2025-03-23
Amazing app
I'm a student struggling with my finances. The app developer was so kind and gave me a one-year free trial!
Updating
iPhone Screenshots
Description
Roots is the #1 screen time app.
Set boundaries with your phone, and unlock more time.
Screen time has a major impact on our mental and physical wellbeing. We're here to help — with better app limits, digital downtime, daily intentions, balance score, and more.
Join thousands of people using Roots to build a better relationship with their phone.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Better screen time management
- Unlock 2 hours per day
- Stop scrolling mindlessly
- Cure your phone addiction
- Detox from phone dopamine
- Find better balance
- Be more present
- Stay focused
ON-DEMAND BLOCKING
- Start a new blocking session at any time with a simple tap
BETTER APP LIMITS
- Block any app or website based on time limits or number of opens
SCHEDULE DOWNTIME
- Be intentional with "mindful mornings", "evening wind down", and more
PHONE DETOX CHALLENGES
- Personalized challenges to compete with yourself and friends
BLOCK WITH "MONK MODE"
- App blocking that doesn't let you unblock until tomorrow
MONITOR DIGITAL DOPAMINE
- Not all screen time is equal, so we help you understand the impact of each app
DAILY INTENTIONS
- Set intentions for screen time and phone pickups, plus scroll replacements
PERSONAL BALANCE SCORE
- Daily score helps keep you accountable with beautiful illustrations and visuals
SCREEN TIME TRENDS
- View the progress and trends of your screen time journey
BUILD A STREAK
- Build a streak as you stay under limits, earn cheat days and custom app icons
DON’T JUST TAKE IT FROM US
“It's beautiful, and it works” -- Jameston78
“This app does what it says” -- Casper-F
“Worth every penny” -- Thehikingfool
PRIVACY GUARANTEED
We use Apple’s Screen Time API so all of your phone usage data stays on your phone.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Auto-Renewing Subscription Options: Roots Plus (Monthly or Annual)
- Terms: https://www.getroots.app/terms
- Privacy Policy: https://www.getroots.app/privacy-policy
What's New in Version 2.6
Thank you for using Roots! This update brings new tools to help you stay accountable and in control of your screen time:
1) Lock Editing – Keep yourself from making impulse edits to limits and downtime. Once locked, changes require a 12-hour delay.
2) Emergency Unblock – Need immediate access in a pinch? Unblock all apps by enabling emergency mode.
Other Improvements:
• Get notified when a challenge starts
• App selector optimizations
• Optimized layouts for all devices
• Better performance + bug fixes
As always, if we can help with anything, let us know at hello@getroots.app
Seller
Name
Get Roots, Inc.
Information
Developer
Categories
Version
2.6
Size
212.9 MB
Game Center
No
VPP Device Licensing
Yes
Rating
Rated 12+ for the following:
Infrequent/Mild Medical/Treatment Information
Compatibility
iOS 17.0 or later
Devices
iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16Plus, iPhone 16Pro, iPhone 16ProMax, iPhone 16e, iPad (5th Generation) Wi-Fi, iPad (5th Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi, iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro, iPad Pro (Cellular), iPad Pro (9.7-inch), iPad Pro (9.7-inch) (Cellular), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (10.5-inch), iPad Pro (10.5-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (11-inch), iPad Pro (11-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air, iPad Air (Cellular), iPad Air 2, iPad Air 2 (Cellular), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Air (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini Retina, iPad mini Retina (Cellular), iPad mini 3, iPad mini 3 (Cellular), iPad mini 4, iPad mini 4 (Cellular), iPad mini (5th Generation), iPad mini (5th Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (7th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air (4th Generation) (Wi-Fi), iPad Air (4th Generation) (Wi-Fi + Cellular), iPad (8th generation) Wi-Fi, iPad (8th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (9th Generation), iPad (9th Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini (6th Generation), iPad mini (6th Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air (5th generation), iPad Air (5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (10th generation), iPad (10th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air 11-inch (M2) Wi-Fi, iPad Air 13-inch (M2) Wi-Fi, iPad Air 13-inch (M2) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) Wi-Fi, iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) Wi-Fi, iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad A16, iPad A16Cellular, iPad Air11M3, iPad Air11M3Cellular, iPad Air13M3, iPad Air13M3Cellular, iPad MiniA17Pro, iPad MiniA17ProCellular, iPod touch (6th Generation), iPod touch (7th generation)
Languages
English
App Store: Customer Ratings
Ratings & Reviews
4.5 of 5 (606 Ratings)
App Store: Customer Reviews
2025-03-21
Pretends to be free until it gets all your information… then forces you to pay
Yet another app like this. I don’t mind paying for apps but I do hate being forced to do so after giving up all my information. If I had been asked first I would’ve seriously considered purchasing. Hate that you harvest the data of those who don’t end up getting your service
2025-03-19
Nice UX but lacking features
Love the simplicity and the look of the app, but I would like to have a session that blocks “all but x app”. This cannot be achieved today even if I try to select all apps and deselect the ones I want available to me.
