# PauseBox — Pause digital distractions > Physical device and app combination to block digital distractions and enhance focus. (iPhone/iPad app by Britt Espinosa.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pausebox/id6745524690 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Britt Espinosa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1812701009) - Category: Productivity, Lifestyle - Price: Free - Rating: 4.90/5 from 29 App Store ratings · 17 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 16.4 · 90 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2025-09-05 - Data updated: 2026-08-24 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pausebox/id6745524690/reviews.md ## What is PauseBox? PauseBox creates a physical block between you and distractions. Here's how it works: 1. Select the apps you want to block Open the PauseApp and choose which apps to block, or select the few you want to keep. Create custom Pause Groups like Work, Study, or Family Time, each with its own app rules, schedules, or timers to fit your day.PauseBox creates a physical block between you and distractions. Here's how it works: 2. Tap your phone on PauseBox to block selected apps After selecting a Pause Group, tap your phone on the PauseBox to start blocking apps. Your focus session begins right away. Not nearby? Use “Pause without tap” in the app to start remotely. 3. Put distance between you and the PauseBox Place your PauseBox out of reach to create intentional separation. As a physical barrier to digital distractions, it makes unblocking a conscious choice and helps break the habit loop. ## Key features - Select apps to block - Create custom Pause Groups - Schedule focus sessions - Use physical device for blocking - Remote blocking option - Intentional separation from phone ## Recent user reviews (10 of 17) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pausebox/id6745524690/reviews.md ### 5/5 — I love my PauseBox! *2026-06-07, version 3.1* So far my PauseBox has been so helpful and my screen time has gone down! A few of my friends have the brick but I couldn’t justify spending 60 dollars on it and in my opinion PauseBox is just as good if not better! The only suggestion I have is for live activities so I can see how long my phone has been paused for without opening the app! ### 2/5 — Alternative to Brick *2026-06-07, version 3.1* App has been very bugged out the last week and does not function at all how it used to. ### 5/5 — The Best *2026-06-03, version 3.1* I spent weeks researching all the different options for app blockers and decided to go with PauseBox. I am SO happy with this choice! The app is straightforward and easy-to-use. I had a weird glitch yesterday and within 15 minutes of reporting it (and including my phone number), the app developer had texted me and helped me troubleshoot until the problem was resolved. You can’t ask for better service than that! Blocking apps has done wonders for my mental health/anxiety levels and for my productivity. I don’t doom scroll as much, but I still have access to have conversations with people via text and call (you know… the thing your phone is supposed to actually be for), which I didn’t have when I was trying to just leave my phone in another room so I’d look at it less. PauseBox also easily the most affordable option on the market. It’s rare that you get the holy Trinity of great product + great customer experience + affordability, but this is it! ### 5/5 — Amazing *2026-05-22, version 2.2* This device has genuinely changed my life lol I wanted to get it for so long but competitors were so high in price until I found this. Thanks for making an affordable amazing product! ### 5/5 — Perfect competition *2026-05-18, version 2.2* Thank you so much for not charging a ridiculous amount. Please don’t ever turn this into a subscription based model like Opal. This is exceptional value. ### 5/5 — This has been a game changer as a mom with littles *2026-05-05, version 2.2* Love my PauseBox so much because I easily became addicted to my phone as a young kid and into adulthood it has taken moments and time wasted. I now am more engaged with my children and it has helped keep me on track by stopping me from being bothered by Facebook and YouTube notifications which is all it takes for to be sucked into my phone. I am a more present parent and been able to enjoy my children without being glued to the phone. ### 5/5 — Cool *2026-03-17, version 2.2* It’s cool. I wish I didn’t have to scan the box when I want to start a pause session. Even with the 48 hours, it’s still kinda inconvenient. It’s fine though. I mostly just wanted to support a small business. ### 5/5 — No complaints *2026-03-16, version 2.2* I love this device and app so much it’s brilliant. Allows you to turn off any app or website. I love that you don’t need a subscription or to pay an arm and a leg to buy the device like competitors, and this one is better than competitors. Now that I can’t use my apps I don’t even think about them anymore. They’ve completely changed my life. Thank you pause box! ### 5/5 — SO happy with it *2026-02-16, version 2.1* I’m obsessed with PauseBox - It’s genuinely helped me so much more than I expected. I used to doomscroll constantly and now with this physical block to my apps I only check my socials once a day. Truly life changing and a much more reasonable price than some competitors. ### 5/5 — Really great physical barrier *2026-02-10, version 2.1* Works great, got the mobile one and have it with me most times but has been way more effective at keeping me off my phone then screen time limits and apps. ## Frequently asked questions about PauseBox ### How