# ScreenZen- Screen Time Control — App blocker, limit screen time

> App blocker and screen time control with customizable usage limits and delays. (iPhone/iPad app by ScreenZen LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087)
- Category: Productivity, Health & Fitness
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.90/5 from 46,311 App Store ratings · 6,045 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.4 · 116 MB
- Languages: American English, French (France), German (Germany), Chinese (Simplified, China), European Spanish, Vietnamese
- Released: 2021-07-16
- Data updated: 2026-08-27
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews.md

## What is ScreenZen?

Multiple strategies to reduce your screentime

1. Delay before opening your app: A bit of time before choosing if you need to open your distracting app. You can have the wait time increase each time you open your app.

2. Interrupt your scrolling: Check your distracting apps for short periods of time so you don't get sucked in.

3. Set an app goal and optionally block when you reach your limit.

4. Configurable for different days of the week and time by app.

5. Messages like "Is this important" before opening your app.

6. See your screen time for only your distracting apps. Don't worry about Google Maps bloating up your time.

7. Strict block your apps: Either for time ranges, after a certain number of opens or ScreenTime.

8. Locks on Settings to prevent you from changing your settings when you want to open an app.

9. Breathing and other activities to encourage you not to need to open the app while waiting for it to unlock.

10. Streaks to encourage you not to exceed your limits or override your settings.

## Key features

- Delayed app opening
- Scrolling interruption
- Set app goals and limits
- Configurable daily schedules
- Strict app blocking
- Screen time tracking for distracting apps
- Settings protection locks

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kind Tip | $5.00 | one-time |
| Generous Tip | $10.00 | one-time |
| Amazing Tip | $20.00 | one-time |
| Fantastic Tip | $40.00 | one-time |


## Chart rankings

- #178 in Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

## What do users think of ScreenZen?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Completely reversed my scrolling addiction
- 🚀 Helps manage screen time
- 👍 Excellent app, easy to use
- 👍 Genuinely the best screentime app out there
- 👍 Effective in avoiding doom scrolling
- 👍 Helps be more intentional with phone usage
- 👍 Saves time, reduces screen time
- 👍 Helps with productivity and focus
- 👍 Customizable, with lots of features
- 👍 Free, no ads or subscriptions

**Cons**

- 🐛 Buggy, sometimes doesn't unlock apps
- 🐛 Notifications can't break through
- 🐛 Inconsistent UI across devices

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Unlock button not working as expected
- App stops working after some time
- Compatibility issues with iOS 16 update

**Most requested features**

- Add more customization options
- Integrate with productivity/to-do apps
- Add more pause/break options
- Improve website blocking functionality

## Recent user reviews (10 of 6,045)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Lowered screen time

*2026-08-22, version 1.2.178*

This app has genuinely helped me lower my screen time so much I highly highly recommend it

### 5/5 — Helped me

*2026-08-22, version 1.2.178*

This app helped me get over my phone addiction.

### 5/5 — Easy to use

*2026-08-22, version 1.2.178*

It’s very easy to use and so effective

### 5/5 — Amazing

*2026-08-22, version 1.2.178*

I've now gotten over my addiction to social medias with this app. Just passed 400 day streak! It has great specifications for times also! This app has done wonders to my life. I'd give it 6 stars if I could!

### 5/5 — only app that works

*2026-08-22, version 1.2.178*

i have tipped on multiple devices because ts really works. i highly appreciate the low one time price. truly doing the lords work and i cant wait till ur product is available in australia!

### 5/5 — Works great

*2026-08-22, version 1.2.178*

Great app that works great for what I use it for. I love the streak feature on it, mentally it’s a huge boost to just see it go up and discourages you from breaking it. I do wish there was a 1/4 open and a 3/4 open. I find sometimes I open it then get a call and my open is either immediately gone or in half :(

### 5/5 — Actually has reduced my screen time

*2026-08-22, version 1.2.178*

ScreenZen is the only restriction app or limitation that has stopped the doomscrolling black holes where I cannot stop myself watching short form videos for hours, messing up my sleep and ignoring my responsibilities. Being able to set a wait limit before you can access an app is key to breaking the cycle. I chose hard mode (30 seconds) which really gives you time to reassess what you are doing and why you are doing it. As well as you can set time limits for how long you can have access and how many uses you have per day - so you can limit total time possible on an app for an entire day. I gave myself 8 windows of 15 minutes (2 hours total) and haven’t gone over that limit in the 3 months I have had ScreenZen whereas 2 hours used to a regular scroll session that would happen multiple times a day. 
Thank you for keeping such an important and useful app free.

### 5/5 — So easy and effective

*2026-08-22, version 1.2.178*

Simple and clean UI easy to tweak and setup, I much prefer this to the other app I was using!

### 5/5 — A game changer

*2026-08-22, version 1.2.178*

ScreenZen is wonderful because you get to decide consciously whether or not you’re going to scroll, rather than keeping going back automatically on social media or your favourite app without truly thinking about it. Without any frustration, I have greatly reduced my scrolling time! I now get to decide :)

### 5/5 — Really works for me

*2026-08-22, version 1.2.178*

I was struggling to put my phone down, this app works for me by reminding me to take a break. I’ve reduced my screen time significantly!

