# breakfree: screen time control — Block Apps, Keep Messages

> Control phone usage, block distractions, and stay connected without endless scrolling. (iPhone/iPad app by Roshan Kattil.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/breakfree-screen-time-control/id6755940453 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Roshan Kattil](https://appshunter.io/developer/1857487869)
- Category: Productivity, Social Networking
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 114 App Store ratings · 37 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 18.5 · 153 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-01-02
- Data updated: 2026-08-19
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/breakfree-screen-time-control/id6755940453/reviews.md

## What is breakfree?

In today’s world, our relationships live on our phones. Messages, plans, and moments of connection all happen inside apps built to keep us scrolling.

To stay connected, we’re forced to fight algorithms designed to steal our attention.

BreakFree exists to change that.

Block the noise.
Remove distracting feeds and short-form content when you need to focus. Start a session instantly or schedule focus time ahead.

Keep the connection.
Access your messages in a clean, feed-free interface. Stay reachable through social media without getting pulled back into endless scrolling.

Build momentum.
Every focused session turns into streaks, momentum, and time saved. Progress you can see adds up faster than you think.

Lock in together.
Focus with friends, stay accountable, and create an environment that pushes everyone forward.

Friendly competition. Shared wins.
Turn focus into something social through group sessions and leaderboards.

Focus Pet
A small companion that grows with your consistency, because good habits feel better when they’re visible.

BreakFree helps you stay present with the people that matter, without being consumed by the feed.

Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Privacy Policy: https://breakfree.app/privacy

## Key features

- Block distracting apps and feeds
- Access messages in a feed-free interface
- Schedule focus sessions
- Track focus streaks and progress
- Group focus sessions with friends
- Focus Pet companion for habit building

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ad Free | $37.99 | per year |
| Breakfree Premium Monthly | $7.99 | per month |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 37)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/breakfree-screen-time-control/id6755940453/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Very good and cheap

*2026-07-10*

I use the free services offered on the app. They help so I can keep in contact with close friends all while avoiding the media content effectively!!!

### 3/5 — Does the job, could be much better

*2026-07-08*

I really love the concept of this app, I deleted instagram off my phone and only use this now.

But the app is really slow sometimes, number of unread messages is often inaccurate, and videos have no sound when i download them. ux could be much better

### 2/5 — Good concept

*2026-06-23*

I really like the apps concept but when I connected Instagram it gives me the messages 1-2 minutes after they’re sent on both apps. It’s very frustrating and I tried to disconnect Instagram so my messages would show up sooner and there was no change, I hope it isn’t like this indefinitely becouse it makes it difficult to hold conversations.

### 3/5 — its good but one big issue

*2026-06-22, version 2.13*

good app for keeping me off social media
but the ui is too big for my screen so i cant use the chat feature when my apps r blcoked

### 5/5 — Access to messages but still like screen time on steroids

*2026-06-15*

I justified not deleting instagram bc I still needed to see my messages and this solved my main problem. I hate ads so this actually made it unbearable for me to try and use the apps I banned for myself. I got so much time back to watch shows and take care of myself whereas previously I made excuses and would be “too tired” so I would scroll forever instead of doing LITERALLY anything else. At least now I can be productive while on my phone again.

**Developer response:** So so glad this work out for you! your review made our day :-)

### 5/5 — best app ever

*2026-05-27*

i’ve been looking for an app to  help me get off instagram and this is the only one that works. the message feature is so great and i love that you have to watch ads if you want to use instagram because it really deters me from doing so. i did initially have an issue signing up i had to try like 4 times but once i signed up… BEST DECISION EVER

**Developer response:** Music to our ears, please let us know more about the bug either through our ig or hi@breakfree.you! We'd love to use the feedback to improve our app.

cheers!
breakfree team

### 4/5 — Great concept , has some flaws

*2026-05-26*

The concept is amazing . However there are some kinks that could be worked out just in the smoothness of the app in general and etc

**Developer response:** We have upgraded our UI and added bug fixes~ let us know how you enjoy the new version!

### 3/5 — Almost there

*2026-05-15*

Worked well at first but then I kept getting a server error bad gateway when trying to connect my messages, so now I’m unable to read DMs through the app

**Developer response:** Hey there!

Sorry we had a server outage recently due to sudden increase in downloads, everything is now back up and running! If it doesn’t work still, try logging out of instagram and log in again. 

let us know if you still have trouble logging in at an@breakfree.you

breakfree team.

