# Boot Up Focus — Boot up before you doomscroll

> App launch delay to reduce impulsive smartphone usage. (iPhone/iPad app by Eli Guzzone.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boot-up-focus/id6768882536 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Eli Guzzone](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896612963)
- Category: Utilities, Productivity
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 26.0 · 10 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-05-23
- Data updated: 2026-07-26
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boot-up-focus/id6768882536/reviews.md

## What is Boot Up Focus?

Make your distracting apps boot up like heavy video games, so you don't accidentally start scrolling whenever you have a second to spare.

When you tap TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, or any app you choose, Boot Up intercepts the launch and runs a boot sequence. A loading bar. Compile messages. A few seconds of nothing. Break the habit of opening addictive apps instantly. 

How it works:

- Reaching for TikTok at breakfast
You unlock your phone and tap the icon out of habit. Instead of an endless scroll, you get a 30 second Boot Up screen. What might've turned into an 15 minute accidental doomscroll is now a conscious decision to boot up your app.

- Doomscrolling in bed
You open Reddit at 11pm "just to check." Reddit starts booting up. You decide you are too tired before it finishes booting up. You lock the phone and go to sleep.

- Actual break time
You actually have a moment to scroll. You wait for Instagram to boot up and start your scroll. After 10 minutes your grace period is reached and Boot Up shuts down Instagram.

You are always in control:

- Pick exactly which apps to lock
- Set the boot duration from 5 seconds to 5 minutes
- Set the grace period, how long the app stays open after unlocking
- Optional boot time and grace period per app

What Boot Up is not:

- Not a subscription. It is free, forever. No premium tier, no trial.
- Not a tracker. Zero analytics. No network requests. Your app choices never leave your phone.
- Not a guilt machine. No streaks. No shame. No motivational quotes. Just friction.
- Not closed source. Source code is on GitHub.

Instead of relying on willpower every time you pick up your phone, add a few seconds of friction so distraction becomes the harder choice.

Set it up once. Tap the icon. Wait through the boot. Feel better about your scroll.

github.com/eliguzz/BootUp

## Key features

- App launch delay sequence
- Customizable boot duration
- Configurable grace periods
- Selectable app locking
- No analytics or network requests
- Open-source code available

## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boot-up-focus/id6768882536/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Doom scroll issues

*2026-05-23*

Every morning I would wake up 2pm sharp in the afternoon and doom scroll until 6pm, then I would finally get up and start my day with a big bowl of sweet savory Cap’n Crunch cereal! Then I would continue to doom scroll until 3am with a 2 liter full sugar coke next to me so I can sip on it while scrolling. Once it hits 3am I finally settle down for the night and get tucked in to doom scroll again, but this time not on TikTok but on Instagram reel, ahh my favorite! I’ve had this problem until I found this insane app called “Boot Up Focus” by Eli Guzzone! This app has genuinely saved my life I finally have a job, I found a girlfriend, I go to the gym everyday now, my body is 10x better than it was. I suggest everyone downloads this app it has genuinely turned my life around for the better. Thank you Eli Guzzone, for saving me. 🥹

## Frequently asked questions about Boot Up Focus

### How does Boot Up Focus work?

Boot Up Focus intercepts the launch of selected distracting apps. Instead of opening instantly, they go through a customizable boot-up sequence, adding friction to discourage impulsive use.

### Can I choose which apps Boot Up Focus affects?

Yes, you can pick exactly which apps you want to apply the boot-up sequence to. This allows for personalized control over your digital habits.

### What is the boot duration and grace period in Boot Up Focus?

The boot duration is the time the sequence runs, from 5 seconds to 5 minutes. The grace period is how long the app stays open after unlocking, which can also be set per app.

### Does Boot Up Focus track my app usage?

No, Boot Up Focus does not track your app usage. It has zero analytics and no network requests, ensuring your app choices stay private on your device.

### Is Boot Up Focus a subscription app?

No, Boot Up Focus is completely free and not a subscription. There is no premium tier or trial period; it is free forever.

### Does Boot Up Focus have ads?

No, Boot Up Focus does not contain advertisements. It is designed to be a distraction-free tool for improving focus.

### What devices does Boot Up Focus support?

Boot Up Focus is currently supported on iPhone devices.

### How often is Boot Up Focus updated?

The latest version, 1.4, was released on July 17, 2026, indicating recent development and updates.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.4 — 2026-07-17

Thank you to all the new users! Nothing too new in this version.
- Changed app icon bc I didnt really like the old one
- Fix version number to be consistent with what is on the loading screen
- removed herobrine

Let me know if you notice any issues!

### 1.0 — 2026-05-23

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-26.*
