# Fluid Friction: Block Reels — Block Reels, Shorts & Apps

> App to add friction to scrolling, block distractions, and improve focus. (iPhone/iPad app by Gustav Mtenji Bergdal Mjengwa.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fluid-friction-block-reels/id6782510849 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Gustav Mtenji Bergdal Mjengwa](https://appshunter.io/developer/6782510851)
- Category: Productivity, Health & Fitness
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 32 App Store ratings · 13 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 17.0 · 103 MB
- Languages: American English, Arabic, Dutch, French (France), German (Germany), Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean and 8 more
- Released: 2026-07-27
- Data updated: 2026-11-13
- Monetization: freemium
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fluid-friction-block-reels/id6782510849/reviews.md

## What is Fluid Friction?

Block Reels, Shorts and For You, and keep your messages. Every feed blocker in Fluid Friction is free.

Then go further: open Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, X, Snapchat, Facebook or LinkedIn inside Fluid Friction, or add any website you choose, and the feed pushes back. Fluid rises from the edge of the screen against your thumb. Drag through it until a bubble forms and rises off the screen. Only then does the next post arrive. Cross the threshold on purpose, or set the phone down. 

It doesn't shame you. It just makes you mean it.

WHY IT WORKS
Infinite feeds run on autopilot. Fluid Friction slips one deliberate moment between you and the scroll, so doomscrolling becomes a decision instead of a reflex. The friction lives inside the scroll itself. Dial it from gentle to intense, set scroll limits per app, and let YouTube friction fire on Shorts only.

CALM SHIELDS FOR YOUR OTHER APPS
Block any native app, or a website, with Screen Time. Instead of a wall of shame you get a calm, warm screen, a clear count of the opens you chose to keep, a cooldown between opens, and a breathing, math or passphrase moment before you go in. Timed sessions count down right in the Dynamic Island and the shield returns when time is up. One toggle also blocks adult websites. Strict when you ask for it, dignified always.

KEEP THE CHATS, SKIP THE RABBIT HOLE
Hide Reels, Shorts, Stories, Explore and For You while messages keep working. Open apps to a calmer landing page, follow only the people you chose, hide recommendations and comments on YouTube, or go grayscale across every feed. Multiple accounts with separate sessions are built in, so the calmer way is also the comfortable way.

TAP & SCAN
Turn any NFC tag you already own into a physical key (NFC on iPhone): a sticker, a card, even a transit pass. Tap to lock your distracting apps, tap to release them, or require a scan to unlock a shield. No extra hardware to buy; a QR code or a barcode in your kitchen works too.

WAKE UP WITHOUT THE FEED
An alarm that ends with a scan, not a scroll. Dismiss it with your tag or a barcode across the room, answer a quick wake challenge, and let a morning block hold the feeds until you are up. Wind down at night, track your wake streak, and earn 25 honest milestones. On iOS 26 the alarm rings like the built-in clock; on earlier versions it alerts through notifications.

SEE YOURSELF CLEARLY
A Calm Score reflects how your scrolling actually went. Real Screen Time numbers, weekly recaps, and tailored suggestions you can apply with one tap, like a schedule for the hour that always gets you.

FOCUS WHEN IT COUNTS
Focus timer, Pomodoro sessions, and a Focus Bank that turns focused minutes into earned, deliberate breaks. Breaks keep the feeds blocked by default, and the countdown lives in the Dynamic Island.

ON IPAD AND APPLE WATCH
Fluid Friction now runs natively on iPad, with calm feeds, shields and insights laid out for the bigger screen. On iPad, your key is a QR code or a barcode.
On Apple Watch, start a focus session, lock your apps now, see and set your alarms, and keep your wake streak. The blocking itself runs on your iPhone.

MAKE IT YOURS
91 bubble themes, from aurora to plasma, with mystery unlocks and matching app icons. Home screen widgets too, including a minimalist launcher that routes tempting apps through the wave.

