How to Block Apps on iPhone

Pauso is a free screen time controller that helps you block distracting apps on iPhone using two approaches: Gentle Mode (breathing exercises before opening apps) and Strict Mode (bypass-proof blocking with iOS Family Controls).

Unlike built-in iOS Screen Time, Pauso's Strict Mode cannot be bypassed — no "ignore limit" button, no workaround. Choose an app below to see a step-by-step guide for blocking it.

👤

Block Facebook

Facebook keeps you hooked through News feed algorithm + Groups + Marketplace create multiple engagement loops. The app i...

33 min/day avg12 opens/day
📸

Block Instagram

Instagram is designed around variable reward psychology — every time you open the app, you might see a stunning photo, a...

53 min/day avg30 opens/day
🔴

Block Reddit

Reddit keeps you hooked through Infinite rabbit holes across 100K+ niche communities with upvote-driven content curation...

34 min/day avg12 opens/day
👻

Block Snapchat

Snapchat keeps you hooked through Streak mechanics + disappearing content creates urgency to check constantly. The app i...

30 min/day avg25 opens/day
📱

Block All Social Media

All Social Media keeps you hooked through Combined dopamine loops from multiple platforms create an always-connected dep...

145 min/day avg96 opens/day
🎵

Block TikTok

TikTok has the most advanced recommendation algorithm in social media. Within 40 minutes of use, the For You Page learns...

95 min/day avg19 opens/day
𝕏

Block Twitter/X

Twitter/X keeps you hooked through Real-time information feed with algorithmic and chronological timelines. The app is e...

34 min/day avg15 opens/day
💬

Block WhatsApp

WhatsApp keeps you hooked through Group chats + Status updates + constant message notifications. The app is engineered t...

38 min/day avg45 opens/day
▶️

Block YouTube

YouTube keeps you hooked through Autoplay + sidebar recommendations create endless viewing sessions. The app is engineer...

74 min/day avg8 opens/day
📱

Block YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts keeps you hooked through TikTok-style vertical feed embedded within YouTube. The app is engineered to exp...

28 min/day avg10 opens/day

Why Standard App Blockers Fail

Most iPhone app blockers rely on iOS Screen Time, which has a fundamental flaw: the "Ignore Limit" button. When your willpower is lowest — late at night, during a dopamine craving — you can bypass the block with a single tap.

Pauso takes a different approach. Gentle Mode adds a breathing exercise before you can open blocked apps, creating a mindful pause that breaks the automatic reach-and-scroll habit. Strict Mode uses iOS Family Controls to make blocking truly unbypassable — no override button, no workaround.

Both modes are free for 1 app. No account needed. 60-second setup. iOS 17.0+.

Explore More

Start Blocking Distractions Today

Free for 1 app. No account needed. 60-second setup.

Download on the
App Store

iOS 17.0+ · Pro for unlimited apps ($6.99/mo)