does PauseBox work with a physical device? PauseBox combines an app with a physical device. You select apps to block within the app, then tap your phone on the physical PauseBox to activate the blocking and start your focus session. This physical interaction creates a deliberate step to engage with your focus time. ### Can I block apps without using the physical PauseBox? Yes, PauseBox offers a 'Pause without tap' feature within the app. This allows you to initiate a focus session and block selected apps remotely if you are not near your physical PauseBox device. ### What kind of app groups can I create with PauseBox? You can create custom Pause Groups tailored to your needs, such as 'Work', 'Study', or 'Family Time'. Each group can have its own specific app rules, schedules, or timers to manage distractions effectively during different activities. ### Is PauseBox available on Android devices? Based on the current information, PauseBox is supported on iPhone devices. Further details on Android compatibility may be available from the developer. ### How often is PauseBox updated? The latest version of PauseBox is 2.2, and it was last updated on February 25, 2026. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing development and support. ### What is the age rating for PauseBox? PauseBox has an age rating of 4+. This means it is considered appropriate for children aged 4 and older, with no significant mature content. ### What do users like about PauseBox? Users appreciate the unique physical barrier approach to digital distractions, which helps in breaking habit loops. The ability to create custom groups and schedule focus sessions also contributes to its positive reception. ### Does PauseBox offer different subscription tiers? PauseBox is currently available for free and does not mention any in-app purchases or subscription models. Users can access its features without any cost. ## Version history (last 4 releases) ### 3.1 — 2026-06-02 Fixes a bug where some users updating from a previous version saw their selected apps remain blocked even after unpausing. This update resolves it automatically — no action needed on your part. ### 2.2 — 2026-02-25 - Custom Website Blocking: Take full control of your focus by blocking specific URLs. - Enhanced Shortcuts: You can now select "Pause Session" directly within the "Start Pause Session" shortcut for smoother automation. - Advanced Analytics (Beta): Track your progress over 7, 30, and 45-day intervals to see long-term trends. - Streaks (Beta): Stay motivated and build consistency with our new streak tracking feature. - Performance Improvements: General bug fixes and UI refinements for a smoother experience. ### 2.1 — 2026-01-21 PauseBox 2.1 Update: - Strict Pause Mode For users seeking a more committed boundary: when enabled, PauseBox cannot be deleted during an active Pause session. In coordination with a Shortcuts automation, you can also prevent access to the Settings app, ensuring your Pause session remains uninterrupted. Setup instructions are available at getpausebox.com/pages/strictpausemode. - Shortcuts Integration PauseBox now integrates with the Apple Shortcuts app to allow for automated Pause sessions. You can now: Trigger a Pause session based on your location, such as when arriving at a workspace. Set a recurring schedule for bedtime or specific times of day. Automatically start a session when your phone connects to your car. Assign specific Pause Groups to activate for each automation. To get started, create a new automation in the Shortcuts app and search for "Start Pause Session." Enhanced Emergency Shut Off The emergency exit has been redesigned with a multi-step verification process. This ensures that ending a Pause session early is a deliberate choice rather than an impulsive one. Bug Fixes and Improvements Improved session reliability and background handling. General stability improvements to ensure consistent app performance. ### 1.0 — 2025-09-05 No release notes. ## Apps similar to PauseBox | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [White Screen: Minimal Launcher](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/white-screen-minimal-launcher/id6737041451) | 4.7 (155) | Free | Productivity | | [Bloom - Conquer Screen Time](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bloom-conquer-screen-time/id6736728158) | 4.8 (2,423) | Free | Productivity | | [Smile App Launcher](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smile-app-launcher/id6612008811) | 4.8 (257) | Free | Productivity | | [DopaPause \| Refresh your mind](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dopapause-refresh-your-mind/id6741738900) | 4.7 (853) | Free | Productivity | | [Refiners Fire](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refiners-fire/id6758857657) | 3.3 (25) | Free | Productivity | | [Blok — Screen Time Blocker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blok-screen-time-blocker/id6477306136) | 4.6 (733) | Free | Productivity | ## Related topics [distraction blocking](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/distraction-blocking) · [tirthankar bhattacharya](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/tirthankar-bhattacharya) · [phone distraction](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/phone-distraction) · [jack cornet paterson](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/jack-cornet-paterson) · [odigolive](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/odigolive) · [app blocking tools for productivity](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/app-blocking-tools-for-productivity) --- *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.*