This is a major flaw. I know Opal allows you to do this
2025-03-15
Love this app
I hadn’t ever tried an app for blocking apps like this before. In all honesty, I was going to just try the 7 day free trial and then cancel it because I doubted I would like it that much. Well, I accidentally forgot to cancel before the subscription was charged. But now, I am so glad I have it and purchased the premium subscription. I’ve been able to set solid boundaries between work apps and social media apps cutting my screen time in half each week. I had a few issues in the beginning, emailed support and they responded very quickly and troubleshooted with me to solve the problems. I have recommended this app to friends who have expressed concerns about too much screen time. Thank you for the great app!
2025-03-12
Good for the most part
When it works, it’s good. But it doesn’t block me from apps half of the time even when I have monk mode turned on.
2025-03-05
Great but could be better
Update: since my original review they have fixed some of the performance issues and the app has gotten significantly better! I still experience a couple here and there but overall I’ve had a great experience with this app and tell all my friends about it so they can cut down their screen time too. It’s literally been a life changer!
Original: I like this app for what it does and the interface. It’s a phenomenal tool that has helped me so much with getting control of how much I use my phone. With that said, it has the potential to be the best app out there for cutting down screen time if they could fix all the bugginess that happens too frequently with the downtime blocking/unblocking, app picker, screen time tracking, etc… the free trial has been good but until they get the kinks ironed out not sure it’s worth paying the premium price yet. Hoping they can fix the issues so it’s a better experience for users!
2025-02-24
Finally an app that works
Love this app. Saved me so much time. The founders are great as well.
2025-02-19
Loveeee it omg
I’ve used so many different apps to reduce my phone usage- none have been as helpful as Roots. It’s a cheap alternative to most similar apps, and they have student and needs based discounts. They have fantastic customer support— in terms of effectiveness, I’ve used my phone much less and have found I have a ton more time for the things I stopped doing due to my phone. Thank you Roots!
2025-02-10
Great app except for the art
Wish this app didn’t use ai generated art. I love the service and find it incredibly useful, but it is demoralizing to open and see the blobby, patterned trees. Otherwise 5/5 stars! Love monk mode.
2025-02-09
incredible app and founder/staff
this app has really aided in improving my quality of life. the results are immediate. it helped me realize just how much time i spend on my phone, and the ability to set restrictions has drastically decreased my screen time. i also want to say the founder is a very genuine and kind person, you can tell the people behind the app truly want to help improve people’s lives. thank you so much, you’ve definitely improved mine!
2025-02-06
Giving me my time back!
Making me appreciate my time again. It was only after I started using Roots that I realized how much time I was waiting or even the dopamine hits! Even if I wasn’t spending a lot of time on Instagram, it helped me realize the number of times that I just quickly open the app. Wonderful app!
