What I Needed
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!
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!
Show more
Fantastic app!
The team is so responsive and it’s truly helped me be more intentional with the time I spend on my phone
только открыл
вроде норм
This app works wonders
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.
Show more
Great tool for phone addiction
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!
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!
Show more
Response from developer
Thank you for sharing this - going from locking social apps until the afternoon to removing them entirely in six months is a real transformation, and that's all you. It's wonderful to hear it's helped you stay on track with graduate school during such a big transition. Wishing you continued momentum with school and with the habits you've built.
Nice
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
Horrible app set up screen time password without telling you
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.
COSTLY!!
this app was awesome and helps me so much during the free trial, if it had more free aspects i’d definitely use it!!
Helped when I needed it
Had the app for about a year. It was a great to me at a time that I needed it.
Can't delete from iPhone
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
I love you
Roots, I love you so much. I would name my first born after you. As a phone addicted student, you’re the reason I’m not failing. I’ve tried everythinggg and it wasn’t until I found you that I was finally able to focus and study.
The fact that you can’t alter or delete a block until the time is up is just *chefs kiss*. It keeps me check. Every time I’m scrolling on insta and see “It’s time to take a break” it’s like a warm kiss on the forehead and a gentle nudge from roots telling me to go back to work. I’m finally starting to get my life back on track.
The fact that you can’t alter or delete a block until the time is up is just *chefs kiss*. It keeps me check. Every time I’m scrolling on insta and see “It’s time to take a break” it’s like a warm kiss on the forehead and a gentle nudge from roots telling me to go back to work. I’m finally starting to get my life back on track.
Show more
Incredible but needs free version
During my free trial, it worked incredibly, but the target audience of people that want help with their screen time is largely going to be from 13-21, which most kids in that age can’t pay that subscription, and I understand that you need to make money off this, but maybe it needs a free version with just less options. Again, it worked incredibly for me but I just need a free version.
Show more
Horrible app
Why would they make you pay for getting better habits
Super Effective
I started using this app to help fight my phone addiction back in August of 2025 and I must admit that it works well. I have a 340 day streak and haven’t felt the need to break it as if I need to adjust my screen time limits I can after a 12 hour cooldown. I often actually forget to adjust after initiating the cool down, signaling it probably wasn’t that important anyways. As a student, this is a great way to actually brick your phone for studying—would totally recommend to all students out there that need help disconnecting from their phone.
Show more
Recommend
Great UX, even better developer. Cares about users
Response from developer
Thank you so much for this thoughtful review! We're glad the experience has been smooth and that you're feeling supported along the way. Wishing you continued progress toward your screen time goals!
It helps
This app will reduce your screen time!! It helps me a lot
Response from developer
Thank you so much for sharing this, Sophie! We're thrilled to hear it's helping you cut down on screen time. Wishing you continued success on your journey!
Helped decrease the doom scroll
I have been using this app for a little over a year and absolutely love it! I tend to go monk mode and it has helped with the impulsivity of just scrolling on my phone with no purpose. I have also discovered my mental health is better due to less time on social media and other apps. I’ve become more active and engaged face to face with my community.
Show more
Changed my Life
I’ve never written a review for an app before - but this app warrants all the five stars I can give. I downloaded the app around a year and a half ago, and it has completely changed the way I interact with my phone and social media. Before Roots, I had a very difficult time resisting the addictive effect of scrolling through endless reels and posts. Especially as a student, I wanted to curb my social media use to invest more time in my studies. By setting three five minute limits for social media, I am still able to interact and respond to friends’ posts and engage in content I find interesting without falling down the rabbit hole of endless scrolling. I also find the ability to build a “streak” to gain “pauses” aka individual days without limits very encouraging and effective. In my experience, it is worth every penny.
Show more
Response from developer
Thanks so much for sharing this, it truly means a lot to hear how Roots has helped reclaim your time for what matters most to you. Turning three five-minute limits into a sustainable, year-and-a-half habit while balancing studies is a real testament to your commitment. Wishing you continued success on your journey!
Great App
Simple and intuitive. Effective!
Nice
Really getting me off my phone
