Apps to Block Phone Apps to Increase Work Productivity Forum

[NewSouthernAssociate]

I’ve been getting getting more distracted than usual over the last couple months and am curious if anyone has recommendations for a free or reasonably priced phone app to block social media apps during certain hours of the day or to limit the overall time per app per day. I’m pretty good about not using my work computer for non-work-related websites, so I’m interested in something for my iPhone and iPad to block Facebook, Instagram, etc.

Any other general tips welcome as well! I use my cell phone as my work phone right now during WFH, so leaving it in another room isn’t an option for me. Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous User]

I’ve been getting getting more distracted than usual over the last couple months and am curious if anyone has recommendations for a free or reasonably priced phone app to block social media apps during certain hours of the day or to limit the overall time per app per day. I’m pretty good about not using my work computer for non-work-related websites, so I’m interested in something for my iPhone and iPad to block Facebook, Instagram, etc.

Any other general tips welcome as well! I use my cell phone as my work phone right now during WFH, so leaving it in another room isn’t an option for me. Thanks in advance!

Just use the app-limit feature built into iOS. Settings >> Screen Time >> App Limits.

I had my S.O. set a separate “app limit” passcode so that future me can’t disable the time limits. I have all social media apps capped at one hour aggregate usage per day.

[NewSouthernAssociate]

I’ve been getting getting more distracted than usual over the last couple months and am curious if anyone has recommendations for a free or reasonably priced phone app to block social media apps during certain hours of the day or to limit the overall time per app per day. I’m pretty good about not using my work computer for non-work-related websites, so I’m interested in something for my iPhone and iPad to block Facebook, Instagram, etc.

Any other general tips welcome as well! I use my cell phone as my work phone right now during WFH, so leaving it in another room isn’t an option for me. Thanks in advance!

Just use the app-limit feature built into iOS. Settings >> Screen Time >> App Limits.

I had my S.O. set a separate “app limit” passcode so that future me can’t disable the time limits. I have all social media apps capped at one hour aggregate usage per day.

Didn’t know that existed! Thanks, I’ll check it out.

[Prudent_Jurist]

This isn't an app to block apps; however, I really like using it because I can't bear to kill the tree.

https://www.forestapp.cc/#:~:text=Fores ... 20to%20die.

Basically you plant a tree, and it grows as the timer runs down. If you exit the app before it's finished, the tree dies.

[wldecisions]

This isn't an app to block apps; however, I really like using it because I can't bear to kill the tree.

https://www.forestapp.cc/#:~:text=Fores ... 20to%20die.

Basically you plant a tree, and it grows as the timer runs down. If you exit the app before it's finished, the tree dies.

I also use a similar app called Flora and find it very effective (plus you get to plant real trees!). You can google pros/cons of Flora v. Forest, but they are more or less identical conceptually.

[Prudent_Jurist]

I also use a similar app called Flora and find it very effective (plus you get to plant real trees!). You can google pros/cons of Flora v. Forest, but they are more or less identical conceptually.

First I’ve heard about Flora! I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!

[Anonymous User]

If you're using Android and are willing to be put in ~an hour of setup work, you can use Tasker to automatically kill any app you don't like during a given period of time / at a particular location. I found it INSANELY useful.

Anon because I have prosthelytized this to basically all of my co-workers and they will immediately recognize it.