2025-02-06
Not user friendly
The setup is not intuitive. Block controls and app selections are difficult to get to/individualize. I opted for app groups social+entertainment, and it somehow blocked my weather app but let Pinterest stay available. I tried to adjust it but looks like I have to reset the whole thing, so I ended up deleting it.
2025-02-05
App constantly won’t unblock apps
Even when I remove an app from the blocking I have set, it won’t remove the blocking.
2025-01-24
awesome app with amazing team
this app is great! it’s easy to use and very customizable. i can still use my phone for schoolwork, directions, music, etc without being distracted by apps like instagram. i want to keep these apps to communicate with people, but needed restrictions. and their need based program is AWESOME for students, parents, anybody in a tight financial spot - not many apps do that. thank you!
2025-01-22
Amazing app with an amazing customer support team!
I’ve been using this app for about 3 days and I’ve been using my phone less. A big improvement. I would rack up about 8 hours of screentime a day (horrible, I know) and for the past 3 days, my screentime has been around 3 hours. A good start! Also, at the moment I’m not able to pay for the full year subscription so they worked with me to get a discounted option right for me. They really work with you and want to support you on your goals! So overall an amazing company! Thank you, Roots!
2025-01-22
Amazing for social media addiction/habit
I have had issues with automatically spending house on Instagram and feeling like I am wasting my time. I tried multiple other apps but they were to easy to go around and turn off the limits (which I did almost daily cause it was a borderline addiction). This app has been instrumental the last week in reducing my screen time 3-4 hours and helping me feel more in control of my time and life. So grateful I found this 💜
2025-01-20
Won’t load. I can’t get past the Sync screen time page. I am on a loop of pressing Continue.
Help.
2025-01-20
Necessary
I consider myself a somewhat disciplined and responsible adult. However I think humans (myself included) are past the point where they can regulate screen time on their own. Apps are becoming increasingly addictive and social norms tell us it’s ok. I highly reccomended this to anyone that is wanting to wake up and get back to living life!
2025-01-20
Incredibly inaccurate
If an app is open in the background, roots adds the total time the app was open (even when it’s not what you’re actually looking at) to your total. I forgot to close my banking app and it counted as a 2 hour screen time even though I wasn’t actively using the app. Altogether it said I’d been on my phone for 14 hours today! And it’s only 10 am, so that’s wild.
It also crashed constantly; I had the app for 30 minutes and it had crashed 5 times before I could finish basic setup.
2025-01-19
Helped being more productive in my PhD program
I was struggling with doom scrolling and not being productive because of that. This app have helped me a lot with spending time on healthy habits instead.
2025-01-17
Amazing app!
Such incredible and understanding team! Thanks to them, I know I’m going to accomplish all my goals this year.
2025-01-09
Glitching
Constant glitches and not accurate tracking oh hours.
2025-01-05
Great for limiting screen time
I have tried plenty of screen time apps and Roots is by far the best one. Downtime allows you to schedule what apps will be blocked and the duration of the lockdown, super convenient!
2025-01-02
Free version - love it
I never write app reviews, but roots is that good. I’ve tried countless methods and one other app to get myself to lower my screen time, but I just always find a way around it and it makes no difference. Roots is the first thing I’ve tried where, except for deleting the app, there is no workaround that I’ve found. It’s amazing and it has effectively reduced my time on bad apps a great deal in only a week or so. And I only use the free version - even with these limitations it works great. If you’re willing to pay for the pro, I’m sure it works even better, but it’s definitely ok to settle with free! Amazing app.
2024-12-30
Roots is amazing
They gave me a premium trial for 1 yr and all I can say is that I am impressed. Opal could never.
2024-12-27
It works perfectly
Thank you so much for the student discount. This app is serving me so well
2024-12-27
Good start - one idea to make it 5 star
Love the graphs that let you look at averages of screen time over the weeks and months.
One feature I’d love even more is an actual tracker - one goal for 2025 is to be under 1000 hours for the year, and to see actual data for the screen time for the weeks and months vs just averages would be huge.
