IRL: Take Your Time Back
Lock your phone. Earn back.
About
This app helps you regain focus by locking distracting applications and tracking your phone usage. It encourages real-life activities and offers social accountability features to help you achieve your goals. You can earn the service for free by consistently meeting your usage targets.
What's New in IRL
1.0.3
August 25, 2026
Fixes the core of the app. • App blocking now actually engages. A bug meant IRL forgot it had Screen Time permission every time you reopened it, so locking in timed you without blocking anything. • The timer no longer pauses while you're in another app. Your session now runs on real elapsed time. • Slip counting is accurate. Pulling down Control Center or glancing at a notification no longer counts as leaving. • If a session can't be shielded for any reason, IRL now tells you instead of implying you're protected.
MoreSubscription plans
IRL Plus Monthly
Lock the apps that pull you in. Earn it free.
Developer apps
FAQ
What is IRL: Take Your Time Back?
IRL is a productivity app designed to help you reclaim your time by locking distracting apps, tracking your phone habits, and encouraging real-life activities. It offers social features for accountability and a unique model where consistent use can earn you the service for free.
How does IRL: Take Your Time Back block apps?
IRL utilizes Apple's Family Controls to provide real shielding, displaying a shield screen when you attempt to access blocked apps during a focus session. Essential lifelines like calls, texts, and Maps are never blocked.
Can I earn IRL: Take Your Time Back for free?
Yes, you can earn IRL for free by hitting your daily goal six out of seven days, with your phone genuinely locked and no slips. This earns you a credit for your next subscription period via Apple's subscription extension API.
What are the subscription costs for IRL: Take Your Time Back?
IRL offers a monthly subscription for $4.99 with a 3-day free trial, and a yearly subscription for $39.99 with a 7-day free trial, saving you 33%. You can cancel anytime through iOS Settings.
Does IRL: Take Your Time Back have ads?
No, IRL: Take Your Time Back does not contain advertisements. The app is committed to a user experience free from ads and third-party trackers.
How does IRL: Take Your Time Back protect my privacy?
IRL never sees which apps you choose to shield, as iOS keeps them private. Your phone number is hashed locally, and the app explicitly states it never sells, shares, or rents your data.
What devices does IRL: Take Your Time Back support?
IRL: Take Your Time Back is currently supported on iPhone devices.
How often is IRL: Take Your Time Back updated?
The latest version of IRL: Take Your Time Back is 1.0.2, which was last updated on July 3, 2026. This indicates regular updates to improve functionality and reliability.