An app blocker you can't talk yourself out of

Most app blockers fail for one reason: you can switch them off the moment you want to. Buddy Lock adds the missing piece — another person.

How Buddy Lock works

1. Add a buddy. Enter a friend, partner or family member's email. They get a one-time code to confirm they are happy to help. They do not need to install anything.
2. Set your schedule and turn on Buddy Lock for the hours you want protected.
3. During those hours your chosen apps and websites are blocked. To end a lock early, you request an unlock code; it is emailed to your buddy, not to you.
4. Your buddy decides. If they think you should unlock, they send you the 4-digit code. If not, you wait for the schedule to end.

Why it works

Asking another person for permission adds a pause, and a little accountability. That pause is often enough to let the craving pass. Because the code goes to your buddy, there is no unlock button for you to tap in a weak moment.

Good to know

• Buddy Lock is part of AppTimeOut Pro (up to 3 buddies), with a 2-week free trial on the yearly plan.
• Unlock codes expire after 24 hours.
• Outside your scheduled hours you can still change settings freely.
• Blocking is built on Apple's Screen Time system and keeps working with the app closed.

Who uses it?

People building study or work routines, parents and partners supporting each other, and anyone who has tried a blocker before and turned it off at the first temptation.