2024-12-22
Love the idea but this app is incredibly buggy
When this app works, it’s great. But it has so many performance issues, and it can be very stressful to set it up. The app frequently needs to be reloaded. It often forgets that I paid for annual premium and I have to go through a process to sync my subscription. When selecting apps to block, the app freezes and has to reload, losing all progress made on setting up downtime or app limits. I’ve followed several of the workarounds for these known issues but some are really ridiculous workarounds. For instance, one is to copy each app name you need to block into Notes and then paste it into Roots. Imagine you want to block 70 apps. That’s a wild process. Also the app sometimes becomes completely non-responsive, so I delete the app and when I re-install, it loses all data so I have to completely set up my systems again. Their customer support is responsive and helpful and I have hopes this app will be awesome one day.
2024-12-22
The team and the app are both perfect!
I really suggest to use this app specially in premium version, it really helps you to be more focused and detoxify all of the fake dopamine you receive from social media. This is the best application I used ever! Highly recommended!😍👌🏻
2024-12-21
This app is amazing! I have more time again!
I have been using this app for the past couple months to see if it would help me reduce my social media usage. And it has! Because it physically keeps me from doom scrolling by blocking the app entirely, I’ve been spending a lot less time on my phone and more time with my family, friends, and my studies. It’s been such a game changer for me to get my work done and put down my phone to do other tasks I need to do.
2024-12-19
Glitchy and Not Working
The app only works approximately half of the time, even with a paid subscription. The theory of it is solid, but it’s not worth the frustration.
2024-12-16
Great App Compared To Others
Got Roots recently based on reviews. The app is significantly better compared to other screen time apps as other apps I’ve seen have many glitches with the screen time as well as the cost. Though, things I recommend to add is a widget that shows how much the screen time is. Although there is an iPhone widget, I think Roots should have a widget. Also, I think the customizable custom screen when time is reached should have more options, such as making a customizable screen yourself and putting your own quotes.
2024-12-12
Helpful Team
The team helped me get a discounted sub when I asked for one since I’m a student. Definitely one of the more premium app blocker options out there.
2024-12-12
The BEST app for limiting screentime
This app is doing an amazing job at not only reducing my screen time but also changing my behavior. I’m slowly feeling less of a “need” to constantly have my phone as my sidekick every waking moment. I believe that everyone should have this app to help them get off their phone and start connecting with the people around them.
2024-12-08
i actually go to bed on time now
edited review: i originally gave a negative review because of a bug that caused my apps not to be blocked when they should’ve been, but clint reached out and we did some bug hunting! now that it’s working, this app makes a huge positive difference in my life. i block tiktok and reddit 9 pm to 9 am and i finally go to bed on time.
2024-12-07
Good app but needs improvement
I got the app to reduce my screen time and it’s generally helped with that. ‘Monk Mode’ is so much better than what Apple offers natively - for my screen addiction I need the option eliminated that allows me to just enter a passcode to get more time :)
However, I’d suggest Roots add an additional feature that makes it more difficult to adjust your app limit - it’s currently too easy to extend them if you have a weak moment and want to spend more time on an app than you set yourself. Maybe add a function where app limits can only be adjusted at a certain time of day?
2024-12-06
Amazing App & Amazing People
This is a great app for monitoring, and controlling your screen time. The staff is also amazing at this company!!
2024-12-06
App will take your money
Updated Review: The owner did reach out to me and gave me a refund, which I was happy about. So at least the customer service is great!
I did the free trial version and if you select to send a reminder to cancel before being charged, it will NOT in fact send you a reminder!! Of course I got a charge this morning when I didn’t receive anything from them on my email and from the app itself.
2024-12-02
ITS GONE TOO FAR
I thought the app was a great idea and I have used it. However it has blocked me out of all social media and I can’t not access Roots to fix the issue. Please help!
2024-12-01
Works!
I honestly didn’t expect it to work but with 3 days of using my screen time is down 41%! The streak and alternative suggestions really helped me want to stay off my phone.
