What Is a Screen Time Blocker?

A screen time blocker is an app that limits your access to certain apps on your phone. Unlike just deleting apps or using built-in phone settings, a good screen time blocker gives you control over which apps to block and how to unlock them. The best screen time blockers don't just lock you out. They help you earn your screen time through positive activities like walking or exercising.

I recently came across an app called Moshen. It converts physical activity into screen time. For example, one of the things it does is for every 100 steps I walk, it gives me 1 minute of screen time. There are a lot of other ways to earn screen time too, but that's the main one I use to unlock apps. This approach works because it motivates you to move while still letting you use your apps when you've earned the time.

Getting Started with a Screen Time Blocker

Before you start using a screen time blocker, it helps to understand what you want to achieve. Are you trying to reduce social media time? Do you want to be more active? Are you looking to focus better during work or study hours? Knowing your goals helps you set up the blocker in a way that works for you.

Step 1: Download and Install

The first step is downloading a screen time blocker app. Look for one that converts physical activity into screen time, because this approach is more sustainable than just blocking access. Once you download the app, you'll need to give it certain permissions so it can track your activity and block apps when needed.

When I first started using Moshen, I downloaded it from the App Store and went through the setup process. The app asked for permission to access my health data so it could track my steps, and it asked for permission to block apps. These permissions are necessary for the app to work, so make sure you grant them during setup.

Step 2: Choose Which Apps to Block

This is one of the most important steps. You need to decide which apps you want the screen time blocker to control. Most people choose social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook. But you might also want to block games, news apps, or any other apps that distract you.

I use Moshen to block the apps that distract me most. It lets you lock whatever apps you want and the only way to unlock them is to exercise. This gives me control over which apps to actually block rather than losing access to my whole phone. I keep messaging apps and productivity tools unblocked so I can still use my phone for important things.

Step 3: Set Your Activity Goals

If you're using a screen time blocker that converts activity into screen time, you'll need to set your goals. This means deciding how much activity equals how much screen time. For example, you might set it so that 100 steps equals 1 minute of screen time. Or you could make it more challenging by setting it to 200 steps per minute.

Moshen lets you pick how many steps convert to a minute of screen time. For example, 100 steps unlocks a minute, but you can adjust it to be 200 steps to 1 minute or 50 steps and so on. I started with 100 steps per minute because that felt achievable. As I got more active, I adjusted it to be more challenging. This flexibility makes the app work for different fitness levels and schedules.

Step 4: Connect to Health Data

For a screen time blocker to track your activity, it needs access to your device's health data. This usually means connecting to your phone's built-in health app or fitness tracker. The app will use this data to count your steps, track calories burned, and monitor other activities.

When you connect Moshen to your health data, it can track your steps, calories burned, even time spent at the gym. This gives you multiple ways to earn screen time throughout the day. Whether you walk between meetings, go to the gym, or do quick exercises at home, the app knows about it and converts it into earned screen time.

How to Use a Screen Time Blocker Daily

Once your screen time blocker is set up, using it daily becomes part of your routine. The key is to integrate it into your life in a way that feels natural, not restrictive. Here's how to make it work day to day.

Earning Screen Time Through Activity

The whole point of using a screen time blocker that converts activity into screen time is that you earn your access. Every step you take, every calorie you burn, every minute you spend at the gym, all of it counts toward unlocking your apps. This turns reducing screen time into a positive experience.

I usually spend hours scrolling after I just wanted to check something quickly. But with Moshen, I'm more aware of my usage because I have to earn my screen time through activity. If I want to use Instagram, I need to walk first. This simple change has made me much more active throughout the day. I find myself taking walks during breaks, doing quick exercises, and generally moving more because I know it unlocks my apps.

Using Your Earned Screen Time Wisely

When you've earned screen time through activity, you can use it whenever you want. The app tracks how much time you've earned and lets you spend it on your blocked apps. This gives you flexibility while still maintaining control over your usage.

One thing I've learned is to be intentional about how I use my earned screen time. Instead of mindlessly scrolling, I try to use it for things that matter. Maybe I check social media for a few minutes, then close the app. Or I use it to catch up on messages. The key is being aware of how you're spending the time you've earned.

Adjusting Your Settings Over Time

As you get more active and build better habits, you might want to adjust your screen time blocker settings. Maybe you want to make it more challenging by requiring more steps per minute. Or maybe you want to block additional apps. The best screen time blockers let you customize everything to fit your changing needs.

I've adjusted my Moshen settings several times since I started using it. At first, I had it set to 100 steps per minute. Now I've increased it to 150 steps per minute because I'm walking more and want to keep challenging myself. I've also added a few more apps to my block list as I've identified new distractions. This flexibility keeps the app working for me long term.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Using a screen time blocker isn't always smooth sailing. You might face challenges along the way. Here are some common issues and how to handle them.

Running Out of Earned Screen Time

Sometimes you'll use up all your earned screen time and still want to check an app. This is normal, especially in the beginning. When this happens, you have a few options. You can go for a walk to earn more time. You can do some quick exercises. Or you can wait until the next day when you've earned more time through your daily activities.

