Block apps and categories
Choose individual apps or broader categories such as social, video, and games, then block them in one tap when focus mode is on.
MadFocus
MadFocus: Screen Time Blocker is a productivity app that blocks selected apps and categories on iPhone and iPad, then interrupts open attempts with a stricter unlock flow. It is aimed at people trying to reduce social, video, gaming, or other distracting app use during work, study, fitness, or rest.
Overview
MadFocus: Screen Time Blocker is a productivity app for blocking distracting apps on iPhone and iPad. The App Store listing says it can block TikTok, games, and other apps that pull attention away from work, study, or rest.
Its main purpose is to stop opening selected apps in the moment of temptation. When focus mode is enabled, MadFocus intercepts access and sends users through an unlock ritual or back to what they were doing, with stats available to review blocked attempts over time.
Key features
Intercept open attempts
When someone tries to open a blocked app, MadFocus intercepts the attempt immediately instead of relying on a gentle reminder.
Hard-edged block screen
The block screen uses blunt, motivational copy rather than soft nudges, so the app is designed for users who want a stricter prompt.
Randomized unlock rituals
Six unlock rituals are listed on the page, including Read Aloud, Confession Contract, Face Yourself, Life Countdown, Motivation Video, and Hold Your Promise.
Mode-based focus setup
Users can choose between Discipline, Fitness, Study, and Hustle modes to match the situation they are trying to control.
Blocked-attempt stats
The app shows daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly statistics of blocked attempts so users can review how often they tried to bypass the block.
Common use cases
Study sessions
Students can block social, video, and gaming apps during exam prep so they are less likely to drift into short checks that become long sessions.
Work focus blocks
People trying to stay on task at work can lock distracting apps before starting deep work and use the blocked-attempt stats to see how often they tried to open them.
Self-control with friction
Users who want a stricter phone habit can choose an unlock ritual instead of a simple timer, adding friction before they get back into an app.
Fitness and routine support
Someone heading to the gym or trying to keep a routine can use the Fitness mode to make distraction feel out of place during a workout mindset.
Evening distraction control
Late-night scrollers can enable blocking during bedtime hours to make it harder to keep reopening the same apps when they should be resting.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Blocks selected apps and whole categories rather than requiring app-by-app setup only.
- Offers multiple unlock rituals, which gives the app a stricter enforcement style than a standard reminder.
- Includes time-based statistics for blocked attempts across daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly views.
- Supports iPhone and iPad, with compatibility information also shown for Mac and Apple Vision on the App Store page.
- Provides several focus modes so users can pick a context such as study, fitness, discipline, or hustle.
Cons
- The App Store text does not explain the differences between the PRO plans and the free version.
- The page does not provide detailed setup guidance or describe anti-bypass behavior beyond the block-and-unlock flow.
- The listing does not confirm the full extent of support for macOS or Apple Vision beyond the compatibility section.
FAQ
What does MadFocus do?
MadFocus is an app blocker for iPhone and iPad that focuses on short-video, social, and gaming apps. It intercepts attempts to open selected apps once focus mode is enabled and shows an unlock prompt instead of letting the app open normally.
What are the focus modes for?
The app offers four modes: Discipline, Fitness, Study, and Hustle. The page presents these as different focus contexts you can choose depending on the kind of distraction or goal you are dealing with.
How do the unlock rituals work?
MadFocus lists six unlock rituals, and one is picked at random when you try to bypass a block. The listed rituals are Read Aloud, Confession Contract, Face Yourself, Life Countdown, Motivation Video, and Hold Your Promise.
Is MadFocus free or paid?
The App Store page shows Free with In-App Purchases. It also lists MadFocus PRO Monthly, MadFocus PRO Yearly, and a Lifetime purchase, but the page text shown here does not explain what each plan includes.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity
- Platform
- iPhone, iPad
- Compatibility
- Requires iOS 17.0 or later; iPadOS 17.0 or later; Mac with M1 chip or later; visionOS 1.0 or later
- Pricing
- Free with in-app purchases
- Developer
- 翼 张
- Source domain
- apps.apple.com
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