2024-11-30
Very good app
The owner of this app gave me a free 1 year trial and I am very thankful.
2024-11-24
GET THIS APP!!!
If you’re reading this review, it probably means you’re looking for an app to control your screen time - so get this one.
This app has so many more features than the standard screen time application. It uses fun graphics and designs and is very user friendly. Since starting a few months ago, I’ve already knocked my daily average down by one hour.
I’m a high school student, so I can’t really afford a subscription to the app while I’m saving for college. I reached out to Roots support and within a few days they offered me a free subscription for an entire year. I’m extremely grateful for their kindness towards me, and this shows that the people making this app care about you more than they care about money, unlike some other apps.
I really like the downtimes feature. I used to wake up and doom scroll in the morning, but with the downtimes feature, I’m forced to get up earlier and be more productive. I also like the on-demand blocking, which helps me avoid distractions when I’m studying.
Here are some features and fixes I’d like to see:
- Digital dopamine tab: When I force close the app (i.e. swipe up on the app to completely close it instead of closing out normally), a “tutorial” explaining what digital dopamine is pops up every time. I’d like a “don’t show again” button if possible.
- Home screen and lock screen widget: This might help hold users accountable as they can check their screen time usage without having to open the app.
- Challenges feature: I do like the challenges feature, but I’d like to be able to make and complete my own customizable challenges and send an invite link to my friends if they are using the app. Perhaps this could be a feature hidden behind the premium paywall while the community challenges are not.
Thank you to all of the people behind the scenes of the Roots app - you’re helping so many of us to be productive and do great things.
2024-11-24
Really responsive
I had a problem setting it up and wrote a critical review. The app developers very quickly gave me a workaround and fixed it in their next update! Very happy with the customer service. (Formerly Disgruntled2019)
2024-11-22
Good when it’s working.
November 22: I deleted the app and reinstalled it. Now it’s telling me I have to buy the subscription again. This is ridiculous. I paid 60 dollars for the annual subscription. Please contact me to fix this asap.
It’s a good app when it’s working. Every time I start to set a limit, the app crashes or the screen crashes and a pop up comes up saying there is a bug and the issue has been reported to Roots.
It’s extremely annoying and makes the app unusable. I have deleted and reinstalled the app and the issue persists.
I paid for a yearly subscription and now I can’t use the app at all.
2024-11-21
Everything you can ask for is in this app
I’ve personally gone through many focus apps and most were lack luster or have unappealing UI. This app is amazing and has everything from the monk mode feature to tracking your daily phone usage. I could go on and on this app and how much it has to offer. But to really know is to download and try. As a student, it really helps focus and get the sleep need (I tend to be up all night on my phone). Also wanted to mention that the people behind this app truly cares. They are also ways l looking to improve the app and you can always can count on them to fix problems if they happen to appear.
2024-11-21
Roots is The best app eva !
shout out to tha roots team because they gave me a free student trial willingly, thank yall for making me not just a better student but a better person !
2024-11-20
Life saver in the making
So appreciative of this app and the timing of its introduction into my life!
I’ve effectively been able to shut out a lot of the noise, mitigate time lost to the chaos of the internet and the negativity that accompanies it all. I’m reevaluating and implementing restrictions for the apps that slipped through and have proved themselves to be unnecessary time drains. No app is safe!
The Roots team is responsive and clearly dedicated to this valiant endeavor, for which I am hugely grateful!
2024-11-16
It really does help
It’s been an incredible help for me. I am a student and over noticed a significant boost in my productivity. Beyond that, I find myself becoming a lot more present in my social life. The detox challenges have helped a lot. However, I’d like to note that the benefits have only really manifested once I’ve used the “monk mode” option. All in all, I recommend this app for anyone looking to become more intentional with their screentime
2024-11-12
Better Alternative to Screentime
Overall a much better experience actually getting you to not use certain apps. First full day with the app and haven’t used a single blocked app, much more time reading and with the kids, thank you!
