Guide

App Blocker With an Accountability Partner

Published: October 29, 2026 ยท Updated: October 29, 2026

Locked In is an iPhone app that blocks distracting apps, by time, by place, or on demand. Its App Store tagline is "Text a Friend to Unblock Apps": with Guardian (Pro), a friend you pick approves or declines by text when you try to end a block early. It's a friend keeping you honest, not a hard lock.

Is there an app blocker where a friend keeps me honest?

Yes. Several iPhone app blockers bring a friend into the decision. In Locked In (Pro), you can choose a Guardian: when you want to end a block early, you can send them a request by text, and they answer it on a get-lock-in.com web page from the link in the text; they install nothing. Requests expire after 15 minutes, and you can always choose the math problems or the typed phrase instead. It works through social pressure: a friend keeps you honest.

Is it right for you? It depends what stops you. If knowing a friend will see your request is enough to keep you honest, a Guardian works well. If you need a lock you can't get around at all, no self-installed blocker is that: Locked In also offers other unblock options and has no strict mode. Free option: have a friend hold your Screen Time passcode.

How a Guardian works in Locked In

What a Guardian can and can't do

Other ways to get an accountability partner

Other limits

Price (as of Oct 2026)

Free plan: one Quick Block a day, up to 5 minutes. Pro (longer Quick Blocks, Schedules, Red Zones, early-unlock options): $9.99 a month or $89 a year ($7.42 a month). Start with a 7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

FAQ

Does my Guardian need the Locked In app? No. Your Guardian installs nothing: they get a text with a link and approve or deny on a get-lock-in.com web page.

How does my Guardian get the request? As a text sent from your own phone through Messages.

Can I unlock without my Guardian? In Locked In Pro, yes: you can solve three quick addition problems or type a set phrase instead. The Guardian is one of three options.

Is the Guardian feature free? Early-unlock options, including the Guardian, are part of Pro.

Is Locked In free? As of Oct 2026, there's a free plan with one Quick Block a day, up to 5 minutes. Pro is $9.99 a month or $89 a year. Start with a 7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

Want this for yourself?

If you're someone's Guardian, you already know how it works from the other side: a text, a link, a quick answer. If you'd like a friend to keep you honest about your own phone, Locked In works the same way for you. Start with a 7-day free trial. Cancel anytime. Get Locked In on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6758916241?pt=128528903&mt=8&ct=web-other-guardian

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