What is Shutout used for?

Shutout is an iPhone app that locks the Screen Time passcode away from you so limits cannot be ignored or switched off, with a recovery path only through the app. It is a good fit for enforcing app limits you cannot ignore and reducing doomscrolling.

How much does Shutout cost?

Paid plans for Shutout start at $4.99 per seat per month, and there is no free plan.

Is Shutout open source?

No. Shutout is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. In the Productivity category, open-source options include Foqos, NetNewsWire and Moodist.

What are some alternatives to Shutout?

Shutout competes with Freedom and Forest.

Shutout: features, pricing and alternatives

About Shutout

Shutout works with the Screen Time already built into iPhone and iPad, including app limits, downtime and content restrictions, and locks the passcode so you cannot turn limits off when tempted. It sets the Screen Time password for you and has you enter it in a way you will not remember, then saves it without showing it.

Getting the password back means typing hundreds of random words first, so it remains available for emergencies but is tedious enough to deter impulse. Shutout also disables Forgot Password by creating a dummy Apple ID as the recovery email and hiding its login, so the only route to the passcode is through the app. It is iPhone and iPad only for now, with Android on the roadmap, and the site contrasts it with free blockers that can be turned off in Settings. Pricing is listed at $4.99 a month, $29.99 a year or $39.99 for life.

Key features

Locks the Screen Time passcode
No Ignore Limit workaround
Emergency passcode recovery after typing hundreds of words
Disables Forgot Password via dummy Apple ID
Works with existing Screen Time limits

Good fit for

Enforcing app limits you cannot ignore
Reducing doomscrolling

Tags: screen-time; app-blocker; digital-wellbeing; ios; focus; self-control

Shutout: questions and answers

What is Shutout used for?: Shutout is an iPhone app that locks the Screen Time passcode away from you so limits cannot be ignored or switched off, with a recovery path only through the app. It is a good fit for enforcing app limits you cannot ignore and reducing doomscrolling.
How much does Shutout cost?: Paid plans for Shutout start at $4.99 per seat per month, and there is no free plan.
Is Shutout open source?: No. Shutout is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. In the Productivity category, open-source options include Foqos, NetNewsWire and Moodist.
What are some alternatives to Shutout?: Shutout competes with Freedom and Forest.