2024-11-11
Trying to be a better person
I really appreciate this app and the customer service I received. I feel like the company is actually try to help people and I am so grateful.
2024-11-11
The glitches are too much
I have a pretty bad phone addiction, and I got Roots to support me by offering the time limits for apps and also blocked off time. I paid for the subscription so I could have monk mode and the most access to Roots’ offerings. I had to stop using app specific time limits because I would find myself locked out of apps that I needed after only being awake for three minutes. It would tell me that I timed out of my four hours of time limit for a work necessary app at 6:03 AM when I hadn’t even opened that app. the screen would have the accurate time for my screen usage, but the time limit would be locked anyways. And here I am sitting on my lunch, hoping to have 15 minutes of downtime before heading back into my stressful workday to find that my apps are locked once again when I have no active time limit, and no active blocked out time running. I paid around $30 to find my phone bricked more often than not and while it has significantly reduced my phone time, I also want to be able to use my phone when I find it appropriate. I really hope that these issues can be fixed, and I will be seeking some sort of refund or at least some amount of cheat days added to my account because I should not have to use an entire cheat day that I earned by following my goals because I want to be on my phone for 15 minutes and I’m finding myself locked out. It does not seem fair to the user and I am very dissatisfied with that.
2024-11-08
Best way to curb dopamine addiction
The app is fantastic and provides users many different options when it comes to lowering your screen usage. You can set app limits for limited used and downtowns so that you don't use apps in certain windows. Monk mode is particular is awesome and is a hard lock preventing you from cheating yourself.
2024-11-06
It helps a lot with ADHD symptoms
I can’t find the words to express how Roots is saving my life. I’ve been using this app for three weeks, and my life has started to change. I have ADHD and two kids, and I’m also very addicted to social media, which has been ruining my life. I set a goal to leave social media, but I have to do it gradually because the addiction is very strong.
I read a recommendation for Roots on Reddit and decided to install it. The first two weeks were difficult, but I was amazed at how I actually followed the app’s guidance and didn’t try to find ways to unlock my apps. Today is the day after the election, and I’m participating in the “Post-Election Detox” challenge—it’s such a relief. I’m not scrolling through news feeds, and my world is not in chaos today. Thank you so much 🙏
2024-11-05
Cheat Days?
Love the app, and happy to have additional safeguards against doomscrolling. The free version allows for simple all-sweeping controls. Cheat day concept I think works for some, but I specifically got the app to reduce doomscrolling for election season. I’d earned a cheat day, with no option to opt out of it, and was greeted with the apps I’d specifically wanted to avoid during the roller coaster of this particular news cycle. In order to get my controls back, I uninstalled and reinstalled the app and also deleted the worst offending apps for the day.
Not sure if it is an option, even in the paid tier to opt out of cheat days or bank them for later. Would love that. Otherwise, great app
2024-09-17
I wanted to love it
I got a free 30 day trial and had every plan to buy the app. It worked great at substantially reducing my screen time but some of the bugs, I can’t really move past. The white list feature is great but I found that it was blocking apps that I white listed (like Phone and Messages). It also isn’t wholly accurate. Roots said I spent 15 hours on Instagram when I had the app blocked for almost 8 hours of the day. And I fell asleep listening to a meditation and it said I used that app for 9 hours. It’s hard to gauge how you’re really doing with bugs like that.
2024-09-13
Life changer
I feel like this app gave me my life back. I read more have better quality of time with my family but still enjoy social media. The monk mode is a game changer. Love how it gives you real time pick ups and encouragement to put the phone down and live life !! Thank so much for making an app that has seriously help my life. ❤️
2024-08-20
Better than native iOS screen time, screen time way down!
I read an article that introduced me to this app. I was already using screen time tools on my iPhone. This one has a much more intuitive and use friendly interface. you answer some questions first about what you will do instead of downtime and it serves as a nice reminder that there’s things in my life that are much more important than scrolling or playing games or checking email.
