Blok vs Apptoken for iPhone Screen Time: How to Choose a Physical Friction Tool
A practical guide for iPhone users comparing Blok-style tools: how to choose the option you’ll actually use consistently to reduce Screen Time.
Key takeaways
- Bypass difficulty: can you override it quickly?
- Friction quality: does it create a real pause?
- Portability: does it work outside your home?
- Simplicity: will you still use it after the novelty wears off?
Use these criteria (they predict results better than feature lists)
Lowering iPhone Screen Time isn’t about having the most settings. It’s about changing your default behavior.
Choose the tool that makes your top scroll apps harder to open on autopilot—especially on bad days.
- Bypass difficulty: can you override it quickly?
- Friction quality: does it create a real pause?
- Portability: does it work outside your home?
- Simplicity: will you still use it after the novelty wears off?
Next steps
If you’re comparing Blok specifically, see our Blok alternative page.
If you’re ready to try friction with Apptoken, start here: Get Apptoken.
Want lower iPhone Screen Time without willpower battles?
Apptoken adds a real-world pause before distracting apps—so you don’t have to win the same decision 50 times a day.
FAQ
Will this work if I keep my iPhone in my hand all day?
Results will be limited. Combine friction with phone placement (parking spots) to reduce pickups.
Is physical friction better than app blockers?
Often, especially if you override app limits. Physical friction is harder to bypass in the moment.
How do I know what apps to target?
Use Settings → Screen Time → See All Activity and pick the top 1–3 non-essential apps driving your Screen Time.
Keep reading
An iPhone-focused comparison for people searching Screen Time solutions: what to look for (bypass difficulty, friction quality, and long-term adherence).
If you keep overriding Screen Time, compare three approaches: settings-based limits, “digital friction” tools, and physical friction that forces a pause.