Profiles for apps and websites
Choose individual apps, app categories, or websites and save them as profiles such as Work or Bedtime. Built-in Work, Social, and Bedtime profiles are also available.
Latch
Latch is an app blocker for iPhone, iPad, and Android that restricts apps, categories, and websites using physical keys, schedules, locations, or step targets.
App blocking with a key you have to reach
Latch is an app blocker for iPhone, iPad, and Android that puts a physical or physical-effort step between you and distracting apps. You choose apps, categories, or websites to block, save them in a profile, and slide the latch to start a lock.
Instead of relying only on willpower, Latch makes the everyday unlock require a scan of a key kept elsewhere, a printed QR code, or a walk of a chosen number of steps. Profiles can also lock on a schedule, at a place, or while driving, with the lock ending according to the rule or after the key is scanned.
Features
Manual and automatic locking
Lock manually by sliding the latch, or use weekday schedules, bedtime rules, places, or driving detection to apply a profile automatically.
Physical and step-based keys
Use an ordinary NTAG213, NTAG215, or NTAG216 sticker, a printed QR code, or—on supported phones with Latch Pro—a step target from 500 to 20,000 steps as the unlock key.
Voice and device shortcuts
Latch can be controlled with Siri, Google Assistant, iPhone Control Center, the Action button, Shortcuts, or an Android Quick Settings tile. Tapping the control again opens the scanner rather than directly unlocking.
Progress and website controls
Track a daily lock goal, streak, weekly recap, and how often you reached for a blocked app. Latch also supports an explicit-website filter while a profile is locked.
Use cases
Protect focused work
Create a Work profile with the apps and websites that interrupt focused sessions, then schedule it for weekday mornings or lock it when you arrive at the office.
Reduce evening scrolling
Use the Bedtime profile to hold selected feeds until bedtime or until you scan a key kept in another room, making late-night access require a deliberate action.
Create a study or personal-time boundary
Set a study or personal-time lock for a defined period and place the QR code, NFC sticker, or phone key away from your desk so opening blocked apps requires a break from the task.
Limit phone use while driving
Lock a Social or other profile when driving. Latch can detect a drive, and it can unlock a few minutes after stopping; passengers can identify themselves with the passenger option.
Set up access points across locations
Keep a key in a shared location such as the kitchen and use it with phones in the household. Latch also supports multiple keys with Pro, which can place different keys at home, work, or in a car.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works on iPhone, iPad, and Android, including Android 9 and later.
- Supports inexpensive NTAG stickers, printed QR codes, and step-based unlocking rather than requiring a proprietary physical device.
- Provides manual locking plus schedules, location-based rules, and driving-related locking.
- A single key can be used across phones, and keys can be shared with people in the same household.
- Includes profiles, lock goals, streaks, and weekly usage recaps to help review blocking habits.
Cons
- Some capabilities, including unlimited keys, profiles and places, schedules, driving locks, and step-based unlocking, are tied to Latch Pro.
- Android does not currently sync across phones; the same key must be added separately on each device.
- NFC is not supported by MIFARE Classic stickers, and platform permissions such as Screen Time access on iPhone or Accessibility access on Android are required for blocking to work.
FAQ
Which devices and platforms does Latch support?
Latch is available for iPhone, iPad, and Android. Android support starts with Android 9. A printed QR key works with iPads and tablets without NFC; step-based unlocking works on iPhone and Android phones that count steps.
Which NFC stickers work with Latch?
You can use an NTAG213, NTAG215, or NTAG216 sticker. Latch writes the key to the sticker and locks it with a password. MIFARE Classic stickers do not work with iPhone or with Latch on Android.
Can I use Latch without an NFC sticker?
Print a QR code at home, scan the paper once to finish setup, and keep it somewhere away from your phone. The QR key can be scanned with a phone camera, including on iPads and Android tablets without NFC.
How does step-based unlocking work?
With Latch Pro, tap Walk to unlock and choose between 500 and 20,000 steps. Only steps taken after tapping count, and steps continue counting with the screen off; reaching the selected number unlocks the apps.
What should I do if I lose my key?
If you lose a key, open Break glass and choose “Lost your key? End the session instead.” This uses one of three monthly break-glass allowances. You can then add a new key and remove the lost one.
Quick Facts
- Category
- App blocker and digital-wellbeing tool
- Platforms
- iPhone, iPad, and Android 9 or later
- Unlock methods
- NTAG213/215/216 NFC sticker, printed QR code, or 500–20,000 steps with Pro
- Pricing
- Free to start; Latch Pro is usually $9.99 once
- Physical key cost
- Compatible NFC stickers cost a few cents each; an optional key kit is $7.99 with free US shipping
- Provider
- Lukla Logic
Latch Alternatives
Goldfish
Goldfish is an AI memory app for macOS that helps you reply, write, summarize, and continue with context already on your Mac. It stores memory locally and writes in your tone.
ArtDeck
ArtDeck is a visual reference board app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Collect mixed references on one canvas and study them with ToolBox lenses. Offline, optional iCloud sync, one-time purchase.
Biji
Biji is a versatile platform designed to enhance productivity through innovative tools and features.
Malyatko
Malyatko is a baby tracker for feeding, sleep, growth, teething, and milestones. Use it on iPhone, Apple Watch, and widgets offline, with iCloud sharing.
Redline
Redline is a budgeting tool for Claude Code that paces sessions by time, tokens, cost, or plan percentage, helping them end with a usable result.
Claude Overlay
Claude Overlay is a Windows desktop overlay for Claude Code that reads your screen, so you can ask questions, inspect content, and request edits without leaving the app. Uses your existing Claude subscription via Claude CLI.