Pause: Doomscroll Blocker

Pause: Doomscroll Blocker

Cut Screen Time & Refocus

5 ratings
5 reviews
Free
In-App PurchasesWith Ads

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • June 29, 2026
  • August 6, 2026

Features

Pause: Doomscroll Blocker screenshot #1 for iPhone
Pause: Doomscroll Blocker screenshot #2 for iPhone
Pause: Doomscroll Blocker screenshot #3 for iPhone
Pause: Doomscroll Blocker screenshot #4 for iPhone
Pause: Doomscroll Blocker screenshot #5 for iPhone
Pause: Doomscroll Blocker screenshot #6 for iPhone
Pause: Doomscroll Blocker screenshot #7 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
🖼️Get Icon
Icons↘︎

About

This app inserts a brief puzzle before you open selected apps, creating a moment of intentionality to reduce mindless scrolling. It offers various puzzles and a premium version for ad removal and full puzzle access.

Puzzle before app access
Reduces mindless scrolling
Nine calming puzzle types
Customizable app blocking
Intentional use timer
Premium ad-free option
Show original description

What's New in Pause

1.3

August 6, 2026

Pause Schedules — set recurring free windows so your apps unlock automatically when you want them, and re-lock when time's up. • Your stats & streaks — a new Dashboard card and stats page show your screen-time reductions and how many days you've kept it up. • All-time History — weekly rollups so you can watch your progress over the long run. • Real screen-time insights — see your actual on-device usage right inside Pause. • Share your wins — turn your progress into a shareable image • Other UI refinements on games

More

Subscription plans

Pause Premium (Annual)

Puzzle selection enabled and no ads, billed yearly.

$74.991 Year
7 Days trial
How to cancel Pause subscription ⁉️

User reviews

Has really helped me stop using social media apps

I had been using a similar app for 2 years but I’ve really enjoyed using it the past month. Solving a puzzle helps me calm my hyper brain. Will continue using!!!

delivers what it promises

if I go a period without it, for whatever reason, I miss the puzzles, the cognitive stimulation and the barriers it places b/n my fingers’ impulses and the doomscrolling apps! 10/10 recommend

An awesome twist on Screen Control

Pause has genuinely changed how I use my phone. Instead of just blocking apps outright, it makes you play a quick game before you can get into Instagram or TikTok — and that tiny bit of friction is enough to make you stop and ask ‘do I actually want to scroll right now?’ Half the time I just close my phone instead of bothering with the game. It’s such a smart, creative twist on the usual screen-time tools that just nag you with reminders. Highly recommend if you’re trying to be more intentional with your phone time
Show more

Take control over mindlessly scrolling!

I often found myself mindlessly scrolling on social media for hours. I’d even catch myself just going up the stairs and opening instagram — couldn’t even walk without scrolling.. I hated it!
Pause has been the perfect barrier my brain needed to break that habit. The games are engaging and challenging enough to interrupt the autopilot scrolling and shift me from mindlessly consuming content to actively thinking and deciding whether I want to open an app.
I’ve tried other apps to help with the social media scrolling habit, but this one is my favorite by far!
Show more

It works

I didn’t think it was going to work, cause “I can manage my time correctly, just need discipline”… but after giving it a try, it really surprised me. My screen time has significantly reduced but most importantly the urge to scroll and open social media apps has significantly reduced. Glad I gave it a shot!
Show more

Developer apps

FAQ

How does Pause help reduce screen time?

Pause places a quick puzzle between you and the apps you've chosen to pause. Solving this puzzle creates a moment of friction, breaking the autopilot reflex and encouraging more intentional app usage.

What kind of puzzles does Pause offer?

Pause offers nine different calming puzzles, including Word Jumble, Mini Crossword, Sliding Tile, Ball Sort, Connect the Colors, Maze, and Sixdoku. These are designed to provide a small mental reset.

Is Pause a restrictive app?

No, Pause is designed for intention, not restriction. It aims to add a small space for choice rather than locking you out of apps completely, promoting guilt-free usage.

What are the benefits of Pause Premium?

Pause Premium unlocks all nine puzzles, removes advertisements, and offers a 7-day free trial before starting an annual or monthly subscription. This provides a more comprehensive and uninterrupted experience.

How much does Pause Premium cost?

Pause Premium offers two subscription plans: $9.99 per month or $74.99 per year. Both plans include a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

Can I cancel my Pause Premium subscription?

Yes, you can manage or cancel your subscription anytime in your Apple Account settings. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period.

Does Pause have ads?

Yes, the free version of Pause contains advertisements. You can remove ads by subscribing to Pause Premium.

What devices is Pause available on?

Pause is available on iPhone and iPad, indicated by its compatibility with Apple's Screen Time technology.