# Rot Stop — Block Distractions

> iOS app to block distracting apps using NFC, schedules, and usage limits. (iPhone/iPad app by Pablo Eder.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rot-stop/id6757883638 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Pablo Eder](https://appshunter.io/developer/1869436638)
- Category: Productivity
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.88/5 from 8 App Store ratings · 5 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.0 · 4 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2026-01-27
- Data updated: 2026-07-29
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rot-stop/id6757883638/reviews.md

## What is Rot Stop?

Rot Stop is a privacy-first iOS app that helps you stop digital rot by blocking distracting apps using NFC tags, schedules, usage limits, or any combination.

No subscriptions. No cloud.

How Rot Stop Works

- Choose the apps you want to block: social media, games, shopping, or anything distracting.
- Create multiple groups for different contexts (work, study, sleep)
- (Optional) NFC tags:  scan a physical tag to lock or unlock. Real-world friction you can't tap through.
- Schedules: auto-lock apps at specific times and days (work hours, bedtime, weekends)
- Usage limits: auto-block apps after a daily time threshold
- Mix and match: add a schedule and an NFC tag to the same group

Your Pet

Rot Stop includes a virtual pet that mirrors your habits. Lock apps daily and your pet stays happy. Skip a day and it starts to worry. Miss a full week and it reverts to an egg. 

Why NFC?

Your focus is protected by something you can't tap through.

Schedules and limits work automatically, but for the moments you want full control, an NFC tag creates a physical pause between impulse and action.

## Key features

- Block distracting apps
- NFC tag integration
- Custom schedules
- Usage limits
- App groups for contexts
- Virtual pet habit tracker

## Recent user reviews (5 of 5)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rot-stop/id6757883638/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Love this app!

*2026-05-15*

I never write reviews but this app is genius and I have recommended it to all my friends. Afaik, it functions just as well as Brick and it’s free. Love it.

### 4/5 — Would be a 5 But No Support & the Scheduler locked me out of my apps completely

*2026-03-20*

I have really enjoyed using this app the last month but I tried the scheduled blocks yesterday and despite the app saying it was "unblocked" I was completely blocked from my apps & even when I scanned my NFC tag & IT said apps were unblocked, my apps continued to be blocked. I had to delete the app & redownload to full re-set everything to access my apps. Will not be using the scheduler moving forward until glitches like this are dealt with. I do have an older phone (13) but the software is updated...

**Developer response:** Hi Daisy! Would you mind sending us an email at support@rotstop.app I would like to replicate the error so I can fix the bug. 

Would be helpful to know the schedule dates and times that were designated and the incorrect one, etc. 

Thank you!

### 5/5 — Awesome App

*2026-03-17*

I’m so happy I didn’t spend the money on a brick! Instead I spent $5 and I got 10 tokens to use with rot stop! I’m not super tech savvy but it literally could not be easier to set up and use!!!

### 5/5 — Amazing

*2026-02-20*

This is such a great app. I love that all you need is an NFC tag which makes this so cheap and accessible!!! So far so good :)

### 5/5 — Amazing for doomscrolling

*2026-02-20*

Stop doomscrolling with an old bus pass! Yay!! I would pay a few bucks for this. Please consider adding an area where you can see and select apps by top screen time. Would also love general screentime reports and/or “you’ve gotten x hours of your life back from (app) over the past (select timeframe)!”

## Frequently asked questions about Rot Stop

### What is Rot Stop?

Rot Stop is a privacy-first iOS app designed to help users block distracting applications. It utilizes features like NFC tags, schedules, and usage limits to create friction against digital distractions and improve focus.

### How does Rot Stop use NFC tags?

NFC tags can be optionally used with Rot Stop to lock or unlock specific app groups. This adds a physical step, creating real-world friction to pause impulsive app usage and reinforce focus.

### Can Rot Stop block apps automatically?

Yes, Rot Stop offers automatic blocking through custom schedules for specific times and days, as well as usage limits that block apps after a set daily threshold.

### What is the virtual pet in Rot Stop?

The virtual pet in Rot Stop mirrors your app usage habits. It stays happy when you block apps daily, becomes worried if you skip days, and reverts to an egg if you miss a full week, gamifying focus.

### Does Rot Stop have ads?

No, Rot Stop does not contain advertisements. The app is free and does not include any in-app purchases or ads.

### What devices does Rot Stop support?

Rot Stop is available for iPhone and iPad devices, making it accessible to a wide range of iOS users looking to improve their digital habits.

### How often is Rot Stop updated?

The latest version of Rot Stop is 1.71, last updated on March 30, 2026. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing development and support for the application.

### What is the age rating for Rot Stop?

Rot Stop has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a broad audience, including younger users who may benefit from developing healthy digital habits.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.80 — 2026-05-17

• iOS 26.4 ready : app blocking works reliably with the new Screen Time permission
• The Rot Stop version is now shown in the home footer
• Performance and stability improvements

If your pet has evolved, you may see a rating prompt: your feedback helps shape future updates.

### 1.79 — 2026-04-21

Reliability and polish:

• Schedules now re-engage correctly after an emergency unlock, even if the app is force-quit during the 3-minute window
• Usage limit blocks now reset at midnight reliably 
• Fixed a block bypass: you can no longer edit a locked group's app list, schedule, or usage limit to instantly unblock your apps
• Lock Stats: multi-day lock sessions are now split correctly across each day
• Screen Time tab: the total-screen-time summary stays pinned

### 1.71 — 2026-03-30

Bug fix: Fixed a notification that incorrectly told you your pet was worried, even though it is probably happy.

### 1.70 — 2026-03-26

- Bug fixes including incorrect streak display

### 1.69 — 2026-03-26

Now with more ways to block distractions!
• No Need for NFCs anymore! Starting with this version, users can select multiple ways to block their apps
• New streamlined setup lets you pick how you want to block (NFC Tag, Schedule, or Usage Limit) then optionally layer on additional mechanisms
• Fully automatic groups: Non-NFC groups run entirely on autopilot 
• Bug fixes & polish: Fixed stale shields after phone restarts, improved pet reactivity, and smoother editing 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 2026-07-29.*