### 5/5 — The best distraction free app out there

*2026-05-09*

Sometimes there’s glitches here and there like for example the app has to be locked and sometimes it isn’t but then it gets fixed right away. Or sometimes I’ll watch an ad to unlock the break and it wouldn’t go thru so I would have to do it again. Besides that this is the best app ever. As a content creator who tries to find balance with being present but also making content it can be hard getting addicted but this app helped me build discipline and honestly it’s everything I ever wished for. I love that I can still text people but I don’t have to get stuck on reels and it made me more self conscious on when I want to use the app. This app is amazing please stay free🫶🏼

**Developer response:** thank you so much! your review made our day. Let the great lock in begin

### 4/5 — Love The App: However,

*2026-05-09*

Hi guys! I really love your idea and your app. Very smart and very intuitive, and very helpful! I had been trying to get off my phone for so long, and keeping my messages has been essential to my productivity and has made limiting my time on reels very difficult. After downloading this app, which has awesome features and layout, my screen time reduced dramatically. Here is why I got rid of it:

1. and this is a HUGE reason: instagram told me that they suspected that because my messages were being accessed from two separate apps, I was engaging in suspicious activity and I would be banned if i continued. I am aware that this is a difficult problem to fix, and I in no way am concerned that this app was trying to access or hack my account, and I honestly could not care less whether someone has my data. As long as you don't text my friends, I'm good. Due to my concern that my account would get banned, I needed to delete the app and move on to a different one.
2. Messaging people on the app is a bit glitchy. This reason was absolutely in no way a determining factor to me, just something I thought was a bit aggregating at times, with my messages taking a bit to load and WhatsApp numbers being sent when i send someone a numbers. just tiny things, just a small complaint.

Overall, I really liked your guys' idea and app. I really hope you can find a way to fix this issue, and i will be trying again with this app hopefully in a few years!!

**Developer response:** Hi! 

Thank you for this review. Instagram has those warnings to prevent people from utilizing their chats for spam services. We assure you that we are not taking/reading or storing your data.

Sorry we had to see you go, we are working everyday to find ways to improve our features.

breakfree team

## Frequently asked questions about breakfree

### What does BreakFree do?

BreakFree helps you manage your screen time by blocking distracting apps and feeds, allowing you to focus on what matters. It provides a clean interface for messages and enables scheduled focus sessions to combat the addictive nature of social media algorithms.

### How can I stay connected without getting distracted?

The app offers a feed-free interface for your messages, ensuring you can stay reachable through social media without being pulled into endless scrolling. This allows you to maintain connections while preserving your focus.

### Is BreakFree free to use?

The app is free to download and use, but it offers in-app purchases for additional features or content. This allows users to experience the core functionality for free while providing options for enhanced experiences.

### Can I focus with friends using this app?

Yes, BreakFree allows you to lock in together with friends for focused sessions. This feature encourages accountability and creates a social environment that motivates everyone to stay on track and achieve shared wins.

### What is the Focus Pet feature?

The Focus Pet is a virtual companion that grows and develops based on your consistency in using the app for focused sessions. This gamified element makes building good habits more visible and rewarding, encouraging sustained engagement.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.16 — 2026-08-14

Updated Instagram Compatibility!

### 2.15 — 2026-08-05

Instagram Login Fix!
Bug Fixes!

### 2.14 — 2026-07-12

Added Youtube!
Removed Youtube Shorts!

### 2.13 — 2026-05-26

- new chat UI

### 2.12 — 2026-05-23

Added Log Out Button!
Bug Fixes!

## Apps similar to breakfree

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [WallHabit Block Shorts & Reels](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wallhabit-block-shorts-and-reels/id6751423279) | 3.9 (26) | Free | Productivity |
| [Arc: Screen Time Control](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arc-screen-time-control/id6752133918) | 4.4 (25) | Free | Productivity |
| [Pebble AI: To-Do & Focus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pebble-ai-to-do-and-focus/id6746818767) | 4.3 (56) | Free | Productivity |
| [SocialLite-Block Reels&Shorts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sociallite-block-reels-and-shorts/id6757661674) | 4.7 (3,963) | Free | Productivity |
| [ScrollGuard: Block Reels](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scrollguard-block-reels/id6754183872) | 4.2 (65) | Free | Productivity |
| [log off - unrot your brain](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/log-off-unrot-your-brain/id6612007322) | 4.8 (307) | Free | Productivity |

## Related topics

[breakfree](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/breakfree)

---

*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 2026-08-19.*