## Frequently asked questions about ScreenZen

### What does ScreenZen do?

ScreenZen helps you reduce your screen time by offering various control strategies. It allows you to set delays before opening distracting apps, interrupt your scrolling sessions, and set daily limits for app usage. The app aims to encourage more mindful interaction with your device.

### What are the key features of ScreenZen?

Key features include delayed app opening with increasing wait times, timed scrolling interruptions, setting app goals and limits, configurable schedules for different days, strict app blocking options, tracking screen time for only distracting apps, and locks on settings to prevent changes.

### Is ScreenZen free to use?

The application is free to download and use, but it offers in-app purchases. This means that while core functionalities are available for free, certain advanced features or customization options might require a purchase.

### How does ScreenZen help me manage my app usage?

It employs several methods to manage usage, such as making you wait before opening an app, breaking up long scrolling sessions, and allowing you to set specific time limits. It also offers strict blocking and encourages mindful breaks to help you avoid exceeding your desired usage.

### Can I customize ScreenZen for different days?

Yes, the app is highly configurable. You can set different app limits and blocking schedules for various days of the week and specific times. This allows you to tailor your screen time management to your daily routines and needs.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.2.178 — 2026-06-02

- Google sign-in option for halo and social features
- Buy a halo right from the app, with Apple Pay
- Significant halo accuracy and battery optimizations
- Sync and recover halo state automatically when you reopen the app
- Better support for user sign-out
- Bug fixes and stability improvements

### 1.2.177 — 2026-03-28

- Improved Halo setup for Bed and Desk placements
  - Fixes for Halo settings lock
  - Customize your Halo radius during setup
  - New options for Bluetooth disabled blocking behavior
  - Improved Halo signal accuracy and battery life
  - iPad layout and stability improvements
  - Bug fixes and performance improvements

### 1.2.176 — 2026-03-09

- Improved halo experience (now available in the US!)
- Restored “Warn before time expires” notifications option (based on your feedback!)
- Moved “Cooldown” option to Limit -> Customize Limit
- Bug fixes and stability improvements

### 1.2.175 — 2026-02-06

Live Activity Support
- See your unlock countdown in the Dynamic Island and quickly relock apps with one tap.

Redesigned App Group Settings
- Fully redesigned settings experience. 
- Combine strict blocking, limits, and break times all within a single app group.

Screen Time Challenge
- The daily screen time challenge is now supported again.

Shield Enhancements
- Launch interventions directly from the shield screen with an improved unlock flow.

*This release includes patch fixes for the larger release

### 1.2.174 — 2026-01-27

Live Activity Support
- See your unlock countdown in the Dynamic Island and quickly relock apps with one tap.

Redesigned App Group Settings
- Fully redesigned settings experience. 
- Combine strict blocking, limits, and break times all within a single app group.

Screen Time Challenge
- The daily screen time challenge is now supported again.

Shield Enhancements
- Launch interventions directly from the shield screen with an improved unlock flow.

Bug fixes and performance improvements.

## Apps similar to ScreenZen

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Opal: Screen Time Control](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opal-screen-time-control/id1497465230) | 4.7 (86,639) | Free | Productivity |
| [Freedom: Screen Time Control](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/freedom-screen-time-control/id1269788228) | 4.4 (5,715) | Free | Productivity |
| [one sec \| screen time + focus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/one-sec-screen-time-plus-focus/id1532875441) | 4.8 (23,378) | Free | Productivity |
| [Jomo - Screen Time Blocker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jomo-screen-time-blocker/id1609960918) | 4.8 (2,310) | Free | Productivity |
| [LockMe: Applock for Lock Apps](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockme-applock-for-lock-apps/id6460862187) | 4.6 (232) | Free | Productivity |
| [Lock Screen 26 - Top Widgets](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lock-screen-26-top-widgets/id1641143233) | 4.5 (7,781) | Free | Productivity |

## More apps by ScreenZen LLC

- [Bonsai - Private Photo Albums](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bonsai-private-photo-albums/id1619907273)

All apps by ScreenZen LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087

## Related topics

[screen locker](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/screen-locker) · [screen time manager](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/screen-time-manager) · [screen time reduce](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/screen-time-reduce) · [app limit screen](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/app-limit-screen) · [screen time control free](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/screen-time-control-free) · [screenzen](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/screenzen) · [app blocker free](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/app-blocker-free) · [app limit](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/app-limit) · [screen time free](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/screen-time-free) · [free screen time blocker](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/free-screen-time-blocker) · [screen time limit](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/screen-time-limit) · [limit screen time free](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/limit-screen-time-free) · [reduce screen time free](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/reduce-screen-time-free) · [app time limit free](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/app-time-limit-free) · [free screen time app](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/free-screen-time-app) · [free screen time reducer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/free-screen-time-reducer) · [screen time saver](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/screen-time-saver) · [free screen time manager](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/free-screen-time-manager) · [time blocker](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/time-blocker) · [time control](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/time-control)

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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 2026-08-27.*