Recode: Screen Time Control

Name: Recode: Screen Time Control
Rating: 3.8 (6 reviews)
Author: Alexander Hartigan

By: Alexander Hartigan App

Block Apps. Scan QR to Unlock.

Overview

Version:

1.7

Last updated: 2026-07-24

Ranking

#453,147 ▼ 611

Overall

Features & Capabilities

Stop scrolling. Start living. Recode is the only screen time app that requires you to physically scan a QR code or barcode to unlock your blocked apps. No easy bypass. No cheating. Just real accountability.

How it works:

Choose which apps to block and set your schedule.
Pick any QR code or barcode as your unlock key — a book on your shelf, a code at your desk, anything.
When you want to unblock, you have to physically go scan it. That friction is what makes Recode work.

Why it's different: Other screen time apps let you bypass limits with a single tap. Recode doesn't. The physical requirement of scanning a code creates real resistance between you and your distracting apps. You can't cheat from the couch.

Track your progress with Streaks: Build a daily streak by keeping your break time under 30 minutes. Watch your calendar fill with green as you take back control of your habits.

Built from personal experience: I built Recode because I was losing myself in endless scrolling — distracted all day, drained at night, ashamed of how little I got done. Even in its demo version, the simple act of requiring a scan to unblock completely shifted my habits. Knowing I couldn't unblock until I got home kept me off my phone. Over time, I reclaimed focus, confidence, and the satisfaction of being productive.

Take control of your time. Download Recode today.

Available subscription options: Recode Pro – Monthly or Annual auto-renewable subscription.

User Growth & Download Statistics

App

By:

Alexander Hartigan

Rating:

3.80

(6)

Version:

1.7 Last updated: 2026-07-24

Version code:

888712445

Creation date:

2025-10-13

Compatible devices:

Size:

2.80MB

URLs:

Full description:

Source:

Apple Apps Store

Data ingested on:

2026-08-25

Compare stats and ranking:

Ranking

# 453,147 ▼ 611

For Developers

Monetize with App Pass Boost with Extension Booster

Contact the developer

Chrome-Stats does not own this Apple app. Please use these information below to contact the Apple app developer.

Developed by:

Alexander Hartigan

Apple Apps Store

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/recode-screen-time-control/id6752352978

User Reviews

Great idea, I’d be all in if it worked better. It’d continue blocking apps once blocking was disabled with the only way to reenable them was to delete the app, I would repeatedly have to reselect the apps I wanted to block, and last time I reinstalled it, there was a blocking timer that couldn’t be disabled. Needs improvement.

by f1*****, 2026-07-28

This app works great for me for a few days. I have it scheduled to block specific apps from 8pm-10am and again from 12pm-4pm. I find that having these 2 and 4 hour open blocks are helpful for me, as it makes me more willing to keep the apps blocked during their scheduled time. The barcode I use is a 10 minute walk from my house inside of my car. The bugs that I’m consistently experiencing involve the scheduling. Often during my free time, the apps will remain blocked and it’ll say the two schedules are both active, when they shouldn’t be. Because my barcode is far, I would have to walk 20+ minutes to fix the app every time so I have since learned to bypass it. This is fine but it defeats the purpose of the app, and makes me prone to not relocking the apps at their scheduled time or forgetting all together. If the schedule worked properly every time, the app would definitely be a 10/10. Sometimes when I reactivate the app, it doesn’t take effect or will block the apps even during a free time. Hopefully these issues are addressed at some point!