What To Try When Screen Time Limits Do Not Work

Timers are easy to wait out

Screen-time limits can help, but they often answer the wrong question. A timer says when an app becomes available again. It does not ask whether the user did the thing they were avoiding.

Try connecting the app to the avoided action

If the problem is opening TikTok before studying, the better rule may be simple: TikTok waits until the study block is done. If the problem is Instagram before a walk, Instagram waits until the step goal clears.

• Use blocks for apps that reliably break the plan.
• Use minute caps when lighter pressure is enough.
• Use recurrence when the same rule should come back again.
• Use the free version and AI-assisted plan creation to test the loop before unlocking more advanced editing.

PlanKept's fit

PlanKept is for people who want normal app-blocking functions, but also want a reason to keep the blocker installed. The rule has a path out: complete the real-life plan, clear the activity check, or make the case in Proof Review. The no-subscription model helps too, because keeping the app around does not have to mean taking on another recurring payment.