I'm Tanjil, an independent developer and the founder of YourPriority. YourPriority is a free iPhone app that blocks the apps you scroll too much, with a free Mac app that blocks websites. When you open a blocked app, it shows your priorities for today instead of the feed.
Why I built YourPriority
I was spending almost 6 to 8 hours a day on my phone. That time was coming out of the things that really mattered to me: my priorities and the goals I wanted to reach.
So I looked for ways to cut down. First I tried the Screen Time limits that come with the iPhone. They were very easy to skip. Then I tried paid blocker apps, including Opal and one sec. They didn't fit what I needed. They were basically just blocking apps.
I wanted something different. When I open a blocked app, I want my phone to remind me of my priorities, my to-dos and my goals. That's the app I built.
What YourPriority does
- Blocks distracting apps on iPhone all day, during certain hours, or after a daily limit, on the days you choose. It uses Apple's Screen Time system.
- Doom Scroll Breaks: after you've scrolled for a set time (for example 30 minutes), your chosen apps lock for a short break (for example 10 minutes). You choose the numbers.
- Shows your priorities on the block screen instead of a plain "blocked" message.
- A calm daily to-do list with your most important task on top, plus repeating to-dos, steps, reminders and notes.
- One urgent break a day (10 minutes) for the times you really need a blocked app.
- On Mac, it blocks websites in Safari, Google Chrome, Arc, Brave and Microsoft Edge, with no browser extension. Download the Mac app.
Everything above is free. There's no account, no ads and no tracking. Pro ($4.99 a month or $29.99 a year) adds one thing: iCloud Sync, so your to-dos and notes match on your iPhone and Mac. You can read more on the home page or download it from the App Store.
How I write this blog
- I only say I tried something if I tried it. I've used Apple Screen Time, Opal, one sec and a few other blockers myself.
- I name other apps fairly. YourPriority isn't the right app for everyone, and I say so when another app fits better.
- I'm honest about what YourPriority can't do. For example, on iPhone it blocks apps but not websites yet.
- I link to my sources for prices, studies and statistics.
- I update posts when apps, prices or iPhone settings change. Each post shows the date it was last updated.
Get in touch
If something in a post is wrong or out of date, please tell me. You can use the contact form or email yourpriorityapp@gmail.com.