# Latch: Scan to Unlock — Less scrolling. More living.

> App blocker requiring physical key scan to unlock, promoting focus and reducing screen time. (iPhone/iPad app by SUDARSHAN NEUPANE.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/latch-scan-to-unlock/id6815316152 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [SUDARSHAN NEUPANE](https://appshunter.io/developer/1888805971)
- Category: Productivity, Health & Fitness
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.0 · 9 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-10-01
- Data updated: 2026-10-09
- Monetization: freemium
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/latch-scan-to-unlock/id6815316152/reviews.md

## What is Latch?

Latch blocks the apps that steal your time — and puts the unlock button somewhere you have to walk to.

Pick the apps, categories and websites that pull you in, then slide the latch to lock them. To unlock, scan your key: a few-cent NFC sticker or a QR code you print at home. Keep it on the fridge, in the car or at your desk at work, and the few steps it takes to go get it are usually enough to change your mind.

Latch uses Apple's Screen Time (Family Controls) to block apps on your own iPhone. Your choices stay on your iPhone.

YOUR KEY, NO GADGET
• Use any NTAG213, NTAG215 or NTAG216 NFC sticker — a few cents each — or a QR code you print at home (the camera scans it)
• Tap the sticker with Latch closed, or scan it in the app
• Stickers are locked with a password after writing, so no one can write over them. Save the password in Apple's Passwords app
• Share one key with family or roommates — one sticker on the fridge for the whole house
• Tell Latch where each key lives, and the lock screen tells you where to walk
• One key works with all your iPhones
• A steps key (Pro): walk 500 to 20,000 steps to unlock, counted with Motion & Fitness
• On iPad, use a QR key. NFC stickers, the steps key and lock while driving need an iPhone

LOCKS BEFORE YOU THINK TO
• Built-in profiles — Work, Social and Bedtime — ready with the usual suspects
• Schedules (Pro): every weekday morning, or at bedtime until you scan your key
• Places: lock when you arrive at the office or the gym, and unlock when you leave (uses your location)
• Lock while driving (Pro): Latch notices a drive with your location and Motion & Fitness, locks the profile you choose, and unlocks after you park
• A Control Center toggle (iOS 18): tap to lock, tap again to open the scanner
• Siri: "Latch my phone", or "Latch my phone with Work". Also in Shortcuts and on the Action button

BUILT FOR THE DAYS YOU'D RATHER NOT
• Daily limits (Pro): give an app or category a few minutes a day while you're unlocked
• Commitment mode (Pro): stay locked for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours
• Hard lock: choose to block deleting apps, installing apps and in-app purchases while you're locked
• Break glass: three times a month, open your apps for 5–15 minutes without your key; they lock again on their own
• Block explicit websites with Apple's filter, per profile
• Your own words on the block screen, like "Finish your work first"

SEE THE TIME YOU GOT BACK
• A daily locked-time goal and a streak to keep
• Your last 7 days, how they compare with the week before, and a Sunday recap
• How often you reached for a blocked app, and what broke your focus
• Month and all-time views (Pro)
• Lock Screen widgets and a Dynamic Island timer
• iCloud sync between your iPhones

PRIVATE BY DESIGN
Latch has no accounts, no ads and no analytics. Apple's Screen Time keeps your app choices and usage on your iPhone, so we never see them.

LATCH PRO — ONE-TIME PURCHASE
Free includes one key, three profiles, two places and seven days of stats. Pro unlocks unlimited keys, profiles and places, schedules, daily limits, commitment mode, lock while driving, key hours, a steps key and full history. No subscription.

## Key features

- Physical key scan to unlock apps
- NFC sticker and QR code support
- Customizable app and website blocking
- Location-based locking
- Scheduled locking profiles
- Commitment mode for extended focus

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Latch Pro | $9.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/latch-scan-to-unlock/id6815316152/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great little app

*2026-10-02*

I kept saying I’d use my phone less, but never really did. This app adds just enough friction to stop me from opening apps mindlessly, without conscious effort.

### 5/5 — Finally something I cant skip

*2026-10-02*

I tried Screen Time and a couple of other blockers and always hit ignore without thinking. With Latch my key is a sticker on the fridge so I have to get up and walk to the kitchen to unlock. Most nights I dont bother. Simple idea but it actually works for me.

## Frequently asked questions about Latch

### What is Latch's primary function?

Latch is designed to help users regain focus by blocking apps and websites that consume excessive time. It requires a physical action, such as scanning an NFC sticker or QR code, to unlock access, thereby encouraging more mindful usage.

### How does Latch use NFC stickers or QR codes?

Users can associate NFC stickers or printed QR codes with Latch as their 'key'. To unlock blocked apps, they must physically interact with the sticker (tap it) or scan the QR code, adding a deliberate step to break the cycle of mindless app usage.

### What are the 'Pro' features in Latch?

Latch Pro offers advanced features like a steps key to unlock by walking, lock while driving functionality, daily time limits for apps, a commitment mode for extended focus sessions, and month/all-time usage views. These features are available via a one-time purchase.

### Does Latch have ads?

No, Latch is ad-free. The app explicitly states it has no ads, analytics, or accounts, prioritizing user privacy and an uninterrupted experience.

### How does Latch ensure privacy?

Latch is private by design. It does not collect user data, have accounts, or run ads. It leverages Apple's Screen Time (Family Controls) to manage app blocking directly on the user's iPhone, ensuring choices and usage remain local.

### What devices does Latch support?

Latch is available on iPhone and iPad. However, certain features like NFC stickers, the steps key, and lock while driving require an iPhone.

### Can Latch be used for family or shared access?

Yes, a single key can be shared with family or roommates. For instance, one NFC sticker placed on the fridge can serve as the unlock key for the entire household.

### What is the 'Break glass' feature?

The 'Break glass' feature allows users to temporarily access blocked apps for 5-15 minutes without their key, up to three times a month. After the time expires, the apps automatically re-lock.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.0 — 2026-10-01

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 2026-10-09.*