# Smile to Unlock: App Blocker — Dopamine Detox & Screen Time > Dopamine Detox & Screen Time (iPhone/iPad app by Jan Piotrzkowski.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smile-to-unlock-app-blocker/id6787499000 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Jan Piotrzkowski](https://appshunter.io/developer/6783748789) - Category: Productivity, Health & Fitness - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 17.0 · 37 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2026-07-31 - Data updated: 2026-08-18 - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smile-to-unlock-app-blocker/id6787499000/reviews.md ## What is Smile to Unlock? Stop scrolling on autopilot. Smile to Unlock is a mindful app blocker that puts one small pause between the urge to open a distracting app and the feed waiting behind it. Instead of another harsh screen time limit, you unlock protected apps with a real smile. That tiny moment gives you a chance to notice what you're doing and choose whether you actually want to keep scrolling. HOW IT WORKS Choose the apps you tend to overscroll with Apple's Screen Time picker. Open one and a shield appears instead of the feed. Smile at the front camera to unlock the app for about 15 minutes. Or tap "Not now" and walk away. Both choices count. Your streak grows when you smile and when you resist an impulsive open. BREAK THE SCROLLING LOOP Sometimes your thumb gets to the feed before the decision does. Smile to Unlock adds gentle friction at exactly that moment. Use it when you want to reduce screen time, stop doomscrolling, take a digital detox, try a dopamine detox, or simply build a healthier relationship with distracting apps. A MINDFUL APP BLOCKER No guilt. No scolding. No complicated productivity system. Just a small, playful interruption that turns an automatic app open into a conscious choice. BUILD HEALTHIER SCREEN TIME • Protect the apps you overscroll • Unlock with a natural smile • Get about 15 minutes of intentional access • Choose "Not now" when you'd rather walk away • Build streaks from smiles and resisted opens • Fill your daily goal ring • Track milestones at 7, 30, 100 and 365 days • Keep an optional private smile library PRIVATE BY DESIGN Smile detection runs on your iPhone. No account is required. There are no ads, and the core experience works offline. Smile photos are optional. If enabled, they stay on your device and can be deleted whenever you want. LESS AUTOPILOT. MORE CHOICE. You don't need to quit your phone or delete every distracting app. Sometimes one mindful pause is enough to change what happens next. Smile. Decide. Unlock - or don't. SUBSCRIPTION Smile to Unlock requires a subscription. Monthly and yearly plans are available, and the yearly plan includes a 3-day free trial. Subscriptions are managed through your Apple ID and can be canceled in App Store settings. Terms of Use: https://readbuildship.com/apps/smilelock/terms Privacy Policy: https://readbuildship.com/apps/smilelock/privacy ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **Subscriptions** | Subscription | Price | Period | | --- | --- | --- | | Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month | | Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year | ## Version history (last 2 releases) ### 1.1 — 2026-08-18 Fixed a red warning that could flash above your dashboard the first time you opened the app after setup. ### 1.0 — 2026-07-31 No release notes. ## More apps by Jan Piotrzkowski - [Sandpiper - Cozy Beach Arcade](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandpiper-cozy-beach-arcade/id6783748786) - [Murmur: EPUB Reader & PDF](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/murmur-epub-reader-and-pdf/id6787502394) - [Orbit: ADHD Time Tracker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbit-adhd-time-tracker/id6789995389) All apps by Jan Piotrzkowski: https://appshunter.io/developer/6783748789 --- *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 2026-08-18.*