# One Thing: Earn Screen Time — App Blocker & Habit Builder

> App blocker and habit builder that uses phone addiction to foster productivity. (iPhone/iPad app by One Thing LTD.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/one-thing-earn-screen-time/id6748092391 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [One Thing LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1824252786)
- Category: Productivity
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 879 App Store ratings · 47 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.2 · 188 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2025-09-16
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: subscription
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/one-thing-earn-screen-time/id6748092391/reviews.md

## What is One Thing?

Stop scrolling. Start living.

One Thing flips phone addiction on its head. Instead of fighting dopamine-driven habits, this app channels them — blocking distractions until you complete one meaningful activity each day. Exercise, read, meditate, do deep work, or practice an instrument. Finish first, then earn back access.
The result? A daily digital detox that builds real habits, reduces mindless scrolling, and gives you hours of focus back.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
All features require an active subscription after the free trial period.

HOW IT WORKS (Subscription Required)
Pick one activity every morning: gym, reading, meditation, studying, journaling, running, walking, or any productive pursuit. Until it's done, distracting apps stay locked. No willpower needed. The environment does the work.

SMART BLOCKING (Subscription Required)
System-Level Control: Native iOS Screen Time integration locks apps at the deepest level
Personalized Filters: Select exactly which apps to restrict based on individual triggers
Flexible Scheduling: Set weekly routines, daily challenges, or immediate timed blocks
Usage Caps: Limit daily or weekly opens and minutes for specific apps
Emergency Unlock: Safety valve for moments when access is genuinely urgent

AI-POWERED VERIFICATION (Subscription Required)
Photo Proof: Snap a picture and GPT-4 Vision confirms whether the activity was actually completed
Works Everywhere: From gym selfies to reading sessions, the AI adapts to any habit
No Cheating: Intelligent analysis catches shortcuts and keeps accountability honest


TRUE FOCUS MODE (Subscription Required)
Distraction-Free Timer: Full-screen countdown for deep work, studying, or creative sessions
Cross-Device Sync: Pairs with Mac for seamless focus across phone and desktop
ADHD-Friendly: Structured sessions with grace periods reduce the friction of getting started


PROGRESS & MOTIVATION (Subscription Required)
Streak Tracking: Build momentum day after day with visual completion calendars
18-Level Progression: Journey from "Brain Rewiring" on Day 1 to "One Year Champion"
Detailed Analytics: Monitor hours saved, daily completion rates, and long-term growth
Milestone Alerts: Celebrate achievements at key moments throughout the journey


PRIVACY & RELIABILITY (Subscription Required)
On-Device Data: Personal information never leaves the phone
Background Processing: Blocks stay active even when the app is closed
Live Activity Widget: Persistent lock-screen reminder showing streaks and countdowns


BUILT FOR
Anyone trapped in a scroll-refresh-repeat cycle
Students needing structured study sessions and fewer distractions
Professionals seeking a digital detox during work hours
Fitness-focused individuals building consistent gym or running routines
People with ADHD looking for external structure and accountability
Families creating healthier relationships with technology


WHY IT WORKS
Traditional habit trackers send reminders and hope for the best. One Thing creates real consequences: access to social media, news, and entertainment stays blocked until the daily habit is done. It's not about restricting freedom. It's about trading a dopamine loop for a life-changing routine. JOMO (joy of missing out) replaces FOMO, one day at a time.

SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS
Payment: Charged to Apple ID upon confirmation of purchase
Renewal: Automatically renews unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the current period ends
Management: Manage or cancel anytime in Apple ID Account Settings
No Commitment: Cancel at any point, no penalties


Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Privacy Policy: https://onethingapp.framer.website/privacy-policy

## Key features

- Daily meaningful activity selection
- Smart app blocking
- AI-powered camera verification
- Progress tracking and streaks
- Flexible scheduling
- Family controls integration

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| One Thing Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| Pro Plan Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| One Thing (Full Access) (Weekly) | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| One Thing (Weekly) | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| One Thing (Full Access) (Annual) | $29.99 | per year |
| Pro Plan Monthly | $8.99 | per month |
| Pro Plan Yearly WB | $21.90 | per year |
| One Thing (Yearly) | $49.99 | per year |
| One Thing (Yearly) | $59.99 | per year |
| One Thing Yearly | $69.99 | per year |
| One Thing (Yearly - BF) | $29.99 | per year |