2024-08-17
Great app for limiting your screen time!
I love the integration with iOS most of all, but also enjoy the UI and layout of the app. It’s very user friendly and informative. If you’re looking to limit your screen time and be more present, Roots is a great place to start!
2024-08-15
Useful App
Tone: appreciative
This Roots app helps users develop a healthy relationship with their smart devices.
I appreciate the app asking what one wants to do with the time the gain back and showing users how many books, etc one can engage with with that time.
2024-08-06
Significantly reduced my screen time
The goal setting during setup is great! Identifying other ways to spend your time while not on your phone is important. I love the gentle reminder to do one of my goals when I hit a time limit. It’s very simple, and it works!
Since using Roots, I’ve cut my screen time significantly. The time I’m on my phone now is more focused and more productive. Im a very happy user!
2024-07-15
Screen time down, vibes up
Roots is a great app that allows (forces) me to spend more time with my family and I love it. The customizable times for block out of the mind sucking apps were all addicted to is special. It helps me be more present and cognizant of how much time I spend with my eyes on a screen, rather than on my kid. Thanks Roots!
2024-07-09
Simple & Effective
This app is very easy to setup and use unlike other screen time apps. You can quickly check you screen time and dopamine hits. The app blocks work well and the nudges the app gives when you go over time remind you why you want to reduce your screen time. Monk mode is great to add an additional layer of challenge to use apps. I will definitely continue to use this app and recommend it to others.
2024-07-08
Easy, Convenient Way to Keep Yourself Accountable
Roots app is great because it’s 100% customizable to your needs. I’ve loved the way it has helped me to be more conscientious of the amount of times I pick up my phone/how much time I spend in front of a screen. I feel like it creates just the right amount of boundaries so I am motivated to be more present in life. Highly recommend!
2024-06-27
Thoughtfully designed and effective to reduce screen time!
I really like Roots! It’s pleasant to the eye, easy to use and surprisingly effective in helping me bring my screen time down. Features such as dopamine hits and phone pickups help motivate me to do something about my screen time by confronting me with it. App downtimes and limits are very useful to me as well!
2024-06-25
Lots of potential here
Excited to see an app like Roots now exists, to solve a plaguing problem. I'm on day 2 and so far I'm already seeing how it can help. Today I picked up my phone many times throughout the day, as I typically do, looking to check out IG or another social media outlet only to be blocked by Roots and had to think...hmm what do I do now. I'm hoping over time my brain will rewire itself to not need to pick up the phone so much and immediately default to more healthy habits.
I really like the deep integration with Screen Time and the analytics that Roots provides out of the box. You're able to provide app exceptions as well which is good for cases when you use a sleep app, for example, and it shouldn't count against your screen time.
There are a few bugs in the app that I'm sure will get worked out, given this is still a new app. Hopeful and excited here!
2024-06-24
Love The App but the pricing is insane
Apples screen time limiter is terrible and easy to blow past the limits, this is far better.
The problem is the pricing strategy, it’s $10 / month or $60 / year. I understand when apps need to be subscription based because of added content / high server cost, this app has neither. There is no reason why this one can’t cost $20 with perhaps a minimal recurring fee.
We might have a screen addition but these guys should consider something for their own subscription addiction.
2024-06-23
Get a f’ing handle on your life
This is exactly the app I was looking for! Apple has done a great job at collecting all the data on how much time we mindlessness spend on our phones, but fails to provide an interface to understand the data and make it actionable. This app SOLVES that problem!! And I’m sure it only scratches the surface and can’t wait to new features. Nicely done.
2024-06-21
Great for Time Management
I use Roots every day— It’s the first time I’ve successfully limited my social media time, and I like the option to set multiple rules. It preemptively helps me prioritize where I’ll spend my time, and has helped me stop scrolling during insomnia spells.
