Return: Screen Time & Focus
Pause with your own words
About
This app helps you pause before opening distracting apps by displaying personalized reminders. It offers a free trial and optional subscriptions for enhanced features, promoting mindful usage and intentionality throughout your day.
What's New in Return
1.1.1
October 25, 2026
Refined Home and Settings spacing and reminder summaries. Made the return action clearer and centered the Echo deletion confirmation. New users now see Light widgets and written dates by default; existing choices are preserved.
MoreSubscriptions & In-App Purchases
Return Yearly
Your own words, before apps and every day.
FAQ
What is Return's main purpose?
Return aims to help users pause before opening distracting apps by displaying personalized reminders called Echoes. This provides a moment to decide whether to proceed or engage in a more intentional activity.
How does Return work with apps?
You select apps you tend to open without thinking. When you go to open one of these apps, Return displays your saved reminder, giving you a chance to reconsider your action.
Does Return have ads?
No, Return does not contain advertisements. The app is free to use with optional in-app purchases for full functionality.
What are the subscription options for Return?
Return offers a monthly subscription for $6.99 and a yearly subscription for $39.99. These memberships unlock personal Echoes, reminders, and content creation/editing features.
Is there a free trial for Return?
Yes, Return offers a 72-hour free trial after completing the initial setup. No subscription starts automatically, and you won't be charged unless you choose to subscribe.
Can I still use Return after the trial without subscribing?
Yes, after the 72-hour trial, you can still keep selected apps locked, choose to continue, and have them re-lock without a membership. You can also read saved Echoes and ideas.
What permissions does Return require?
Return requires Screen Time permission to pause selected apps and separate permission for notifications. iOS controls notification timing and Live Activity presentation.
Does Return track my activity within other apps?
No, Return does not read what you view inside other apps. It focuses on providing a pause before you open them and offers optional usage check-ins during a session.