Locked In vs ScreenZen
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.
Should I use Locked In or ScreenZen?
Pick ScreenZen if you want a free app that puts a pause and daily limits in front of distracting apps; pick Locked In if you want apps to lock for a set time, on a schedule, or when you arrive at a place on your phone's GPS, with a friend to keep you honest. It depends on whether you want to slow yourself down or lock apps for a stretch of time.
Side-by-side (as of Oct 2026)
| Locked In | ScreenZen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free plan; Pro $9.99/month or $89/year, 7-day free trial | Free, donation-supported ("Less screen time. No subscription.") |
| Platforms | iPhone (iOS 18+) | iPhone/iPad (iOS 16.4+), Mac, Android, Windows |
| Main approach | Blocks apps for a period (Quick Block, Schedules, Red Zones) | Delay before opening an app, then optional limits and strict blocks |
| Pause before opening | No | Yes, wait time can increase each open |
| Daily time / open limits | None: no daily time limits or open limits | Yes |
| Schedules | Yes (Pro) | Yes |
| Block by location | Red Zones: GPS geofences, up to 20 places (Pro) | Halo: a separate Bluetooth device you place in a room (sold separately) |
| Friend accountability | Guardian (Pro only) approves or denies early unlocks on a web page that opens in any phone browser; requests expire after 15 minutes; you can always choose math problems or typing a phrase instead | Lock settings with an accountability partner who can let you back in (App Store release notes) |
| Anti-uninstall / lock mode | No strict mode; deleting Locked In removes its blocks | Lock mode can prevent uninstalling (ScreenZen site) |
| Website blocking | Not claimed - use Apple Screen Time | Yes |
| Feed-only blocking (Reels/Shorts) | No | "Minimal" mode (App Store release notes) |
Who should pick which
Choose ScreenZen if:
- You want to pay nothing. ScreenZen is free and supported by donations.
- A short pause before opening TikTok or Instagram is enough to break the habit.
- You want daily limits, website blocking, or apps on Android, Mac or Windows too.
Choose Locked In if:
- You want apps to lock when you arrive at a place, using your phone's location, with no extra device.
- You want a block that runs for a set time or on a schedule rather than a pause each time.
- You want a friend (your Guardian, a Pro feature) to approve or deny early unlocks, while you keep the option of math problems or typing a phrase.
FAQ
Is ScreenZen really free? Yes. ScreenZen's site says it's completely free and donation-supported. Locked In has a free plan (one Quick Block a day, up to 5 minutes) and Pro at $9.99 a month or $89 a year.
Which one blocks apps by location? Both, in different ways. Locked In's Red Zones use your iPhone's location (up to 20 places, "Always" location permission needed). ScreenZen's Halo uses a Bluetooth device you buy and place in a room.
Does Locked In block websites? Don't count on it. Locked In blocks apps. ScreenZen blocks websites; Apple Screen Time does too.
Can I stop myself deleting the app? ScreenZen offers a lock mode that can prevent uninstalling. Locked In has no strict mode.
Get Locked In on the App Store
Sources
- ScreenZen: https://www.screenzen.co/
- ScreenZen on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222
- ScreenZen Halo: https://screenzen.co/products/halo
- Locked In on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6758916241
- Apple Screen Time: https://support.apple.com/en-us/108806