one sec—delay distracting apps

one sec—delay distracting apps

App + Website Limit & Blocker

23K ratings
1558 reviews
Free
In-App Purchases

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • September 29, 2020
  • August 1, 2026

Features

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one sec—delay distracting apps screenshot #9 for iPhone
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About

This app introduces intentional friction to distracting apps and websites, helping users reduce screen time and improve focus. It delays access rather than blocking, promoting long-term behavioral change. Integrates with other apps for enhanced productivity.

Adds friction to distracting apps
Delays app access instead of blocking
Reduces app usage significantly
Doom Scroll Emergency Brake (Re-Intervention)
Free Safari extension for websites
Integrates with other productivity apps
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What users say

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+2

What's New in one sec

5.2.9

August 1, 2026

- Fixes an issue where the “Last use” label in the intervention was displayed using a wrong text color. - Fixes an issue where the corner radius of the breathing animation was not correct. - Fixes an issue where the about page was not laid out correctly on iOS 15. - Manual block durations can now be configured up to 200 hours. - Scheduled blocking more clearly indicates that websites are supported; “Apps” is renamed to “Blocked.” - Corrected app counts in blocking configurations by avoiding duplicate-counting apps. - Unlocking one sec settings now enforces at least a “long” intervention duration. - Fixed a crash when editing interventions while healthy alternatives are visible. - Fixed the breathing transition layout during iPad rotation. - Fixed a potential Follow the Dot crash on future iOS versions. - Improved the “last 24 hours” usage text color for different intervention backgrounds. - Fixed the Safari extension typo: “one sec is no set up” → “not set up.”

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Subscription plans

one sec pro | Family Plan (1 Month)

Share your subscription with your iCloud family.

$3.991 Month
7 Days trial
Price Updates
July 29, 2026$3.99
May 27, 2026$3.99
March 26, 2026$3.99
February 7, 2026$3.99
July 18, 2025$3.99
May 26, 2025$2.99
How to cancel one sec subscription ⁉️
6

In-App Purchases

$149.00

one sec pro | Family Lifetime

Unlock all features of “one sec” pro.

Events

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User reviews

Cool App

Kinda problematic they allow you to strict-block without setting an app, which combined with some of the other features, can be sort of a phone breaking feature. But the Detox feature is great!

no goon

good no goon

I tell all my friends about this!

one sec has been almost life-changing. It used to be one of my most opened apps because it interrupted all the times I tried to doomscroll! I love this app and it was so helpful. Setting it up, takes a little bit of work, but it was so worth it! My screen time has gone down significantly, and I have so much better boundaries on my screen usage. Every time the topic of looking at your phone too much comes up in conversation, I always recommend this app!
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Paid Features!!

Works on Paid features. Only one is available for free.
Need to set up Shortcut manually.

Too expensive

I would totally pay $1.60 or whatever it is a month. But that’s not an option. You have to pay for a year up front which is $19.99 a year. Most people are not gonna want to pay $20 bucks for something, they would much rather be allowed to pay 1.60 something a month. You’d probably make more money with this app if you offered more flexible and realistic payment options. Cuz it’s a great concept. But yeah way too much up front cost.
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Developer apps

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

4 issues

App switching issues

Bug

Interventions not triggering properly

Bug

Inconsistent behavior with shortcuts

Bug

Crashes and freezes on certain devices

Bug

Requested Features

6 requests

Ability to block more apps for free

Feature

Customizable intervention timers

Feature

Scheduled app blocking/access

Feature

Passcode protection for settings

Feature

Sync settings across devices

Feature

More intervention types (e.g. games)

Feature

FAQ

What does this app do?

This app introduces intentional friction to distracting apps and websites, making them less appealing for long-term use. It works by delaying access to these apps instead of completely blocking them, which is a key psychological difference that helps users build sustainable habits and reduce overall screen time.

How does it differ from standard screen time limits?

Unlike traditional screen time limits or app blockers that completely prevent access, this app adds a slight delay or interruption when you try to open a distracting app. This subtle friction is designed to break unconscious habits and encourage more intentional usage, leading to a significant reduction in app usage over time.

Is this app free to use?

The app offers a free version that allows you to set up limitations for one app of your choice. For access to more features and to set up limitations for multiple apps, a premium version is available through various subscription options, including annual, monthly, and lifetime unlocks.

What kind of apps can I use this with?

You can configure this app with any application you wish to use less or more intentionally. Popular use cases include social media platforms, games, video streaming services, dating apps, stock trading apps, and adult content sites. A free Safari extension is also available to interrupt access to websites.

What happens if I get stuck scrolling?

The app includes a feature called 'Re-Intervention' which acts as a 'Doom Scroll Emergency Brake.' After a set period of time, such as five minutes, you will be automatically removed from the social media app. You will then need to go through the intervention process again to unlock more time, helping you regain control.