple messages and then have ScreenZenScreenTimeControl automatically rotate through them if there are a couple different reminders / messages you would want to show instead of the same one every time.
3. Some sort of journaling integration to allow someone to get what’s on their mind that’s causing them to click into apps, am opportunity to slow down and process those thoughts.

by Milocat12

I never write reviews but ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is so good that I thought I’d finally write one. I first tried the screen time built in on the iPhone but I would just over ride it. However ScreenZenScreenTimeControl, and it’s use of a certain number of opens, has really worked on me. I’m using my apps I was addicted to (mostly social media) significantly less and it’s so nice. Plus I’ve seen lots of updates being added recently, including a streaks feature to show how many days you can go without surpassing your open number, which also helps motivate me. Also I do really love that it’s completely free and no ads. I highly recommend ScreenZenScreenTimeControl and I think it should for anyone else out there!

by Sofi5729

ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is great there’s no in-app purchases that restrict a bunch of features and it’s super easy to set up. My ADHD has made me addicted to my phone, but ScreenZenScreenTimeControl doesn’t just ban them for hours it allows me to set up a certain number and time of when I’m allowed to open and scroll. While giving me a reminder and letting me catch myself by asking “is it important?”. I’ve already seen a improvement in curbing my phone usage and urges to pick up my phone. It’s the second day and I didn’t spend a whole morning in bed. Instead I’m actually making progress on a book I’ve been meaning to read.

I really recommended ScreenZenScreenTimeControl!

by Extraterrestrialborg

If you’re looking to use your phone less DOWNLOAD ScreenZenScreenTimeControl. I have ADHD and a serious problem with overusing my phone. I check my phone so much that it’s gotten in the way of my real life relationships. ScreenZenScreenTimeControl not only helped me stay away from my #1 time sink, Instagram, but it also gave some really solid tips on how to make my phone less addictive so I’m not unconsciously reaching for it every 2 seconds. It’s the best app I’ve downloaded for help restricting my phone usage because it actually works.

I really love the simple interface and the fact that there are no ads or distracting animations. Just a clean UI and an app that actually works.

by Kami-1023

I absolutely love ScreenZenScreenTimeControl, as someone with adhd I get very easily sucked into spending 2+ hours on TikTok, unlike apples screen time feature I can’t just use the entire allotted time in one go without being interrupted. ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is one of the few focus/mental health apps that isn’t trying to get money out of you and I really appreciate that, however the one feature I would love to see is a ‘one more minute’ option or a notification that you have one more minute left so I’m not interrupted in the middle of a video and have to use another unlock to finish watching it :/

by Xgirl135

I really want to like ScreenZenScreenTimeControl but there’s a glitch happening when I choose to “unblock” an app- instead of opening ScreenZenScreenTimeControl for my time limit it permanently locks me out of it! The only way I’ve been able to undo the locking is turning off ScreenZenScreenTimeControl all together which defeats the purpose! I’ve tried every combination of settings to fix this but nothing works :-( really a shame because the idea is so great and I love everything else about ScreenZenScreenTimeControl , but the bug makes ScreenZenScreenTimeControl unusable. EDIT: turns out i could fix it. Awesome app. Sorry for being a hater and a quitter earlier. Cool band btw

by Henry LA.

I started using ScreenZenScreenTimeControl about a year ago and it’s totally changed my social media habits. I love the feature where it blocks you after a certain number of opens. I’ve tried other apps with the same idea and this one is by FAR the best!! I have adhd and find it difficult to stay focused on tasks without getting distracted. ScreenZenScreenTimeControl has been one of the few things I’ve tried to stay focused and it has made a huge difference. Simple, effective, and I love that there are so many settings to personalize what’s going to be most effective for you. Fully recommend!!

by MooMeMiMaMu

ScreenZenScreenTimeControl has helped me so much with my addiction to my phone. It’s really helped me manage my time and not stay up super late distracted. And it’s a super customizable experience. I’m still able to use my phone as a phone while limiting my times on specific apps that I can select. I’m so glad ScreenZenScreenTimeControl exists, and I highly recommend it.

