Roots: Screen Time Control

Roots: Screen Time Control

App Blocker & Dopamine Detox

3.3K ratings
370 reviews
Free
In-App Purchases

Details

Released
December 1, 2024
Updated
October 29, 2026

Features

Roots: Screen Time Control screenshot #1 for iPhone
Roots: Screen Time Control screenshot #2 for iPhone
Roots: Screen Time Control screenshot #3 for iPhone
Roots: Screen Time Control screenshot #4 for iPhone
Roots: Screen Time Control screenshot #5 for iPhone
Roots: Screen Time Control screenshot #6 for iPhone
Roots: Screen Time Control screenshot #7 for iPhone
Roots: Screen Time Control screenshot #8 for iPhone
Roots: Screen Time Control screenshot #9 for iPhone
Roots: Screen Time Control screenshot #10 for iPhone
🖼️Get Icon
Icons↘︎

About

This app helps you manage your phone usage by setting app limits, scheduling downtime, and offering challenges to reduce screen time. It aims to improve focus, be more present, and cure phone addiction by monitoring digital dopamine and providing a personal balance score.

✓App and website blocking
✓Scheduled downtime
✓Phone detox challenges
✓Monk Mode for strict blocking
✓Digital dopamine monitoring
✓Daily goals and progress tracking
✓Personal balance score
Show original description

What users say about Roots

See all reviews

What's New in Roots

2.23

October 29, 2026

Thanks for using Roots! Here’s what’s new: - Custom block screens: Personalize your block screen with a message to yourself and a photo. - Push-ups to unblock: Earn an unblock with a quick set of push-ups, verified by your front camera. - Always Allowed Apps: Keep essentials like maps and messaging available during any block. We’ve also added a heads-up when your blocks include more apps than iOS can block at once, plus fixes for time-zone changes and repeated limit notifications. Questions or feedback? We’re always here: hello@getroots.app

More
10

Subscriptions & In-App Purchases

Premium Pass

Unlock all the Premium features!

$99.991 Year
1 Year trial
How to cancel Roots subscription ⁉️

Events

Read more about Phone Detox with Tj Power

Phone Detox with Tj Power

Rewire your brain in just 3 days.

Sep 8, 2025 — Sep 20, 2025

Read more about July 4th Weekend Detox

July 4th Weekend Detox

Break free from mindless scrolling for the weekend

Jul 4, 2025 — Jul 6, 2025

Read more about Summer Solstice Slowdown

Summer Solstice Slowdown

Be more present for the longest day of the year

Jun 21, 2025 — Jun 22, 2025

User reviews

A really good app, with an even better team behind it

The app is awesome, it does everything one needs it to do. I love the fact that I can block all apps, except the ones I need! So cool! Furthermore, the ability to have apps always blocked is very helpful, especially when you need to lock in for college assignments. There’s a new feature that’s I imagine is very helpful (I haven’t gotten the opportunity to try it, since the subscription ran out), you get to block apps just for a certain time, let’s say 30 minutes, and once the timer has ran out, your phone is back to normal. Other helpful features include the ability to customize the block screen, including Bible verses, amongst other options. There’s something for everyone!

However, the best thing about the app is the people behind it. I had the chance to get support from both the Founder and Co-founder, at it was nothing short of exceptional. They are very professional, but above all, they are kindhearted people. You can tell they’re not in it for the money, they really want people to improve with their screen time usage, and better their lives. As a college student all the expenses add up, and when I needed it most, they were able to gift me the subscription for a season. It was such a blessing to me, and I’m so grateful.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an app to help you get off your phone, draw near to God, and gain back your time, this is it. It has helped me tremendously with my screen time usage, dropping 2h within the first months of using it.

May the Lord bless you all in Jesus name, Amen.
Show more

Response from developer

Thank you so much, Blas! Cutting 2 hours a day in your first months while balancing college assignments is a huge achievement, and you should be really proud of it. We love that blocking everything except the apps you need has helped you lock in when it counts, and that your block screen keeps you grounded in what matters most to you. Wishing you continued focus and many more hours back for the things you love. Amen.

