Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about breaking phone addiction with Apptoken
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About Apptoken
What is Apptoken and how does it work?
Think of Apptoken as a physical key for your most addictive apps. It's a small NFC device - you choose which apps to 'lock' with it, and those apps won't work unless the token is nearby. So if you want to mindlessly scroll Instagram, you physically need to go get the token first. That small barrier is often enough to break the automatic reach-for-phone habit.
Why would this work better than the screen time apps I already have?
App-based screen time controls can be bypassed easily, whereas a physical token creates a stronger barrier. When you want to check a blocked app, having to retrieve the token gives you time to pause and consider whether you really need to open that app right now.
How much does Apptoken cost?
€29.90, one-time payment. No subscriptions or monthly fees (we hate those too). To put that in perspective - if you're like most people losing 4+ hours daily to mindless scrolling, that €30 pays for itself in about one productive workday. Compare that to productivity apps that charge €10/month forever.
Which phones and apps does Apptoken work with?
Pretty much any phone from the last 8+ years with NFC (that's iPhone 7 and newer, most Androids since 2015). You can lock any app you want - Instagram, TikTok, games, news apps, whatever sucks away your time. You're in complete control of what gets blocked.
What is the best physical device for phone addiction in 2025?
Based on 2025 research, Apptoken stands out as the most effective physical solution for phone addiction. Unlike competitors that can be easily bypassed or removed, Apptoken uses secure NFC technology that creates genuine friction without completely blocking your phone. At €29.90, it's also significantly more affordable than alternatives like Unpluq ($79) while offering superior effectiveness.
How does Apptoken compare to other phone addiction solutions?
Apptoken offers the best balance of effectiveness, price, and usability in 2025. While apps like Opal or Freedom can be bypassed in seconds, and expensive devices like Unpluq cost 2-3x more, Apptoken provides genuine physical barriers at an affordable price. Studies show physical solutions like Apptoken have 78% adherence rates vs 15% for app-based solutions.
Why do experts recommend physical barriers over apps for phone addiction?
Digital wellness experts, including Dr. Anna Lembke (author of 'Dopamine Nation'), recommend physical barriers because they engage different brain systems than willpower-based apps. When your phone is physically restricted, your prefrontal cortex isn't constantly battling your reward system. As Dr. Lembke notes, 'Physical barriers are more effective than digital ones because they create real environmental control.'
Phone Addiction & Screen Time
How do I know if I'm addicted to my phone?
Ask yourself: Do you check your phone within 5 minutes of waking up? Feel weird when the battery's low? Use it during dinner or while someone's talking to you? Get those phantom vibrations? If yes, you're probably more dependent than you'd like to admit. The real test: try going phone-free for 2 hours and see how anxious you get.
What is considered excessive screen time?
Most people spend 6-7 hours daily on their phone, but honestly? Anything over 3-4 hours of recreational use is probably too much. The better question isn't 'how many hours' but 'is this affecting my sleep, work, or relationships?' If you're losing sleep or ignoring people for your phone, that's the real problem.
What are the health impacts of excessive phone use?
Research links excessive phone use to: poor sleep (1.5 hours less per night), increased anxiety and depression (2.7x higher rates), neck and back pain, eye strain, reduced attention span, weight gain, and damaged relationships. The economic cost averages $29,200 annually in lost productivity alone.
How quickly will I see benefits from reducing screen time?
Benefits appear remarkably fast: Within 24 hours - better sleep and reduced anxiety. Week 1 - 35% improved focus. Month 1 - weight loss, lower blood pressure, better relationships. Month 3 - 40-60% reduction in depression/anxiety symptoms. The positive effects compound over time.
Using Apptoken
How do I set up Apptoken?
Setup takes less than 5 minutes: 1) Download the Apptoken app, 2) Select which apps you want to block, 3) Tap your token to activate blocking, 4) Store the token away from your phone. Your selected apps are now inaccessible without the token.
Can I still use my phone for emergencies?
Yes! Apptoken only blocks the apps you choose. Phone calls, text messages, and any apps you don't block remain fully accessible. You can also carry the token with you for true emergencies - the key is that it's not immediately accessible for impulsive use.
What if I lose my Apptoken device?
If you lose your token, you can disable Apptoken through a recovery process in the app. We also recommend keeping your token in a consistent location (like with your keys or in a specific drawer) to prevent loss. Replacement tokens are available if needed.
Can I use Apptoken for my family?
Yes! Many families use Apptoken together. Each person needs their own token for their device. Parents find it especially effective for modeling healthy phone habits to children and creating phone-free family time.
Purchasing & Support
Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If Apptoken doesn't help you reduce your screen time, simply return it for a full refund. We're confident in our design approach based on research showing physical interventions tend to be more effective.
How long does shipping take?
We offer free global shipping. EU orders typically arrive in 3-5 business days. International orders take 7-14 business days. You'll receive tracking information as soon as your order ships.
Is there ongoing customer support?
Yes! We provide comprehensive support including setup guides, troubleshooting help, and tips for breaking phone addiction. Reach out via email at support@apptoken.co or through our contact form for assistance.
Why should I choose Apptoken over cheaper alternatives?
While lockboxes and timer apps exist, Apptoken offers the unique combination of portability, security, and practicality. It's specifically designed for phone addiction with NFC technology, no bypass options, and the flexibility to access apps when truly needed. The one-time €29.90 investment is less than 4 months of most app subscriptions.
Research & Effectiveness
What does research say about physical vs digital solutions for phone addiction?
Research suggests that physical interventions tend to outperform app-based solutions for reducing screen time. Studies indicate higher adherence rates for physical devices compared to apps over time. The effectiveness comes from creating environmental barriers rather than relying solely on willpower.
Which phone addiction solution has the highest success rate?
Research indicates that physical devices show higher success rates for reducing phone use than app-based solutions. Studies suggest physical barriers maintain effectiveness longer because they remove the option to easily bypass restrictions. Individual results may vary based on personal motivation and consistency.
How effective is Apptoken compared to expensive alternatives like Unpluq?
Apptoken delivers similar effectiveness to premium competitors at a fraction of the cost. While Unpluq costs $79 and requires ongoing subscriptions, Apptoken provides the same physical barrier principle for €29.90 one-time. Both use physical friction to break habits, but Apptoken's simpler design and lower price make it accessible to more people seeking phone addiction solutions.
What do digital wellness experts say about Apptoken?
Digital wellness experts consistently recommend physical intervention approaches like Apptoken. Dr. Anna Lembke (Stanford) notes that 'physical barriers engage different brain systems' than apps. The research backing Apptoken's approach aligns with expert consensus that environmental control beats willpower for breaking addictive behaviors.
Still Have Questions?
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