For easily distracted iPhone users

Pause before the scroll.

FocusPause leaves room for one breath when a distracting app opens, and adds a timed block when you need a firmer boundary. Pause, block or continue, then review what happened.

Download on the App Store How it works

Opening pause and Quick Timer are free · Requires iOS 18 or later

The real breathing flow, expanding on the inhale and settling on the exhale.

Pause before openingQuick Timer and recurring schedulesRecords stay on your device

Pause · Block · Review

Use a different boundary for a different kind of distraction.

When access is still needed, slow the opening down. When access should stop, use a timed block or recurring schedule. Then review which boundary actually helped.

01Name why you came

What are you opening this app to do?

Choose a concrete purpose, then give it a time limit. “Reply to messages” is easier to follow than a vague promise to use your phone less.

Choose a purpose · Set a limit · Continue or leave

FocusPause opening purpose and usage time screen

Make room for focused time

Pause once. Protect recurring hours automatically.

Start a Quick Timer for one focused session. Let recurring schedules protect the distracting hours that return each day or week.

One timed blockActive

Quick Timer

60 minutes

3 targets

Active

Deep work

Mon · 9:45 AM–11:45 AM

Evening wind-down

Mon · 9:45 AM–11:45 AM

Choose apps or categories, a duration, and weekdays. Apple applies the boundary on schedule.

Uses Apple Screen Time, and permission can be revoked anytime

FocusPause trend and usage intent analysis screen

03See what changed after a pause or block

Which boundary is actually helping?

Review shows opening-pause interceptions, turn-backs, and actual opens, plus active blocks that completed, ended early, or were interrupted. Instead of one broad screen-time total, you can see what changed after each choice.

Opening paths · Active-blocking history · Usage intent

A simple data boundary

Your habits do not need to leave your device.

Pause records, schedules, blocking history, and diagnostic logs stay on your device. The developer does not collect or upload personal data; Apple handles purchases.

Feature records: stored on deviceDiagnostic logs: viewable and clearable locallyAnalytics and tracking: not included

Read the full privacy policy

FAQ

A few things to make clear before you start.

How does it appear when another app opens?

You create a personal automation in Apple Shortcuts. When a selected app opens, the automation starts the FocusPause pause flow.

How does active blocking work?

Quick Timer blocks selected apps or categories now. Recurring schedules apply on the weekdays and times you choose. Both depend on Apple Screen Time / FamilyControls permission.

Is Focus Pause a permanent hard lock?

No. A running timed block can end early after a second confirmation, and you can revoke system permission or delete the App. Focus Pause does not provide a Strict Mode. Compare an opening pause with a hard app blocker.

What can I do for free?

The free opening pause protects up to 2 apps with up to 5 purposes each. Quick Timer is free, and the first 2 recurring schedules can each use 1 active weekday.

Give yourself half a second before the next tap.

Start free with two opening-pause apps or one Quick Timer block now.

Download FocusPauseiPhone · Requires iOS 18 or later