Highly recommend to those who need it.

I’m coming back 600 days later to review this app again. It is incredible. I went down from an average of 9-12 hours a day on my phone to 3-5. The apps blocking, block screen messages and support genuinely helped me beyond any other app.

Their customer service is on another level. The staff and founders actually care about any app issues, and work to try and help/fix whatever’s happening. Which they almost always do!

Sure, the apps a little buggy but that’s mainly the IOS connection which isn’t their fault. Any issues i’ve had with that they’ve helped me tremendously. Not to mention their app aesthetic and UI is peak. Makes me think about camping, and wanting to go outside.

It has genuinely helped me so much beyond what words can say, and while this is a bit of a love letter to the app and to the team, I still do recommend this app. Functionally easy to understand, customer service is perfection, actually helps cut down my screen time… PEAK!!!!
Show more

Response from developer

Coming back after 600 days to share this means so much, and going from 9–12 hours a day down to 3–5 is a remarkable transformation that you made happen. We love that it makes you think of camping and getting outside, and we hope you're spending plenty of those reclaimed hours doing just that. Thank you for trusting us with your journey all this time, and for such a heartfelt review!

Phenomenal App, God Level Founder, Outstanding Team.

This is literally my first ever review that am giving on the App Store for any app, but this app, the team & the founder wholeheartedly deserve it for creating a truly one of a kind Digital wellness companion. They have such a humanitarian side to them and are always ready to listen to suggestions, implement them, interact promptly and resolve issues. Grateful to have found this app, founder & team!
Show more

Response from developer

Thank you so much for making this your first-ever App Store review. That truly means the world to us! We're so grateful you've found Roots to be a meaningful companion on your digital wellness journey. Your suggestions and feedback help shape the experience for everyone, and we love being part of your progress. Here's to many more mindful days ahead!

Good

This app is so good but I gave 4 stars because it keep on cruss words at me ever time I try to open a app

Refocusing My Mind

Roots has given me an opportunity to focus more on God.

Developer apps

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

5 issues

Apps getting blocked when they shouldn't be

Bug

Screen time data not syncing correctly

Bug

Frequent app crashes and freezes

Bug

Subscription issues and inability to cancel

Bug

Trouble with the initial setup and syncing

Bug
✨

Requested Features

5 requests

Home screen and lock screen widgets

Feature

Customizable challenges and ability to share with friends

Feature

More options for the 'Do Not Disturb' mode

Feature

Improved analytics and progress tracking

Feature

Ability to easily adjust app limits without resetting

Feature

FAQ

What is Roots' primary function?

Roots is designed to help users manage their screen time and reduce phone addiction. It offers features like app blocking, scheduled downtime, and challenges to encourage healthier digital habits.

How does Roots help users reduce screen time?

It allows users to set time limits or opening limits for specific apps and websites. Features like 'Monk Mode' enforce strict blocking until the next day, and 'Phone Detox Challenges' provide structured programs to curb usage.

What are the subscription options for Roots?

Roots offers auto-renewing subscription plans, including 'Roots Plus' and 'Roots' monthly plans, with prices varying. Some plans offer free trial periods, such as a 3-day free trial for the weekly plan.

Is Roots available on all devices?

Based on the provided data, Roots is currently supported on iPhones. Information regarding Android or other platform availability is not specified.

How does Roots ensure user privacy?

Roots utilizes Apple's Screen Time API, which ensures that all of your phone usage data remains on your device. This means your personal usage information is not shared externally.

What is the 'Personal Balance Score' in Roots?

The Personal Balance Score is a daily metric provided by Roots to keep users accountable for their screen time. It is presented with beautiful illustrations and visuals to make tracking progress engaging.

How often is Roots updated?

The latest version of Roots is 2.23, and it was last updated on October 29, 2026. This indicates a relatively recent update based on the provided information.

What do users like most about Roots?

User reviews highlight that Roots is helpful for reducing screen time, effective in cutting down app usage, and offers customizable blocking and downtime settings. Users also appreciate its intuitive interface and features like 'Monk Mode'.