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ScreenZen

Free app that adds a short wait and daily limits before distracting apps open.

A completely free layer of friction between you and the scroll, set once and left running.

iOSAndroidFree plan availableVisit ScreenZen ↗ (opens in a new tab)

ScreenZen puts a short wait in front of the apps you choose. Before Instagram or TikTok opens, you wait a few seconds and see how many times you've already opened it today. Then you decide whether to go in.

On top of the wait, you can set a daily limit on how many times each app can be opened and how long each visit lasts. It's the same kind of friction as one sec, with more control over the rules.

The big difference is the price. ScreenZen is completely free, with optional tips if you want to support the developer. There's no paid tier holding back the useful parts.

It works on iPhone and Android. The maker also sells a physical blocker called Halo, but that only ships in the US for now, so this page covers the app only.

Best for

  • Anyone who wants a free screen-time tool that works
  • Setting daily open limits per app
  • iPhone and Android users

Skip it if

  • You want a hard lock you cannot skip
  • You only need to pause one app

How to set up ScreenZen

  1. Install ScreenZen and allow Screen Time (iPhone) or Accessibility (Android) access.
  2. Choose the apps you want to slow down.
  3. Set the wait time, like 10 seconds.
  4. Add a daily open limit for your worst app.

ScreenZen pricing

Free
FreeAll features. Optional in-app tips

Prices in Australian dollars unless noted, checked November 2026. Prices change, so check ScreenZen's own site before you pay.

ScreenZen is one of several picks in Best Focus and Screen-Time Apps for Australians in 2026, if you want the full comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ScreenZen really free?

Yes. All the features are free, and you can leave an optional tip in the app if you want to support it.

What does ScreenZen do when I open a blocked app?

It makes you wait a few seconds and shows how many times you've opened that app today, then lets you choose whether to continue. You can also cap daily opens and session length.

Can I buy the ScreenZen Halo in Australia?

Not as of November 2026. Halo ships to the US only, but the app works fine on its own.

ScreenZen or one sec?

Both add a pause before an app opens. ScreenZen is fully free with more limit settings. one sec is free for one app, has a breathing exercise and is backed by a published study. Try ScreenZen first if you don't want to pay.

Alternatives in the stack

One Sec

Adds a brief mindful pause before you open a distracting app, backed by a peer-reviewed study showing it cuts how often you open the paused app.

A tiny bit of friction at the moment of temptation, the same principle as automating price-checks so you're not the one doing the tempting re-check.

Free for one app; Pro $9.99/mo or $29.99/yrVisit ↗ One Sec (opens in a new tab)

Haserupt

New

Asks why you are opening an app, gives you a set time to do that one thing, then locks the app for a cool-off.

Makes every app open a deliberate choice with an end time, so a quick check stays quick.

Free download; Premium from $7.99/moVisit ↗ Haserupt (opens in a new tab)

Latch

New

Locks distracting apps until you physically walk to an NFC sticker or printed QR code and scan it.

Puts the unlock across the room, so getting distracted takes effort and staying focused takes none.

Free; Pro $14.99 one-offVisit ↗ Latch (opens in a new tab)

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