Recode: Screen Time Control

Name: Recode: Screen Time Control
Rating: 4.5 (4 reviews)
Author: Alexander Hartigan

By: Alexander Hartigan

Block Apps. Scan QR to Unlock.

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:

4.50

(4)

Version:

1.4 Last updated: 2026-05-11

Version code:

885482533

Creation date:

2025-10-13

Compatible devices:

Size:

2.64MB

URLs:

Full description:

Source:

Apple Apps Store

Data ingested on:

2026-06-07

Compare stats and ranking:

Ranking

# 579,261 ▼ 2,176

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

I love this and it’s a great option as opposed to one Brick. However, some things I’d love to see in the future: A scan to lock feature, without having to make a schedule. Some sort of screen time goal tracker or incentives. Ability to add more than one barcode.

by ar*****, 2026-03-02

I really like this concept, nice not to have to buy a 60 dollar nfc tag to accomplish the exact same thing. This works better for me than any of the other screen time apps and I've tried a lot of them. Two bugs: 1. Facebook isn't getting blocked even though it's checked in block apps. I triple checked. Maybe this is a problem with screen time itself and not the app but it worked in other screen time apps. 2. When I take a break, some significant percentage of the time it'll re-lock after a few seconds by itself. Other feedback: I shouldn't have to select the schedule to take a break. Maybe higher friction is the point though. It would be cool if you could lock ad-hoc maybe with a countdown timer. Overall though this is a great app. Well done!