# Roots: Screen Time Control — App Blocker & Dopamine Detox

> App blocker and screen time manager for digital detox and focus. (iPhone/iPad app by MWM.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roots-screen-time-control/id6446800962 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [MWM](https://appshunter.io/developer/452269707)
- Category: Productivity, Health & Fitness
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 2,497 App Store ratings · 352 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 376 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2023-08-28
- Data updated: 2026-09-08
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roots-screen-time-control/id6446800962/reviews.md

## What is Roots?

Roots is the #1 screen time app.

Set boundaries with your phone, and unlock more time. 

Screen time has a major impact on our mental and physical wellbeing. We're here to help — with better app limits, digital downtime, daily goals, balance score, and more. 

Join thousands of people using Roots to build a better relationship with their phone.  

WHAT TO EXPECT
- Better screen time management
- Unlock 2 hours per day
- Stop scrolling mindlessly
- Cure your phone addiction
- Detox from phone dopamine
- Find better balance
- Be more present 
- Stay focused

BLOCK NOW
- Start blocking apps at any time with one tap

BETTER APP LIMITS
- Block any app or website based on time limits or number of opens

SCHEDULE DOWNTIME
- Be intentional with "mindful mornings", "evening wind down", and more

PHONE DETOX CHALLENGES
- Personalized challenges to compete with yourself and friends
- Challenges with neuroscientist and Roots Chief Science Officer, Tj Power

BLOCK WITH "MONK MODE"
- App blocking that doesn't let you unblock until tomorrow 

MONITOR DIGITAL DOPAMINE
- Not all screen time is equal, so we help you understand the impact of each app

DAILY GOALS
- Set goals for screen time and phone pickups, and track your daily progress

PERSONAL BALANCE SCORE
- Daily score helps keep you accountable with beautiful illustrations and visuals 

SCREEN TIME TRENDS
- View the progress and trends of your screen time journey

BUILD A STREAK
- Build a streak as you stay under limits, earn cheat days and custom app icons

BLOCK ADULT WEBSITES
- Keep yourself off adult websites once and for all


DON’T JUST TAKE IT FROM US

"We’re all guilty of being obsessed with our phones. Roots helps you break free." -- Tj Power, Neuroscientist and Author

“It's beautiful, and it works” -- Jameston78 

“This app does what it says” -- Casper-F

“Worth every penny” -- Thehikingfool


PRIVACY GUARANTEED
We use Apple’s Screen Time API so all of your phone usage data stays on your phone.

TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Auto-Renewing Subscription Options: Roots Plus (Monthly or Annual)
- Terms: https://www.getroots.app/terms
- Privacy Policy: https://www.getroots.app/privacy-policy

## Key features

- 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

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $99.99 | per year |
| Premium | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Roots - Monthly Plan | $19.99 | per month |
| Roots - Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium Pass | $19.99 | per month |
| Premium | $69.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $99.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $99.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $59.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Monthly Plan | $6.99 | per month |
| Roots Plus - Weekly Plan | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $79.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $59.99 | per year |


## What do users think of Roots?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Helpful for reducing screen time
- 🚀 Effective in cutting down app usage
- 💡 Customizable app blocking and downtime settings
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 👍 Responsive customer support
- 💡 Useful features like 'Monk Mode' and 'Dopamine Hits'
- 👍 Positive impact on productivity and focus
- 👍 Appreciated the student/needs-based discounts

**Cons**

- 🐛 Occasional performance issues and bugs
- 🐛 Inconsistent app blocking and unblocking
- 🐛 Inaccurate screen time tracking
- 🐛 Difficulty deleting account or changing subscription
- 🐛 Frustrating when apps are locked unexpectedly

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Apps getting blocked when they shouldn't be
- Screen time data not syncing correctly
- Frequent app crashes and freezes
- Subscription issues and inability to cancel
- Trouble with the initial setup and syncing

**Most requested features**

- Home screen and lock screen widgets
- Customizable challenges and ability to share with friends
- More options for the 'Do Not Disturb' mode
- Improved analytics and progress tracking
- Ability to easily adjust app limits without resetting

## Recent user reviews (10 of 352)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roots-screen-time-control/id6446800962/reviews.md

### 5/5 — What I Needed

*2026-09-02, version 2.20*

Hello. I needed an app that could shut down my whole phone, and yet make it completely usable at the same time. I needed an app to not be obnoxious, but to be calm, helpful, and diligent in reminding me WHY I need this. I needed an app to thoroughly think of and block all the backhand ways I can cheat the 
blocking features when im not in control of myself. And yet, I still needed to be able to use the phone for a multitude of purposes.
Roots is that app. Thank you. This is the perfect app for my problems. Please continue to update it with useful soul-saving tools!

### 5/5 — Fantastic app!

*2026-08-31, version 2.20*

The team is so responsive and it’s truly helped me be more intentional with the time I spend on my phone

### 5/5 — только открыл

*2026-08-16, version 2.20*

вроде норм

### 5/5 — This app works wonders

*2026-08-01, version 2.20*

If you’re looking to change your habits this app is a great start. Within a week of having it installed I cut my screen time in half. I feel so much more productive and more in touch with what’s going on around me. This app is truly an amazing tool to help those who want to experience a positive change in their life.

### 5/5 — Great tool for phone addiction

*2026-07-29, version 2.20*

I recently started graduate school after a long period of a work sabbatical & in that time a lot of bad habits around my phone usage got their hooks in me. Because I wasn’t working, I emailed the developers to see if I could use the Pro version for free and they got back to me right away and granted that to me. It was very nice! :) 

This app has been extremely helpful for understanding just how much time I spend on my phone scrolling social media, and being able to create better habits from that info. Thanks to the app, I was able to start locking myself out of all social apps until the early afternoon, then changed it to 5 pm, and now have taken them off my phone entirely while still locking myself out of the web versions….all within six months of having this tool. That wouldn’t have been possible without this app. It’s been very helpful for keeping me on track with school. 