PRIVATE AND FAIR
No ads. No tracking. Your usage stays on your device. Every tool is free: the friction, the shields, the alarm, the insights. Fluid Pro, if you ever want it, unlocks themes and comfort extras like dark mode, with a 7 day free trial.

MADE BY TWIN BROTHERS
We're Manfred and Gustav. We built Fluid Friction because we needed it ourselves, and we kept the parts that matter calm, honest and respectful of your attention.

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

## Key features

- Scrolling friction for apps and websites
- Customizable app and website shields
- NFC tag integration for unlocking
- Screen-free alarm system
- Calm Score for usage insights
- Focus timer and Pomodoro sessions

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Annual | $39.99 | per year |


## Is Fluid Friction safe?

Fluid Friction: Block Reels appears mostly safe based on user ratings. The AppsHunter Safety Score for Fluid Friction is 84 out of 100. This assessment is based on 32 user ratings, with an App Store average of 4.6 out of 5. Of 32 App Store ratings, 90.6% point to a safe experience, 3.1% suggest some concerns, and 6.3% point to a risky experience.

## Is Fluid Friction legit?

Fluid Friction: Block Reels has limited verification signals. The AppsHunter Legitimacy Score for Fluid Friction is 58 out of 100 points across 7 verification signals from App Store and developer data.

## Recent user reviews (10 of 13)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fluid-friction-block-reels/id6782510849/reviews.md

### 1/5 — instagram is just blank

*2026-11-10*

doesn’t work

### 5/5 — Great app

*2026-11-09*

I enjoy how the app adds the friction I need to stop scrolling.

### 5/5 — Wow

*2026-11-09*

My screen time on social media has dropped from hours to literally 10 minutes a day.
It’s the only app I’ve found that actually removes reels while keeping every other feature. I can still communicate with my friends and see as many posts as I want. There are plenty of settings to customize if you’re hesitant about going cold turkey, and it works seamlessly with several other apps.
The scrolling count can be a bit inaccurate at times. For instance, I set my daily limit to 50 scrolls, but a single swipe sometimes counts as multiple scrolls. That makes it slightly annoying to keep track of my actual usage... but that's exactly what the app helps me manage anyway!

### 5/5 — Great app

*2026-11-07*

I like the calm apps, it’s a really nice way to get off of any shorts that I use.

### 5/5 — Crazy good app

*2026-11-04*

Finally something that works, and boy it does work so well

**Developer response:** Hi Rinno, "finally something that works" might be our favourite thing anyone has written about the app! My brother and I tried plenty of blockers ourselves before building Fluid Friction, and most of them could be ignored with a single tap. Knowing ours actually holds up for you makes every late night worth it. Thank you for the kind words and for supporting a small team like ours 💙

### 5/5 — Great app, and it works!

*2026-11-03*

Loved it thank you team, my scrolling habit is now in control

**Developer response:** Hi Aman, thank you so much for this! "My scrolling habit is now in control" is exactly the sentence my brother and I hoped someone would write when we started building Fluid Friction. It's still just the two of us behind the app, so knowing it's working for you all the way in India honestly makes our day. If there is ever anything you would like us to add or improve, write to us at fluidfrictionapp@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting our work 💙

### 5/5 — REALLY GOOD!!

*2026-11-03*

It’s amazing how well it works that’s it’s still free! An enthusiastic recommendation by me!

**Developer response:** Hi Noah, thank you for the enthusiastic recommendation, we'll take every exclamation mark! My brother and I get asked a lot why Fluid Friction is still free, and our answer is always the same: nobody should have to pay to get their time back from their phone. Hearing that it works this well for you is the best motivation we could ask for. Thank you for being part of our journey 💙

### 5/5 — Helped me

*2026-11-01*

Used it to turn YouTube back into the way I remember it had a kid. Just a search bar and your brain. No addictive algorithm slop

**Developer response:** Hi doigiedoug, reading this honestly made our entire week, thank you so much! My brother and I built Fluid Friction precisely to bring back that old school YouTube experience without the addictive algorithm rabbit holes. Knowing it brings that back for you means everything to us. Thank you for your amazing support 💙

### 5/5 — DEVS PLZ READ

*2026-10-28*

please make it so the range for the amount of short form vids can be a flat 0 instead of 3. i want the option to COMPLETELY disable short form with absolutely 0 temptation for scrolling. Also for all sites make sure theres the bar at the top for ios because for reddit the top bar isnt there making it impossible to click the buttons near the top of the screen such as the profile button and the dm button.

