What is DeadBolt used for?

DeadBolt is an iPhone app blocker that locks chosen distracting apps for a set time, with Strict Mode, daily schedules and no account, for people who lose hours to scrolling. It is a good fit for cutting down on social media scrolling, locking distracting apps during focused work and overnight phone breaks.

Is DeadBolt open source?

No. DeadBolt is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Productivity category, open-source options include Foqos, Moodist and PowerToys.

What are some alternatives to DeadBolt?

DeadBolt competes with Freedom, Forest and DeepLock.

DeadBolt: features, pricing and alternatives

About DeadBolt

DeadBolt is an iPhone app blocker for people who keep reopening the same distracting apps. You pick the apps and sites that take up most of your day, set how long they should stay shut, and the app locks them until the timer runs out. It is designed to be harder to bypass than the built-in Screen Time limits or a typical blocker where a single tap dismisses the lock.

The main capabilities are reusable blocklists, a duration dial that runs from half an hour to overnight, and daily schedules that start blocks automatically. Strict Mode removes the instant exit, so leaving a session early takes extra effort, including an optional walk of 200 steps to unlock. The app is described as working without an account and keeping its data on the device.

Key features

Reusable blocklists of apps and sites
Adjustable lock duration from minutes to overnight
Strict Mode with no instant exit
Walk 200 steps to unlock early
Scheduled daily blocks
No account required, data stays on device

Good fit for

→Cutting down on social media scrolling
→Locking distracting apps during focused work
→Overnight phone breaks

Tags: app-blocker; iphone; screen-time; focus; digital-wellbeing; productivity

DeadBolt: questions and answers

What is DeadBolt used for?: DeadBolt is an iPhone app blocker that locks chosen distracting apps for a set time, with Strict Mode, daily schedules and no account, for people who lose hours to scrolling. It is a good fit for cutting down on social media scrolling, locking distracting apps during focused work and overnight phone breaks.
Is DeadBolt free?: Yes. DeadBolt has a free plan.
Is DeadBolt open source?: No. DeadBolt is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Productivity category, open-source options include Foqos, Moodist and PowerToys.
What are some alternatives to DeadBolt?: DeadBolt competes with Freedom, Forest and DeepLock.