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Work · December 3, 2025

ScreenBreak

Hi HN, I built ScreenBreak after realizing that most app blockers failed in practice. “Hard blocks” were too rigid — I either locked myself out entirely or tapped Ignore Limit and kept scrolling. There was no useful middle state. In reality, people still need to open apps like TikTok or Instagram for specific tasks: looking something up, replying to someone, checking updates, etc. The problem isn’t intentional use; it’s the unplanned, unconscious scrolling that follows. I wanted a system that interrupts the impulse without fully preventing access. ScreenBreak uses soft blocking plus…

ScreenBreak launched on December 3, 2025 with 125 votes, #237 of 11,628 launches that month and more than 95% of that year's launches.

What it does

ScreenBreak helps you cut off app addiction by adding effort at the exact moment you try to open a distracting app. Instead of simple blocking, it asks you to complete a quick challenge—tap fast, shake your phone, or draw a circle. Win, and you get a short access window; fail, and the urge breaks. ScreenBreak also provides detailed hourly and weekly screen-time insights to help you understand and improve your habits.

ScreenBreak helps you stop endless scrolling with playful focus challenges. Block addictive apps, track your screen time, and reclaim control — one break at a time.

ScreenBreak makes stopping feel good. Turn distractions into mini challenges — and build better screen habits for good. Turn distractions into mini games — unlock your apps only by winning short, engaging challenges. Automatically detects your most time-consuming apps and helps you set personalized blocking rules. Visualize your screen time by hour, app, and trend — gain clarity and control over your digital habits. Share your focus journey and win exclusive membershipfrom screenbreak.app

In the maker’s words, at launch

Hi HN, I built ScreenBreak after realizing that most app blockers failed in practice. “Hard blocks” were too rigid — I either locked myself out entirely or tapped Ignore Limit and kept scrolling. There was no useful middle state. In reality, people still need to open apps like TikTok or Instagram for specific tasks…

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