**Developer response:** Hi Leo, thank you so much for the five star review and the great feedback!

You can already completely disable short form content right in the settings to remove the temptation entirely. Regarding the Reddit top bar issue, I will look directly into addressing that so navigation works properly. I would love to hear more about your experience and get extra details so we can fix it quickly, please reach out to us at fluidfrictionapp@gmail.com. Thank you for your support 💙

### 4/5 — Helped a lot

*2026-10-15*

Has helped me scroll a lot less and spend less time on my phone. Also super awesome that it’s free, sometimes it doesn’t block all ads on Instagram and it can be a bit glitchy but overall a good app that does it’s main job well

**Developer response:** Hi June5016, thank you so much for the review and helpful feedback! We are thrilled to hear Fluid Friction has helped you scroll less and cut down your overall screen time. We are deeply passionate about keeping these core focus and digital wellness tools 100% free for everyone. We are constantly rolling out updates to smooth out glitches and refine ad blocking, and comments like yours genuinely keep us going. Community feedback helps us improve every day, so please feel free to email any specific details or requests directly to fluidfrictionapp@gmail.com. Thank you again for your support! 💙

## Frequently asked questions about Fluid Friction

### What is the main purpose of Fluid Friction?

Fluid Friction aims to help users reduce mindless scrolling and improve focus by introducing deliberate friction into their app and website usage. It offers features like customizable shields and a unique alarm system to encourage more intentional digital interaction.

### Does Fluid Friction have ads?

No, Fluid Friction is ad-free, allowing for an uninterrupted user experience focused on productivity and digital wellbeing.

### What are the subscription options for Fluid Friction?

Fluid Friction offers monthly and annual subscription plans, both with a 7-day free trial. The monthly plan is $4.99, and the annual plan is $39.99.

### How does Fluid Friction use NFC tags?

You can turn any NFC tag into a physical key to lock or unlock distracting apps and shields. This adds a physical, deliberate step to accessing content, further reducing impulsive usage.

### Can Fluid Friction be used on an iPad or Apple Watch?

Yes, Fluid Friction runs natively on iPad with features optimized for the larger screen. It is also available on Apple Watch, extending its functionality to your wrist.

### How often is Fluid Friction updated?

The latest version, 1.9.1, was released on November 11, 2026, indicating regular updates to improve features and reliability. The app was initially released on July 27, 2026.

### What age rating does Fluid Friction have?

Fluid Friction is rated for users aged 17 and older, suggesting mature themes or content that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

### How does the 'Calm Score' work in Fluid Friction?

The Calm Score reflects your actual scrolling behavior, providing real Screen Time numbers and weekly recaps. It offers tailored suggestions to help you manage your digital habits more effectively.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.9.1 — 2026-11-11

Fixed: with the Minimal look, the shape could reappear after a scroll and stay on screen until you touched it again. It now clears the moment the scroll lands.

### 1.9 — 2026-11-06

This update fixes a bug in 1.8 that could freeze the app when a pause opened before an app.

• Fixed: a pause before opening an app could freeze Fluid Friction. It now opens every time.
• New Minimal look: instead of the wave, a small shape fills right where your finger starts. Pick it in the Store.
• Pauses can get harder each time you open an app, with Surprise me and tougher math.
• Daily open limits now start fresh at midnight, every day, exactly as set.
• Fixed: calm Instagram and Facebook could show "Restricted" overnight.
• Made for iPhone Duo: unfold and your feed stays phone-shaped, with a calm panel beside it.