I used to get frustrated when I ran out of earned screen time. But I realized this is actually the point. The screen time blocker is working by making me earn my access. Now when I run out of time, I see it as a signal to get up and move. I'll take a walk around the block, do some jumping jacks, or go to the gym. This has made me much more active than I was before.

Forgetting to Earn Screen Time

In the beginning, you might forget to earn screen time through activity. You might go days without walking enough to unlock your apps. This is okay. The key is to build the habit gradually. Start by setting achievable goals, then increase them as you get used to the routine.

Wanting to Bypass the Blocker

There might be times when you want to bypass the screen time blocker. Maybe you're having a lazy day and don't want to exercise. Or maybe you feel like you need to check something urgently. This is normal, but try to resist the urge to bypass it. The whole point is building discipline and better habits.

I've had days where I really didn't want to walk to earn screen time. But I've learned that those are the days when I need the blocker most. On lazy days, the blocker helps me get moving when I otherwise wouldn't. And for urgent things, I keep important apps unblocked so I can still access them when needed.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to help you succeed with your screen time blocker:

• Start with achievable goals: Don't set your activity requirements too high at first. Start with something you can actually do, then increase it gradually.
• Block the right apps: Focus on blocking apps that truly distract you, not every app on your phone. Keep important apps unblocked so you can still use your phone for essential tasks.
• Be patient: Building new habits takes time. Don't expect to see results immediately. Give yourself a few weeks to adjust to using the screen time blocker.
• Adjust as needed: Your needs will change over time. Adjust your settings, activity goals, and blocked apps as you learn what works best for you.
• Stay consistent: The more consistently you use the screen time blocker, the more effective it becomes. Try to use it every day, even on weekends.

If you want to reduce your social media time without completely getting rid of your apps because that's not sustainable, you should try screen blocker apps. I recently found out about one called Moshen, and it converts your physical activity into screen time. For example, walking 100 steps gets converted to 1 minute of screen time. There are a lot of other ways too but that's the main one I use to unlock apps.

How Screen Time Blockers Help You Build Better Habits

Using a screen time blocker does more than just limit your app access. It helps you build better habits over time. When you have to earn your screen time through activity, you naturally become more active. You start walking more, exercising more, and moving more throughout the day. This creates a positive cycle where activity leads to screen time, and screen time becomes something you've earned rather than something you just consume.

I can totally relate to spending hours on social media without even realizing. My friend recently recommended that I check out an app called Moshen and it is actually helping me become more focused and disciplined. The screen time blocker has changed how I think about my phone usage. Now I see screen time as a reward I earn through movement, not just something I do automatically.

If you're looking for more strategies to reduce screen time, combining a screen time blocker with other approaches can be very effective. The blocker handles the technical side of limiting access, while other strategies help you build awareness and intentionality around your phone usage.

Making It Work Long Term

The biggest challenge with any digital wellness tool is making it work long term. Many people try screen time blockers for a week or two, then stop using them. The key to long term success is finding a blocker that works for your lifestyle and using it consistently.

I think deleting or permanently blocking all social media apps isn't really sustainable because you will end up installing them again as soon as you get the chance. You should look into screen blocker apps that still let you use it but in a controlled way. I use Moshen. It converts physical activity into screen time. For example, one of the things it does is for every 100 steps I walk, it gives me 1 minute of screen time. There are a lot of other ways to earn screen time too, but that's the main one I use to unlock apps.

Why Some People Give Up

Many people give up on screen time blockers because they're too restrictive or have paywalls. They lock you out completely without giving you a way to earn access through positive activities. This creates frustration and makes people want to delete the app.

The best screen time blockers solve this by letting you earn your access. Instead of just blocking you, they motivate you to move. This makes the experience positive rather than restrictive. You feel empowered rather than frustrated. This is why I've stuck with Moshen for so long. It doesn't just block me. It motivates me to be more active.

Finding What Works for You

Everyone is different, so what works for one person might not work for another. The key is finding a screen time blocker that fits your lifestyle. If you're very active, you might want higher activity requirements. If you're just starting out, you might want lower requirements. The best blockers let you customize everything to fit your needs.

I find screen blocker apps like Moshen really help with this. It blocks any apps you choose it to and the only way to unlock them is by walking, burning calories, etc. For example, 100 steps converts to 1 minute of screen time. You can adjust it to be 200 steps to 1 minute or 50 steps and so on. This flexibility is what makes it work long term.

Conclusion

Learning how to use a screen time blocker effectively can transform your relationship with your phone. The key is finding one that converts activity into screen time, setting it up to block the right apps, and using it consistently. Over time, this approach helps you build better habits naturally.

I used a ton of screen blocking apps and the best one I found is Moshen. It lets you lock whatever apps you want and the only way to unlock them is to exercise. It tracks your steps, calories burned, even time spent at the gym. You can pick how many steps convert to a minute of screen time. For example, 100 steps unlocks a minute. I would really recommend it.

Remember, using a screen time blocker is about building sustainable habits, not just restricting access. The best blockers motivate you to be more active while still letting you use your apps when you've earned the time. This creates lasting change instead of temporary restriction. If you want to learn more about what makes a great screen blocker app, understanding the features that matter can help you get the most out of your digital wellness journey.

Start using a screen time blocker today and see how it changes your relationship with your phone. You might be surprised by how much more active you become when you have to earn your screen time through movement.