Beat a Game to Unlock.

AppGlitch is a screen time management app that blocks doom-scrolling apps until you win a mini-game. Instead of rigid timers or easily-dismissed reminders, AppGlitch uses cognitive challenges to create a meaningful pause before you open addictive apps.

You add apps to your block list inside AppGlitch and choose a mode (INSTANT or DELAYED). When you open a blocked app, Apple's Screen Time shield appears. Tap the shield button, and a notification opens AppGlitch where you play a random mini-game. Win the game to unlock the app. Lose and you play again.

INSTANT mode activates the shield right away — every time you open the app, you must win a game first. DELAYED mode lets you set a timer (e.g., 15 or 30 minutes). You use the app freely until the timer runs out, then the shield activates and you need to win a game to continue. Both modes are configurable per app.

AppGlitch is free to download with a generous free tier: 1 blocked app, INSTANT mode, and the Neuro-Reflex game — yours forever. When you first open the app, you can start a 7-day premium trial (all features unlocked, payment method required via App Store). After the trial, choose a Monthly, Yearly, or Lifetime plan — or stay on the free tier at no cost.

AppGlitch includes 3 cognitive mini-games: Neuro-Reflex (tap targets before time runs out), Pattern Memory (repeat increasingly long sequences), and Color Match (identify the text color, not the word — a Stroop effect challenge). A random game is selected each time you try to unlock an app.

Yes, completely. All data stays on your device. AppGlitch doesn't collect usage data, browsing history, or personal information. There are no accounts to create and no data is ever sent to external servers.

You can block any app installed on your iPhone using Apple's native app picker. AppGlitch also includes a curated list of 250+ popular apps for quick selection, including social media, video streaming, gaming, and shopping apps.

The most effective way to stop doom scrolling is to add friction before opening addictive apps. AppGlitch does this by requiring you to complete a quick mini-game before accessing apps like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube. This cognitive pause breaks the automatic habit loop and makes you consciously decide whether you really want to open the app.

Apple's built-in Screen Time uses passive time limits that are easy to dismiss with a single tap. AppGlitch takes a different approach: instead of a timer you can override, it requires you to win a mini-game to unlock blocked apps. This active friction is more effective at breaking habits because it engages your brain rather than showing a dismissible notification.

Yes. AppGlitch can block any app on your iPhone, including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter/X, Reddit, Snapchat, and 250+ other popular apps. You can select apps individually using Apple's native app picker or choose from the curated list.

AppGlitch is currently available for iOS only. It requires iOS 16 or later and uses Apple's Screen Time API, which is only available on iPhones.