2024-06-19
Great framework for change of habit
I like that Roots provides many different metrics to track your progress, kind of like a choose-your-own adventure for how you want to improve your life. Whether it's caring for my tree, or watching my digital dopamine hits, I'm making progress towards my goals and it doesn't feel like work.
2024-06-18
Helps me be a more present parent
Since I started using Roots, I feel like a more patient and present parent. Before, I found myself constantly distracted and endlessly scrolling, but now, with the app's gentle reminders and enforced breaks, I'm more engaged in my kids' activities and conversations. We've rediscovered the joy of playing board games, going for walks, and simply talking without the interruption of screens. This app has truly transformed our family dynamic, allowing us to connect on a deeper level.
2024-06-18
Helps me be more present!
Roots has been a game changer for me! As a stay at home mom, sometimes I struggle to prioritize my screen time especially during the morning when it’s easy to pop on a show for my toddler. Not only has Roots help hold me accountable for the amount of time I spend on my phone, it in turn has helped me limit screen time with my toddler now that I am more aware. It has helped get us outside more and I’m so thankful for that! Highly recommend.
2024-06-11
Be Gone, Doom Scrolling!
Thanks to Roots I finally can take back control of my time and eliminate the habitual scrolling every time I reach for my phone. Almost everyone I know is guilty of grabbing their phone and immediately opening their go to social media app only to blink and realize they just wasted the last 15-30 mins scrolling through memes or sports highlights. I’ve setup multiple rules on roots to eliminate me even being able to open certain apps during dedicated times like first thing in the morning or in the evening when I’m winding down. I’ve also made it so it time constraints how much time I can spend on social media each day. Roots is the self control I wish I always had. Plus Monk Mode is incredible because even when you want to change the rules it won’t let you so you can’t give in to temptation. 10/10 thanks for giving me my time back, Roots!
2023-12-08
Actually works for me
I’ve tried a few different hacks and apps to limit screen time and never really been able to stick with it. This app is the first I’ve found that really works for me.
What I like:
- I love the design and friendly messaging
- The way the app limits feature works is great to me, it’s just enough friction to make me think twice when I’m scrolling twitter
- I also really like being able to set daily intentions
What could be better:
- Sometimes the home tab loads in a little slow or crashes (seems they are aware of the bug and working on it… although it doesn’t really impact the experience for me)
Overall, I’m a big fan and have actually decided to upgrade to the premium version. Worth every penny, it’s beautiful and it works.
[UPDATE: they fixed the bug I was seeing. Support was great]
2023-11-15
Not working:(
I downloaded this app about 5 days ago, and I loved everything about it. I like how the layout is shown and all the amenities that the app has. I also really enjoyed the guided meditations on the app. However I recently have an issue where the app won’t open. Every time I go to open the app, I’m met with the opening screen then bam, it shuts off and back to my home screen. Ive tried multiple times turning my phone off and doing other things but no matter what I do it won’t work. Which makes me really dab because I really liked this app. Any suggestions as to how I could fix it and use it again?
2023-11-02
Everyone needs this app
This should be automatically downloaded on every phone. Roots has a great design, easy to navigate and it has helped me significantly cut down on my screen time. The balance score makes it fun to see how high of a score I can get!
2023-08-31
Life-changing app!
The design is gorgeous, very intuitive and absolutely love how simple everything is! Initially skeptical about paying for all features, but my bad phone habits is really a big problem worth fixing.. Already taking back control of my screen time and not getting stuck anymore!
2023-08-29
Does what it says…
I decided to try this app because I am tired of wasting so much time on tic Tok. I’m sad to admit I spend up to 4 hours per day before I tried Roots…
I set up daily limits for tik tok and a few others… and I’ve found myself cutting down my screen time by A LOT.
I also like the balance score, it helps me. But the app limits are the most meaningful. I like that I can only add 5 minutes and it will break my streak if I do.
2023-08-29
Less screen time. More life!
Roots App helped me reduce screen time and spend more time with my friends and family doing things that I love!
If you struggle with screen time and want to unlock more time for the things you love, this is the app for you.