# ReadFirst: App Blocker — Screen time & reading tracker

> Unlock apps by photographing book pages; track reading progress privately. (iPhone/iPad app by TrueDigital LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readfirst-app-blocker/id6821300340 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [TrueDigital LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6821095166)
- Category: Productivity, Books
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 23 MB
- Languages: American English, German (Germany)
- Released: 2026-10-13
- Data updated: 2026-10-31
- Monetization: subscription

## What is ReadFirst?

ReadFirst requires a purchase: an annual or monthly subscription, or a one-time purchase. All features below are included. New subscribers can try the annual plan free for 3 days.

ReadFirst puts a page before the feed.

Choose the apps that pull you in. ReadFirst locks them using Apple's Screen Time. When you want to use them, read a little in a printed book, take a photo of the page you reached, and your apps unlock for the number of minutes you set.

HOW IT WORKS
• You set the rule: reading one to five pages unlocks your apps for the number of minutes you choose.
• A short reading timer runs before you can take the photo, so a quick snapshot does not count.
• The photo is checked on your device. It is never uploaded or stored.
• Minutes only count down while you use your apps. Any unused minutes go back into your bank.
• Read more than you need, and the extra credit stays in your bank.
• You get one skip a week for the days when you need it. You can allow up to three in Settings.
• Set an optional daily limit if you want a ceiling.

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR READING
• Your bookshelf shows covers, page counts and the book you are currently reading.
• A daily goal, a streak and statistics by week, month and year.
• A reading log with every page you counted.
• Widgets, a reading timer on the Lock Screen, a Read Now control and Siri shortcuts.
• Works on iPhone and iPad.

PRIVATE FROM THE START
No account required. Your books and your reading stay on your device. When you look up a book or a cover, only its ISBN or title is sent to Open Library, Apple Books and public library catalogues. Anonymous usage statistics show us where the app can improve. They never include your name, books or photos. No ads, no tracking.

ReadFirst uses Apple's Screen Time API (Family Controls) with your permission. You can change or remove the lock at any time in the app or in iOS Settings.

PURCHASE AND SUBSCRIPTION
ReadFirst requires a purchase: an annual subscription, a monthly subscription or a one-time purchase. Each option gives you full access to every feature above. New subscribers can try the annual plan free for 3 days. Payment is charged to your Apple Account when you confirm the purchase or when the free trial ends. Subscriptions renew automatically unless you cancel at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. The renewal payment is charged within the last 24 hours of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscriptions in your Apple Account settings.

Terms of Use (EULA): https://getreadfirst.com/terms/
Privacy Policy: https://getreadfirst.com/privacy/

## Key features

- Photograph book pages to unlock apps
- Set custom unlock durations
- Track reading progress with statistics
- Bookshelf to manage reading material
- Widgets and Siri shortcuts
- Private and ad-free experience

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ReadFirst, annual | $39.99 | per year |
| ReadFirst, monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| ReadFirst, annual | $39.99 | per year |
| ReadFirst, annual | $39.99 | per year |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ReadFirst, one-time | $99.99 | one-time |


## Is ReadFirst safe?

Not enough ratings yet to assess ReadFirst.

## Is ReadFirst legit?

ReadFirst: App Blocker has limited verification signals. The AppsHunter Legitimacy Score for ReadFirst is 58 out of 100 points across 7 verification signals from App Store and developer data.


## Frequently asked questions about ReadFirst

### How does ReadFirst work?

ReadFirst requires you to photograph a page from a printed book before it unlocks your selected apps. You set the number of pages to read and how long your apps will be unlocked.

### What are the purchase options for ReadFirst?

ReadFirst offers a monthly subscription, an annual subscription, or a one-time purchase. New subscribers can try the annual plan free for 3 days.

### Does ReadFirst have ads?

No, ReadFirst is ad-free and does not include tracking. Your reading data and usage statistics remain private on your device.

### Can I manage my ReadFirst subscription?

Yes, you can manage or cancel your subscriptions at any time within your Apple Account settings. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the current period ends.

### What devices does ReadFirst support?

ReadFirst is compatible with both iPhone and iPad devices.

### How often is ReadFirst updated?

The latest version, 1.1.1, was released on October 22, 2026, indicating recent development activity. Updates typically address bug fixes and feature enhancements.

### What is the age rating for ReadFirst?

ReadFirst has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

### Does ReadFirst integrate with Apple's Screen Time?

Yes, ReadFirst utilizes Apple's Screen Time API (Family Controls) with your permission to lock applications. You can adjust or remove these locks within the app or iOS Settings.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.1.2 — 2026-10-27

Your time left now shows the same number everywhere and counts down cleanly before midnight. Plus small improvements to the awards.

### 1.1.1 — 2026-10-22

Ready for iPhone Duo. A more refined camera view and small design improvements.

### 1.1 — 2026-10-20

Awards: a new tab with medals for your reading milestones, some of them secret.

### 1.0.5 — 2026-10-16

Yes, another update. Your book would be proud.

### 1.0.4 — 2026-10-15

Small improvements and fixes for an even calmer reading experience.

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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 2026-10-31.*