# ScreenBuddy > Manage screen time with a gamified score system that rewards self-control Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.phax.screenbuddy](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.phax.screenbuddy) ## Overview - **ID:** `com.phax.screenbuddy` - **Platform:** Android - **Type:** Android app - **Status:** Available - **Publisher:** Phax - **Category:** PRODUCTIVITY - **Downloads:** 33 - **Version:** 1.0.13 - **Last updated:** 2026-09-30 - **First published:** 2026-09-29 - **Publisher country:** US - **Size:** 21 MB - **Data as of:** 2026-10-30 - **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phax.screenbuddy) - **Privacy policy:** [https://sqin2013.github.io/screenbuddy-privacy/](https://sqin2013.github.io/screenbuddy-privacy/) ## Description Reclaim Your Time with ScreenBuddy

Does your "quick check" of social media often turn into an hour of mindless scrolling? Most app blockers are too easy to bypass, and simple timers are easy to ignore. ScreenBuddy is different. It transforms digital wellness into a rewarding game, helping you build lasting habits through mindful friction and a unique scoring system.

How It Works

ScreenBuddy isn't just a blocker—it’s a habit coach. You set a daily time budget for the apps that distract you most. As you use your phone mindfully, you earn points. If you choose to break your budget, you’ll have to "Think Again."

Key Features

1. Gamified Discipline (The Score System) Every user starts with a daily score. Stay under your budget to earn points and climb the ranks. Need more time? You can request an extension, but it will cost you. Discipline is rewarded; over-indulgence has a price.

2. "Think Again" Mindful Friction When you reach your limit, ScreenBuddy doesn't just cut you off—it asks you to reflect. To unlock more time, you must manually type a motivational passage. This small moment of "behavioral friction" breaks the cycle of mindless scrolling and puts you back in the driver’s seat.

3. Real-Time Monitoring Using advanced background monitoring, ScreenBuddy detects the moment you open a restricted app. It provides instant feedback and overlays, ensuring you stay aware of your usage without having to constantly check a dashboard.

4. Earn Back Your Points Finished with an app earlier than your extension? ScreenBuddy rewards your self-control. The sooner you stop, the more points you recover, encouraging you to return to the real world as soon as possible.

5. Detailed Progress Tracking View your daily "Screen Time," "Apps Tracked," and "Budget Status" at a glance. Watch your score trends over time and see your self-control improve as your score grows.

Privacy & Transparency

We believe your data belongs to you. ScreenBuddy is built with a "Privacy First" mindset:
• Local Storage: All your usage data is stored locally on your device. Nothing is uploaded to external servers.
• Limited Access: We do not read your messages, view your photos, or track your location.
• Accessibility Service Disclosure: ScreenBuddy uses the Accessibility API solely for one purpose: to detect which app is currently in the foreground. This allows the app to enforce your budgets in real-time. We do not use this permission to collect any personal or sensitive information.

Permissions Required

To help you stay focused, ScreenBuddy requires:
• Accessibility Service: Used only to detect foreground apps for budget enforcement.
• Usage Stats: Used to track daily time spent in your selected apps.
• Overlay Permission: Allows the "Think Again" dialog to appear over restricted apps.
• Foreground Service: Ensures the monitoring remains active so you never miss a budget limit.

Stop scrolling and start living. Download ScreenBuddy today and turn your digital wellness into a win! ## Rankings - #2,562,511 — Overall ## Permissions and access ### Permissions - `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE` - `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE` - `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_SPECIAL_USE` - `android.permission.PACKAGE_USAGE_STATS` - `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS` - `android.permission.QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES` - `android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED` - `android.permission.SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM` - `android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW` - `android.permission.VIBRATE` - `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK` - `com.android.vending.CHECK_LICENSE` - `com.phax.screenbuddy.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION` ## Similar extensions and apps - [Screen Time Blocker: App Limit](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.yazboz.screentimeblocker) — 20 users - [Screen Time Tracker & Limits](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.worldvisionsoft.screentimetracker) — 16 users - [Screen Time Reminder](https://chrome-stats.com/d/sk.lukask.screentimereminder) — 13,080 users - [Screen Time Tracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.techtool.screentimetracker) — 36 users - [Lifetimer Screen Time](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.lifetimer.screentime) — 37 users - [Tiny Vow](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.rorolo.tinyvow) — 34 users - [ScreenBreak](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.screenbreak.app) — 375 users - [Screen Mentor: Digital Detox](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.onedaysoft.screenmentor) — 89 users - [App Blocker: Screen Time Focus](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.duohub.mindfulness) — 4,668 users - [Screen Time: Challenge Buddy](https://chrome-stats.com/d/co.sot_buddy) — 48 users - [PayAttention - App Blocker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/tech.xiangzi.payattention) — 18 users - [PauseBuddy](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.linzhang.pausebuddy) — 27 users --- Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.phax.screenbuddy)