Barrier: The FREE screen time focus app
Stop doomscrolling by blocking your addictive apps!
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JC

Barrier - Stop doomscrolling by blocking your addictive apps!

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Tired of doomscrolling? Barrier limits screen time to 10-minute sessions, then locks distracting apps. To unlock, you wait 30 seconds... just enough time to reconsider. It’s free, simple, and users report 70% less screen time. Stop scrolling. Start living.

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JC
Maker
📌
I originally built this for myself because I was wasting way too much time scrolling. After showing a few friends, they convinced me to release it publicly. The 30-second pause breaks that automatic habit of opening apps when you get bored, and the 10-minute re-lock that snaps you back to reality. Honestly has saved me from hours of scrolling every day and hope it can do the same for you!
Nika

Are you also planning a desktop version? :)

Andrei Tudor
Launching soon!

@busmark_w_nika would be helpful indeed

JC
Maker
@andreitudor14 yes I am. The desktop version will be released within the next few weeks!
Tanmay Parekh
All the best for the launch @jcass99
JC
Maker
@parekh_tanmay thank you, really appreciate it!
Aishwarya Lohi

The roast feature is sick! :D Apart from the 30-second delay to unlock, how does it differ from the default screen time app limits on the phone? Have you considered turning the app to greyscale if the time limit is overridden a certain number of times in one day?

JC
Maker
@aishwaryalohi grey scale is an interesting idea. I like that a lot! It differs in one main way: when you exceed the time limit, you are forced to open barrier and wait another 30 seconds. With the default screen time limits, you can just click ignore.
Seunggon Kim
Congrats on the launch. I love products that support digital detox like this. I'm also working on a mindful app, so it's great to see others in this space!
JC
Maker
@seunggon_kim thanks, I’d love to hear more about your mindful app!
Aj
Launching soon!

The 30-second unlock delay is genius — it gives just enough space to break the doomscroll loop. Congratulations on launch!

JC
Maker
@aj_123 thank you, yeah the 30 second wait is like the perfect amount of time! I often find myself thinking “uggh it’s not worth waiting 30 seconds to open”. It’s really helped me curb my addiction
Aj
Launching soon!

@jcass99 That's nice. Good to hear that it's based on personal experience :)

Andrei Tudor
Launching soon!

I really appreciate your focus on keeping the product simple and effective. Too many products tackling this issue go wild with lots of extra features, making the product overly complicated. Congrats on the launch and good luck growing Barrier!

JC
Maker
@andreitudor14 thank you! That was a huge goal of mine. I really want to keep it as simple as possible for users!
Suvam Deo

Love this idea! The 30-second pause is such a smart touch, just enough time to make you think twice before diving back into endless scrolling. The 10-minute limit feels realistic too, not too harsh.

Congrats on the launch @jc! Is there any plan for custom reminders or lock screen messages in future updates? That could make it even more personal.

JC
Maker

@suvam_deo We currently support live activities with a countdown so users can start prepping for re-lock, but I like the idea of expanding this. Going to have to start doing some brainstorming!

Suvam Deo

@jcass99 Great!

Ash G

Nice, I like it has streaks in it. I use a generic habit tracker and I don't like breaking streaks as much. Some gamification would also be nice to have to keep users motivated.

JC
Maker

@ash_grover To be honest, I think the gamification and streaks could be improved in Barrier. Something I am currently working on!

Nader Ikladious
Launching soon!

I really like the simplicity of this idea — especially the 30-second pause. It’s just enough to snap out of autopilot. I’ll give it a try when I get a chance. Congrats on the launch! 🚀

JC
Maker

@naderikladious Thanks, I appreciate it!

Lakshya Singh
Launching soon!

I think you are not alone wasting time doom scrolling... everyone here needs this 😂
Congrats on the launch @jcass99 Great work!

JC
Maker
@lakshya_singh thanks! Hopefully it will help some people!
Joey Zhu

Honestly, that 30-second wait before unlocking apps is genius—my brain def needs a pause before I spiral into another doomscroll. Fr, this could save my focus lol.

JC
Maker
@joey_zhu_seopage_ai the re-locking function might be even better. It’s crazy how addicted the apps can get you in just a few minutes. It’s nice to be forced out every once in a while.
Phanos Anastasiou

No Android?

JC
Maker
@phanos_anastasiou not yet, android is on the way!
Youssef Abdelwahed

Seems very helpful for many, good job!

JC
Maker
Pulkit Garg
Launching soon!

Barrier Social Lock seems like a fantastic tool love how it gently enforces healthy screen time with 10‑minute sessions and auto-locking distractions. Do you have plans to expand to Android or offer custom lock durations based on individual usage patterns?

JC
Maker
@pulkitgarg I’m actually working on upgrading the locking schedule now. The schedules will become much more customizable! I plan to add it to android, but that is down the line!
Dan Bulteel
Launching soon!
Nice work, this is so necessary. Really struggle with Apple screen time tool. Will give it a go.
Malith Gamage
Launching soon!

Great timing. Social media apps are so addictive these days. This might be the cure.

JC
Maker
@malithmcrdev I hope so 🤞
Tom

Awesome product ! I think I might use it, it is definitely useful. Best of luck
Tom

JC
Maker

@fargar Thanks really appreciate it! If you give it a try, reach out to me on twitter and let me know what you think (always open to advice)!

Zagita

Ohhh I feel this in my bones! That 30-second pause is genius – just enough time to snap out of autopilot mode. As someone who constantly loses hours to "just one more scroll," this might be our new productivity lifeline 🚀 Congrats on launching what we all secretly needed!

JC
Maker

@rani_zagita Thanks, I was in the same boat! It's was always "just one more scroll" 😅

Divine Attah

I love the how the 30-second pause breaks that doomscroll reflex. This is so needed. Great Job!

JC
Maker

@divine_attah Thank you!