## What do users think of One Thing?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Helps stop doom-scrolling
- 👍 Beneficial for users
- 👍 Breaks bad habits
- 👍 Helps with productivity

**Cons**

- 💰 Requires payment
- 🚫 Limited functionality without payment

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Incompatible with younger users due to payment requirements

**Most requested features**

- Allow multiple activities per day
- Add chores/cleaning/meal prep blocks
- Option to add multiple blocks

## Recent user reviews (10 of 47)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/one-thing-earn-screen-time/id6748092391/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Weird

*2026-05-19*

Helpful but I deleted for a trip - made me watch a 10 min infomercial to get back in and then wouldn’t let me restore my purchase. Buggy and a little awkward but a good concept.

### 5/5 — Best app I’ve ever used!!!

*2026-05-08*

I have lost 20kg by using this app. My screen time has gone down by 80% percent. My parents are showing me love and appreciation me again. I am so grateful for this app it has changed my life forever!

### 1/5 — Bonne idée mais…

*2026-04-27*

Presque 10€ par mois pour un opale « améliorée » c’est ridicule et trop cher

### 3/5 — Great concept too much money

*2026-04-13, version 1.13*

Got really excited but then got hit with a paywall, not even a free trial.

### 1/5 — Used to be a decent app

*2026-03-31*

This used to be a great app for students. Especially when there was a free plan for students to focus on their work and get it done. However, it looks like times have changed. There is no more free plan than as soon as you get done analyzing the questions that ask you for micro transactions. I understood the main goal of this app was to help students. Get discounts because poor students/college kids can’t afford the world.

### 1/5 — Expensive

*2026-03-22, version 1.12*

Made me go through a planning system for 15 minutes then told me I have to pay £30. What a waste of my time.

### 1/5 — Not good

*2026-03-22*

It’s paid

### 1/5 — paywall

*2026-03-20, version 1.12*

i want to help myself, not pay to help myself.

### 1/5 — Paid

*2026-03-13, version 1.12*

Makes you do a survey for a plan only to tell you right at the very end that it costs money. At least make it obvious from the start if it’s paid so I don’t waste my time.

### 1/5 — Terrible support team

*2026-03-06, version 1.12*

I’ve had to spend a lot of money on the premium option right, because they don’t have a trial plan. In my app has had heaps of problems, and not been working properly. I have tried contacting them several times however they won’t even respond. Really unhappy and I would love my money back

## Frequently asked questions about One Thing

### What does One Thing do?

One Thing is a productivity app designed to help users build life-changing habits. It works by blocking distracting applications on your phone until you complete a chosen meaningful activity for the day, such as exercise, reading, or deep work.

### What are the key features of One Thing?

Key features include selecting a daily meaningful activity, smart app blocking that integrates with iOS Screen Time, AI-powered verification using your camera to confirm activity completion, and progress tracking with streak counters and analytics to maintain motivation.

### How much does One Thing cost?

All features of One Thing require an active subscription after a free trial period. Payments are charged to your Apple ID upon purchase confirmation, and subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the current period ends.

### What kind of activities can I track with One Thing?

The app offers a curated selection of meaningful activities, including exercise, reading, meditation, deep work, studying, social connection, business development, instrument practice, walking, running, journaling, and cleaning. The AI verification system is flexible enough to work with any of these activities.

### Who is One Thing for?

This app is ideal for students wanting to improve study habits, professionals seeking better work-life balance, fitness enthusiasts building consistent routines, anyone struggling with phone addiction, individuals looking to develop new skills or hobbies, and families aiming to teach healthy technology use.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0.1 — 2026-08-04

General quality of life improvements

### 2.0.0 — 2026-06-30

One Thing 2.0.0:
- New all day blocking
- Multiple different way to unlock apps (Apple Health, Squats, Push Ups, etc)
- Wall of wins 

Many other new features to the One Thing app

### 1.18 — 2026-05-26

General quality of live updates

### 1.17 — 2026-05-19

General improvements and bug fixes

### 1.16 — 2026-05-14

General Bug Fixes

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| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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## Related topics

[onething](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/onething)

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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 2026-08-24.*