### 1.8 — 2026-11-04

Fluid Friction is now on iPad and Apple Watch, and Snapchat is rebuilt for your iPhone.

• A calmer Snapchat: your chats at full width, Stories, the camera one tap away, and Post Mode.
• Snapchat notifications: new chats arrive as notifications, without the Snapchat app.
• Action button: one press opens Fluid Friction or calm Instagram. Also in Control Center.
• iPad: calm feeds, shields and insights made for the bigger screen, in any window size.
• Apple Watch: start a focus session, lock your apps now, check your next alarm and your wake streak from your wrist. Complications and Controls too.
• Finer control: scroll limits now go as low as 1, choose how hard the math is, and get an alert after the time you set in any app.
• A more polished interface, plus quality of life fixes and updates.

### 1.7 — 2026-10-30

Fluid Friction now speaks your language. Choose from 20 languages on the first screen or in Settings.

• Insights, rebuilt: your Screen Time by app, with a daily goal.
• A calmer TikTok: Messages first, and Post Mode next to Instagram's.
• Make it yours: app icon colors, wallpapers and a Home photo.
• Free Pro for you and a friend: up to 12 free months, one per friend.
• Quality of life fixes and updates

### 1.6 — 2026-10-14

Instagram notifications, without Instagram.
Your Instagram messages and notifications now arrive from Fluid Friction, even with the real Instagram replaced or deleted. Tap one to land in calm Instagram. It turns on by itself once you're signed in to Instagram in Fluid Friction, and you can switch it off any time in Settings, Notifications.

Friends.
Add friends with a code and see how your screen time compares, week by week. Share as much or as little as you like, and see where you sit on the global leaderboard under an anonymous name.

Keep a replaced app's notifications.
A short guide in Settings, Notifications sets up a Shortcuts automation that keeps any replaced app's own notifications, while every open still lands in its calm version.

Liquid Glass.
A new theme for the whole app.

Block screens, your way.
Pick Midnight or Daylight in Settings, Appearance. A replaced app's block screen now shows its own icon and how many real opens you have left today.

You choose what scrolling out does.
The first time you hit your scroll limit, pick what comes next: add more scrolls, take a pause, or close the app.

Sharper NFC keys and alarms.
Scan the wrong tag and the sheet stays open for the right one. A snoozed alarm counts down on your Lock Screen.

Fresh app icons.
A new Layered icon set for Pro, and the classic set for everyone.

Plus fixes and polish throughout.

## Apps similar to Fluid Friction

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Scroll Less Block Reels Shorts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scroll-less-block-reels-shorts/id6741134096) | 4.5 (25) | Free | Productivity |
| [Still: Reels & Shorts Blocker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/still-reels-and-shorts-blocker/id6784061138) | 1.0 (1) | Free | Productivity |
| [minulo: Block Reels & Shorts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minulo-block-reels-and-shorts/id6809352229) | 4.7 (3) | Free | Productivity |
| [Slowth: Short Video Blocker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/slowth-short-video-blocker/id6764140763) | 4.0 (4) | Free | Productivity |
| [WallHabit Block Shorts & Reels](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wallhabit-block-shorts-and-reels/id6751423279) | 3.4 (35) | Free | Productivity |
| [Sociano: Block Reels & Shorts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sociano-block-reels-and-shorts/id6760568406) | 4.5 (10) | Free | Productivity |

## Related topics

[zario ag](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/zario-ag) · [milana orumbekova](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/milana-orumbekova) · [stop doomscrolling by vital](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/stop-doomscrolling-by-vital) · [tyren dunwell](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/tyren-dunwell) · [skmr news](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/skmr-news) · [scrolling blocker](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/scrolling-blocker) · [midra app](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/midra-app) · [coushatta point hub](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/coushatta-point-hub) · [burn my desire](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/burn-my-desire) · [appscrolled](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/appscrolled) · [bloquear fotos](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bloquear-fotos)

---

*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 2026-11-13.*