The functionality of it is great, it’s easy to navigate, & given me a clear picture of what’s needed to change. I appreciate that you can easily choose which apps to include or take off of your usage report, as I don’t really need to know how much time I spend on search engines or maps since those are tools and not distractions for me. 

Overall, this app is a great tool for anyone wanting to make positive changes around their phone usage so they can start living life!

### 5/5 — Nice

*2026-07-26, version 2.20*

You can do most of the things such as blocking from time limits, blocking from days and times for specific things, and a score to tell you how well you are doing

### 1/5 — Horrible app set up screen time password without telling you

*2026-07-23, version 2.20*

I download the app expecting it to be free. It’s not it’s cost money. And randomly set up a Screen Time password, which I didn’t know which sent me a long time trying to figure it out.

### 3/5 — COSTLY!!

*2026-07-23, version 2.20*

this app was awesome and helps me so much during the free trial, if it had more free aspects i’d definitely use it!!

### 5/5 — Helped when I needed it

*2026-07-22, version 2.20*

Had the app for about a year. It was a great to me at a time that I needed it.

### 1/5 — Can't delete from iPhone

*2026-07-21, version 2.20*

After approving this app's access to my screentime, Deleting this app has been restricted because it needs a screentime passcode. This app requires a subscription, so why can't it disable screentime access? This app isn't free so don't approe access If you're not gnna pay

## Frequently asked questions about Roots

### What does Roots: Screen Time Control do?

Roots is an app designed to help you manage your screen time and reduce phone addiction. It allows you to set limits on app usage, schedule periods of digital downtime, and offers features like 'Monk Mode' for uninterrupted focus. The app aims to improve your overall well-being by fostering a healthier relationship with your phone.

### What are the key features of Roots?

Key features include the ability to block any app or website based on time limits or number of opens, scheduling intentional downtime like 'mindful mornings' or 'evening wind down', and participating in personalized phone detox challenges. It also offers 'Monk Mode' for strict app blocking, monitoring digital dopamine impact, setting daily goals, and a personal balance score for accountability.

### How much does Roots: Screen Time Control cost?

The app offers auto-renewing subscription options, including Roots Plus, available on a monthly or annual basis. While the base app may offer some functionality, premium features and extended access are likely part of these subscription plans. Specific pricing details can be found within the app or on its terms and conditions page.

### Is Roots compatible with my device?

The application utilizes Apple's Screen Time API, indicating it is designed for iOS devices. All your phone usage data is kept on your device, ensuring privacy. For specific version compatibility, it's recommended to check the app store listing for the most up-to-date information.

### What are common use cases for Roots?

Common use cases include stopping mindless scrolling, curing phone addiction, detoxing from phone dopamine, finding better balance in daily life, being more present, and staying focused on tasks. Users also employ it to block adult websites and build streaks of staying under their set screen time limits.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.20 — 2026-07-15

Thanks for using Roots! This update gives you more ways to personalize your blocking experience.

You can now customize more of what appears on your block screens, and the Blocking tab now includes smarter recommendations to help you set up blocks that work better for you.

Questions or feedback? We’re always here: hello@getroots.app

### 2.19 — 2026-06-24

Thanks for using Roots! This update makes strict blocking more flexible while still keeping you accountable.
If you forget to add an app to an active block, you can now add more apps even when editing is locked — without turning off the block or waiting for it to end.
We’ve also included a few small improvements and bug fixes to keep Roots running smoothly.
Have questions or feedback? We’re always here: hello@getroots.app

### 2.18 — 2026-05-27

Thanks for using Roots! This update includes a refreshed Home tab with a new heat map to help you spot screen time patterns, Live Activities for temporary unblocks so you can see when apps will be blocked again, plus bug fixes and performance improvements.

Questions or feedback? We're always here: hello@getroots.app

### 2.17 — 2026-04-30

Thanks for using Roots! This update includes: 

- Customize notifications for each block, including a new alert when you reach 50% of your limit 
- Exclude apps from Screen Time reports right from the home tab 
- A smoother, simpler app selector 
- Bug fixes and performance improvements 

Questions or feedback? We're always here: hello@getroots.app

### 2.16 — 2026-03-26

App optimization and bug fixes 
Enjoy!!!

## Apps similar to Roots

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Opal: Screen Time Control](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opal-screen-time-control/id1497465230) | 4.7 (87,348) | Free | Productivity |
| [Jomo - Screen Time Blocker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jomo-screen-time-blocker/id1609960918) | 4.8 (2,339) | Free | Productivity |
| [one sec \| screen time + focus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/one-sec-screen-time-plus-focus/id1532875441) | 4.8 (23,440) | Free | Productivity |
| [Freedom: Screen Time Control](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/freedom-screen-time-control/id1269788228) | 4.4 (5,806) | Free | Productivity |
| [ScreenZen- Screen Time Control](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222) | 4.9 (48,969) | Free | Productivity |
| [Zario: Screen Time & Focus AI](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zario-screen-time-and-focus-ai/id1611031269) | 4.6 (53) | Free | Productivity |

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All apps by MWM: https://appshunter.io/developer/452269707

## Related topics

[root](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/root) · [screenzen](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/screenzen) · [screen detox](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/screen-detox) · [phone addiction](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/phone-addiction)

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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 2026-09-08.*