# ChessLock: Screen Time Control — Focus, App Blocker with Chess

> App blocker that uses chess puzzles to manage screen time and boost focus. (iPhone/iPad app by Patricio Guzman.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chesslock-screen-time-control/id6744930081 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Patricio Guzman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1707843725)
- Category: Productivity, Health & Fitness
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.75/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 32 MB
- Languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and 3 more
- Released: 2025-06-11
- Data updated: 2026-07-06
- Monetization: freemium
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chesslock-screen-time-control/id6744930081/reviews.md

## What is ChessLock?

Take control of your screen time like never before—with your brain as the key!
Screen Time Control: ChessLock is a powerful focus tool that blocks distracting apps… and makes you earn your breaks by solving chess puzzles.

Designed for those who want real productivity with a fun twist, ChessLock combines proven focus techniques with the timeless game of chess to help you stay in control.

- How it works:
Create a Focus Session
Select the apps you want to block. Once it starts, you're locked in—no cheating allowed!

Pause With Purpose
Want a break? Solve a chess puzzle to unlock it. No puzzle, no pause.

Train Your Brain
Each puzzle challenge helps keep your mind sharp and focused.

- Unlock More with ChessLock Pro
Unlimited focus sessions

Choose your puzzle difficulty

Smarter, stronger app blocking

Earn meaningful breaks

More brain-boosting control

- Why Chess?
Chess is the perfect game to sharpen concentration, improve problem-solving, and help reset your brain during focused work. It’s not just screen time management — it’s brain time empowerment.

- Private by Design
No accounts, no personal data collection, no creepy tracking. Your preferences are stored locally, and analytics are completely anonymous. You stay in control.

- Built for Everyone
Whether you’re a student, freelancer, parent, or pro, ChessLock gives you a mindful, brain-powered way to manage your screen time.

Download Screen Time Control: ChessLock and make every pause a power move.

## Key features

- Block distracting apps
- Solve chess puzzles for breaks
- Customizable focus sessions
- Brain-training puzzles
- Private by design, no data collection
- Pro version for advanced features

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chesslock Pro | $2.99 | per month |
| Chesslock Pro | $19.99 | per year |
| Chesslock Pro | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Chesslock Pro | $29.99 | per year |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chesslock Pro | $17.49 | one-time |
| Chesslock Pro | $34.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chesslock-screen-time-control/id6744930081/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Cool App!

*2026-01-27*

The app is cool! It would be nice for the chess lock app to automatically pop up when a selected locked app is tapped.  It would be nice for the selected app to pop up unlocked as soon as the puzzle is solved for the desired time selected.   Otherwise, It has been a more productive distraction.

### 5/5 — An ADHDers Dream

*2025-12-28*

I downloaded this app and Opal in the same day. Despite all the hype, I found this app way more useful than Opal. Instead of a quick way to bypass with breaks, my lazy self had to question if it’s worth pausing to solve a chess puzzle. There was one time where I decided it was “worth the investment” to go solve the puzzle… but the other times, it has kept me in-line. I can’t explicitly explain the logic of why it works, but my brain digs it. Great work!

**Developer response:** Thank you for the thoughtful review. That “pause and question if it’s worth it” moment is exactly what ChessLock is designed to create.
Really glad to hear it’s working for you, and that your brain digs it. Thanks for the support.

### 2/5 — Good concept, bugs make it useless

*2025-12-04*

Some of the chess puzzles don't work properly (the opponent never reacts), and once the app gets stuck, it never gets unstuck, making it useless.

## Frequently asked questions about ChessLock

### What is ChessLock?

ChessLock is a productivity app designed to help users control their screen time by blocking distracting applications. It incorporates chess puzzles as a unique mechanism to earn breaks and train the brain.

### How does ChessLock work?

Users create focus sessions, selecting apps to block. To pause a session, they must solve a chess puzzle. This encourages focused work and makes breaks earned through mental engagement.

### Is ChessLock private?

Yes, ChessLock is private by design. It does not require accounts, collect personal data, or track users. Preferences are stored locally, and analytics are anonymous.

### What are the benefits of using ChessLock?

ChessLock helps improve concentration, problem-solving skills, and overall productivity. It provides a mindful way to manage digital distractions and empowers users to control their 'brain time'.

### What features are included in ChessLock Pro?

ChessLock Pro offers unlimited focus sessions, adjustable puzzle difficulty, smarter app blocking, and more brain-boosting control options. Subscription plans vary in duration and price.

### What devices does ChessLock support?

ChessLock is available on Mac, iPhone, and iPad, making it accessible across multiple Apple platforms for consistent screen time management.

### How often is ChessLock updated?

The latest version of ChessLock is 0.26, last updated on March 20, 2026. This indicates a commitment to ongoing development and improvements.

### What is the pricing for ChessLock Pro?

ChessLock Pro offers several subscription options, including $2.99 per 7 days, $2.99 per month, $19.99 per year, and $29.99 per year, providing flexibility for users.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 0.31 — 2026-06-26

You can now find your version and RevenueCat User ID right in settings — helpful when reaching out to support. We've also added your ID to support emails so we can help you faster.

New
- About section in settings shows your app version and RevenueCat User ID
- Support emails now include your RevenueCat User ID for quicker help

### 0.29 — 2026-05-24

Bug fix for paywall issues. We've resolved problems with the subscription flow to ensure a smoother experience.

### 0.28 — 2026-05-04

Introducing location-based focus sessions! Set up focus sessions for your favorite spots and track them with our new widget. Stay productive wherever you go!

### 0.26 — 2026-03-20

New insights tab in the app, privacy-first (we don't have access to your usage data).

### 0.25 — 2026-02-24

Added support for Spanish (Latin America), Korean, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Turkish, and Hindi.

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## More apps by Patricio Guzman

- [Handstand Tracker: UpsideUp](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handstand-tracker-upsideup/id6466814675)
- [Tradclip](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tradclip/id6744679613)
- [ChessTakeTake - Puzzle tactics](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chesstaketake-puzzle-tactics/id6747080214)
- [PriceKit for AppStore Connect](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pricekit-for-appstore-connect/id6755406077)
- [Storytime - Bilingual families](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/storytime-bilingual-families/id6758237384)

All apps by Patricio Guzman: https://appshunter.io/developer/1707843725

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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 2026-07-06.*