I did have an issue where it wouldn’t let me use an app at all when I should have been able to. The only way I was able to fix it was to delete ScreenZen, redownload it, and get everything set up again.

by Peculiarcube

I’ve tried several types of apps similar, even paid for some. What’s different about ScreenZen is that it doesn’t try to make you feel bad for wanting to still use your device while being mindful of time spent on it/on certain apps on it. Instead of bypassing the built-in screen time limits on my phone without thinking twice, ScreenZenScreenTimeControl allows you to pick the odds that asking to unlock an app will actually do so. The developers have done a tremendous job of combining mindfulness with screen time control measures.

by Quimtor

I love ScreenZenScreenTimeControl. I feel it works much better than screen time or a lot of alternatives out there. I would rate it 5/5 but it often stops working and has to be deleted and reinstalled to get it to work again. Doing so deletes the configurations so you have to set it up again. It is a fairly easy set up but it is enough to be a pain. I would say still try it out, maybe you won’t run into the troubles. Great app, hope it gets fixed.

by Susu939

This was the *only* app that fit what I was looking for. I don’t care about tracking how much time I spend on apps – I know it’s too much. I wanted something that stops me from staying on a particular app (tiktok), while also letting me spend *a little* time on it. ScreenZenScreenTimeControl does that and more. It makes me decide whether I really want to open that app. If I do open it, it tells me when I’ve hit a preset time limit. And it does this without tracking my GPS or using a bunch of battery. And it’s free. It’s a very clever app. There no reason not to get it.

by (Grizzly)

All I needed was a second to pause and breathe before I decided to go back and doom scroll or whatever. ScreenZenScreenTimeControl gives me that. If possible, I’d love to have a feature that lets me connect it to a todo or customize a message suggesting a different activity. Like when I open safari it suggests I go read my kindle, or brings up something I set as a to do for the week. Regardless, I think this simple app is perfect. No bells and whistles to make it yet another distraction, it even makes you wait a while before you get into the settings.

by Irbe62

I’m so happy I found ScreenZenScreenTimeControl it has already prevented me from going down a rabbit hole multiple times. Will update this if it continues to be useful longer term!

It is much more effective for me than the built in apple screen time feature because of the adjustable wait period, which allows me to be much more mindful of my use before continuing. I like that ScreenZenScreenTimeControl doesn’t seem to track app usage in the same way as other apps so it feels more controlled data-wise and is highly specific to apps that are relevant.

I love the feature that forces a longer wait time the more times ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is opened.

I do wish I had the ability to block specific websites on safari (I tried to figure this out using if statements in shortcuts, and it seems like this is functionality apple doesn’t allow), but honestly I think it’s been better for me in the long run blocking the whole app with the option to override.

by Sparklelime123

I downloaded TikTok in 2020 while stuck at home and as many know, it’s notoriously addictive. I tried screentime limits and other apps but could not stop mindlessly opening ScreenZenScreenTimeControl and scrolling. The forced pause mechanism in Screen Zen is genius. I didn’t think anything would work for my addiction, but it did. The best part is that I didn’t have to quit altogether. I still use it occasionally for a break, but it’s more deliberate and mindful, and the constant need to just open it without thinking is GONE. Get ScreenZenScreenTimeControl.

by Whydishappentome

Love the new screen time linked feature. Great app, but I liked when it took __ seconds to unlock the “unlock” button. Now, the “unlock” button is immediately available and it takes __ seconds to open ScreenZenScreenTimeControl . I feel like the old version allowed me to think for a while before continuing, but the new version allows me to automatically press the “unlock” button. I hope this makes sense, thanks!

by Content Miraculous Fan

I used to go on tiktok and instagram way too much, even if there was no notification I got way too into the habit I would check anyway and waste time on it. With this it makes it more annoying to use ScreenZenScreenTimeControl (you can set a time you have to wait before you can use ScreenZenScreenTimeControl , I just put 30 seconds), successfully driving me away from using instagram and tiktok too much. I go on tiktok like once every two weeks now, and instagram I still check twice daily but compared to checking it about 30 times a day before I got ScreenZenScreenTimeControl , it's helped out a lot.

by Sydnie12345

So I’m not the type of person who can use really any social media in a healthy way. I’d had only Snapchat for a couple years, and can’t delete my account because it has nearly a decade of memories saved on it. Way too much to save to the cloud. I tried a few app blocking apps, but Screen Zen is by the best. If you block an app, you have to go through several steps to unblock it, and even then it’ll prompt you on the screen when you’ve been on it for a while. No more doom scrolling on pointless videos that turn my mind to mush. No more hating myself because I’ve spent hours and hours on my phone with nothing to show for it. I don’t even think about it anymore, it breaks the mindlessness of it all! Thank you Screen Zen ❤️

by Emmzwolf

This is the only app that has actually worked for me to reduce my screen time on social media. I was trying out Freedom for awhile, but ScreenZen is wayyy better because of the amount of unlocks a day + the amount of time you can put on an app. I also love putting custom messages for myself to actually help me stop and think, since it’s so easy to just start scrolling on your phone without even thinking and without purpose. I hope the developer has plans to expand to MacOs. I still use Freedom on my Mac, so if that happens it would be a no brainer for me to completely switch. Heck I’d even be willing to pay a one time fee. Still amazes me ScreenZenScreenTimeControl is free. Thank you so much!