Screen time guides
Practical help for blocking distracting apps, earning screen time, and changing the habits that keep pulling you back.
All articles
26 articles
Earn Screen TimeHow to Earn Screen Time on iPhone With Healthy HabitsEarn screen time on iPhone by completing healthy habits before distracting apps unlock. See how the approach differs from an ordinary daily limit.3 min read
ComparisonsThe Best Apps That Make You Earn Screen Time in 2026Compare apps that make you earn screen time in 2026, including Aura, One Thing, Unrot, PushScroll, and Clearspace.3 min read
Earn Screen TimeAn App That Blocks Social Media Until You ExerciseSee how apps block social media until you exercise, how movement can be verified, and how Aura converts supported workouts into screen time.2 min read
ComparisonsBest Screen Time Apps for Gen Z in 2026Compare Aura, one sec, ScreenZen, Opal, BePresent, and Brick by the behavior each one changes, the devices required, and the tradeoffs involved.3 min read
HabitsHow to Stop Doomscrolling in Bed: 6 Practical StepsUse app limits, a timed cutoff, and a finite replacement activity to stop doomscrolling in bed without making the rest of your iPhone unusable.3 min read
App BlockingHow to Block Instagram on iPhoneBlock Instagram on your iPhone with Screen Time limits, a Downtime schedule, reinstall restrictions, or Aura's habit-based access.4 min read
App BlockingHow to Block TikTok on iPhoneBlock TikTok on your iPhone with an App Limit, scheduled Downtime, website restrictions, or Aura's habit-based access.4 min read
App BlockingHow to Block X on iPhoneBlock X on your iPhone with a Screen Time limit, scheduled Downtime, website restrictions, or Aura's habit-based access.3 min read
App BlockingHow to Block Facebook on iPhoneBlock Facebook on your iPhone with an App Limit, scheduled Downtime, website restrictions, or Aura's habit-based access.3 min read
App BlockingHow to Block Reddit on iPhoneBlock Reddit on your iPhone with an App Limit, scheduled Downtime, website restrictions, or Aura's habit-based access.3 min read
App BlockingHow to Block YouTube on iPhoneBlock YouTube on your iPhone with an App Limit, scheduled Downtime, website restrictions, or Aura's habit-based access.3 min read
App BlockingHow to Block Snapchat on iPhoneBlock Snapchat on your iPhone with an App Limit, scheduled Downtime, website restrictions, or Aura's habit-based access.3 min read
App BlockingHow to Block Threads on iPhoneBlock Threads on your iPhone with an App Limit, scheduled Downtime, website restrictions, or Aura's habit-based access.3 min readComparisonsAura vs. Apple Screen TimeA built-in limit and an earn-to-unlock system solve different problems. See where each approach works and where it falls short.6 min read
HabitsHow to Stop Opening Social Apps Without ThinkingBreak the automatic check without pretending you will never scroll again.3 min readComparisonsAura vs. UnrotUnrot offers a broad task list and a growing buddy. Aura separates earning into four methods and uses a fixed one-coin, one-minute exchange.3 min readComparisonsAura vs. One ThingChoose One Thing for one defining daily commitment plus detailed schedules and progress analytics. Choose Aura when several habits should feed one predictable wallet of minutes.4 min readComparisonsAura vs. BrainrotChoose Brainrot for playful app and website blocking, smart schedules, focus timers, and usage insights. Choose Aura when completed habits should create the minutes you can spend.3 min readComparisonsAura vs. PushScrollChoose PushScroll for a fitness-first journey with guided workouts, pose detection, progression, and exercise reports. Choose Aura when exercise should be one of several ways to earn app time.3 min readComparisonsAura vs. OpalChoose Opal for cross-device focus rules and rich analytics. Choose Aura for a simpler earn-to-unlock habit exchange on iPhone.3 min readComparisonsAura vs. BePresentChoose BePresent for group sessions, leaderboards, daily screen-time goals, and partner rewards. Choose Aura when completed healthy habits should create a predictable balance of minutes.3 min readComparisonsAura vs. ScreenZenChoose ScreenZen for a free, highly configurable blocker. Choose Aura when delay alone is not enough and you want access tied to a verified habit.3 min readComparisonsAura vs. one secChoose one sec for research-backed interruption and cross-device friction. Choose Aura when you want a concrete action to sit between craving and access.3 min readComparisonsAura vs. ClearspaceChoose Clearspace for intentional sessions, accountability partners, budgets, and exercise-to-scroll challenges. Choose Aura when several kinds of verified habits should feed one minute balance.3 min readComparisonsAura vs. RefocusChoose Refocus for granular schedules, websites, strict modes, and Mac support. Choose Aura when you want positive action, not another challenge or passcode, to restore access.3 min readComparisonsAura vs. BrickChoose Brick for the strongest physical separation and a one-time hardware purchase. Choose Aura when you want a software-only system that rewards what you do before scrolling.3 min read
