Normal: Screen Time Control
Open-source app blocker
Free
It shouldn't cost anything to use your phone less. Normal is a powerful screen time blocker that's completely free, open-source, and private. No subscriptions. No ads.
Normal actually makes you use your phone less by keeping selected apps blocked by default. To unblock you have to physically scan an NFC Tag or QR Code. This can be any NFC Tag, QR Code or Barcode you set in the app.
This 'opt-in' approach is backed by research and actual use. Normal is made to be the most powerful screen time app available. Saving your hours of your day.
It's fully open-source and no features are behind paywalls.
It can also be made to be impossible to bypass.
Highlights of Normal:
- Block Apps via NFC Tags, QR Codes and Barcodes
- Use ANY NFC Tag, QR Code or Barcode
- Unblock/Block specific Apps
- Timed Unblocks
- Emergency Unblocks
- Scheduling
- Complete Granular Control
- Can make it as easy or as hard to bypass
Normal was made because of issues with some other screen time apps.
- Other screen time apps are easy to bypass. Normal can be made to be impossible to bypass, or easy to bypass. You have complete control.
- Most other screen time apps work on opt-out strategy, where you have access to all apps, then lose access through usage.
- Normal works on opt-in strategy. The apps you have blocked are always blocked, to use them you have to physically get up and scan your NFC tag or QR Code.
- Most screen time apps are paid, either one-time or more commonly, subscriptions. There are no paid features. Everything is free and open-source.
- Normal is privacy-focused. We don't log any data, everything stays on device. Since we're open source, you can check our code and confirm.
- Normal allows timed unlocks. Other NFC/QR Code blockers don't have this. If you want to use an app for 15min, you can unlock it for 15min only. You don't have to remember to reblock.
Normal was made by actual users, research on smartphone addiction and developments in dumbphones in-mind.
If you want to turn your iPhone into a dumbphone, you can. Block all smart apps, block the app store, prevent disabling normal (via preventing delete and the shortcuts trick). Now you have a dumbphone, which you can't make smart without your NFC Tag (which you can make as difficult as you need).
If you want a semi-dumbphone, you can. Do the above but have some apps like maps, music, messaging, etc.
If you're a professional who needs access to apps distracting sometimes, Normal is for you! Block all distractions with Normal. Set schedules for you work apps or used timed unblocks. Need 15min to post content or check email? You can do that! You just have to physically get up and scan your NFC Tag, QR Code, or Barcode. The apps will automatically reblock after your timer is over.
Fixed app count. Onboarding improvements. Other bug fixes and improvements.
The developer, Normal Engineering Inc., indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
- Seller
- Normal Engineering Inc.
- Size
- 2.5 MB
- Category
- Productivity
- Compatibility
Requires iOS 18.0 or later.
- iPhone
Requires iOS 18.0 or later. - iPad
Requires iPadOS 18.0 or later.
- iPhone
- Languages
- English
- Age Rating
4+
- 4+
- This app has an age rating of 4+ with content restrictions. Some content may be rated higher, but access is managed by the developer through in-app controls.
- In-App Controls
Parental Controls
- Copyright
- © 2026 Normal Enginering Inc.