Customer Reviews (100)

Andani López • 2025-09-03T06:36:44.904Z

the best app to block apps haha only one issue, I haven't achieved block YouTube shorts pdta: listen to the band -tourist club- on Spotify 😍

Nick & Katie Allard • 2025-09-03T04:37:34.150Z

game changer. I didn't realize how much the delayed open time would greatly reduce my being sucked into different apps. seriously the best app for managing screen time and being mindful about phone usage. I love all the options of schedules and strict screen times. the ability to block yourself from overriding a blocked app by controlling the settings. I could go on and on. I feel like the app developers thought of everything! It is simple and straightforward and isn't bogged down with ads.

Dave Marcantonio • 2025-09-02T18:46:56.715Z

Super helpful application and works quite well. There's just one significant usability bug. If you lock your phone while on an app that is blocked, and attempting to open another app from the phones lock screen via a notification, the app will still take over the screen and show the block application screen from ScreenZen.

Summary of Key Insights

ScreenZen is generally well-received, with users praising its effectiveness in reducing screen time and promoting mindful phone usage. Its customizability, ease of use, and lack of a mandatory subscription model are significant strengths. However, some users report issues with blocking YouTube Shorts and websites, as well as occasional bugs and inconsistencies in settings. The overall sentiment is positive, reflected in the high number of 5-star reviews.

  • Strengths: Effective screen time control, highly customizable, no mandatory subscription, easy to use, mindful prompts, ability to block specific content (e.g., YouTube Shorts).
  • Weaknesses: Issues blocking YouTube Shorts and websites, occasional bugs and inconsistent performance, potential for bypass via force stop/settings manipulation.
  • Overall Sentiment: Positive.
  • Overall Rating: High (based on score distribution).
  • Score Distribution: 5-star: 81%, 4-star: 8%, 3-star: 3%, 2-star: 3%, 1-star: 5%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews.
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly specified, but likely represents recent reviews.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (qualitative assessment of review tone), keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned terms and issues).

Key User Pain Points

  • YouTube Shorts Blocking Issues: Several users report that ScreenZen fails to consistently block YouTube Shorts, even when configured to do so. This is a recurring and significant pain point.
  • Website Blocking Inconsistencies: Some users experience unreliable website blocking, with the app failing to prevent access to blocked sites consistently.
  • Bugs and Inconsistent Performance: Several users reported that the settings and actual performance don't match up. Apps that are only on timers get blocked, and apps that are blocked are able to open sometimes.
  • Bypass via Force Stop/Settings Manipulation: A few users noted that the "prevent uninstall" feature can be circumvented by force-stopping the app or manipulating settings.
  • Filters Blocking Too Much: At least one user found the filter blocking too aggressive, blocking content that only slightly resembles what they intended to block.

Frequently Requested Features

  • NFC Tag Support: Users request the ability to use NFC tags to quickly block or unblock apps.
  • Integration with Android Modes/Routines: Users want ScreenZen to integrate with Android's built-in Modes and Routines for automated blocking based on context.
  • Feature Parity with iOS Version: Android users request features available in the iOS version of the app.
  • Data Backup and Restore: A user requested the ability to save data in case of reinstallation.
  • Countdown Timer Improvements: A user requested more granular countdown timer notifications, especially in the last few minutes before a block activates.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Effective Screen Time Reduction: Many users report significant reductions in screen time and improved focus.
  • Customizability: Users appreciate the ability to tailor settings for different apps, days, and times.
  • Mindful Prompts: The prompts asking users to consider whether they really need to open an app are seen as helpful.
  • No Mandatory Subscription: Users value the fact that the app is free and offers optional tips instead of a subscription.
  • Easy to Use: The app is generally considered simple and straightforward to use.
  • Blocks Specific Content: The ability to block specific types of content, like YouTube Shorts, is appreciated.
  • Timer before Opening Apps: The delayed open time is very effective in reducing mindless app usage.
  • Preventing Uninstallation: The ability to block yourself from overriding a blocked app by controlling the settings is highly praised.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Fix YouTube Shorts Blocking: Address the issue of inconsistent YouTube Shorts blocking, as this is a frequently reported problem.
    • Improve Website Blocking Reliability: Investigate and fix the unreliability of website blocking functionality.
    • Address Bugs and Inconsistencies: Resolve the reported bugs and inconsistencies in settings and app behavior.
  • Medium Priority:
    • Enhance "Prevent Uninstall" Feature: Strengthen the "prevent uninstall" feature to prevent bypassing via force stop or settings manipulation.
    • Implement NFC Tag Support: Add support for NFC tags to allow quick blocking/unblocking of apps.
    • Integrate with Android Modes/Routines: Integrate ScreenZen with Android's Modes and Routines for automated blocking.
  • Low Priority:
    • Add Data Backup and Restore: Allow users to backup and restore their settings.
    • Improve Countdown Timer Notifications: Provide more granular countdown timer notifications.
    • Address overly aggressive filtering: Allow users to adjust filter sensitivity.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Advanced Content Filtering: A more sophisticated content filtering system that can accurately block specific types of content without over-blocking.
  • Context-Aware Blocking: An app that uses location, time, and activity data to automatically adjust blocking settings.
  • Gamified Screen Time Reduction: An app that incorporates game mechanics to motivate users to reduce screen time.

Trends and Observations

  • Positive Sentiment: The majority of reviews are positive, indicating a strong user base.
  • Focus on Specific Platforms: Many users are specifically targeting YouTube Shorts and social media platforms.
  • Desire for Customization: Users highly value the app's customizability and flexibility.
  • Free App Appreciation: The fact that the app is free is a major selling point for many users.

Conclusion

ScreenZen is a valuable tool for users seeking to reduce their screen time and improve focus. While the app has some weaknesses, particularly in blocking specific content and preventing bypasses, its strengths in customizability, ease of use, and lack of mandatory subscriptions make it a popular choice. Addressing the identified pain points and implementing the requested features will further enhance the app's value and solidify its position in the market.

The app is recommended for people looking to reduce their screen time, but the developers should focus on fixing the bugs and inconsistencies in the blocking features.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/work/apps/details?id=com.screenzen