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.
Seriously, this is the best and most intuitively/simple apps that just works without fuss or tinkering. Anything you’d want to do works with absolute ease and it makes this a “set it and forget” thing, where you can block things and never have to worry about the app or glitches or anything, unlike other apps. If I had to give any feedback, although it is a really small quality-of-life feature, I would really like a widget and/or shortcut that allows for quick and easy enabling of the scanner so we can just click it and quickly block and unblock without having to manually go in the app and do so. Other than that, absolute delight to use ^^ !
Developer Response
Thanks for the kind words!On widgets, I have thought about this. My only gripe with it is that people might unblock more than they need to. Basically might make it too easy to unblock.And an unfortunate side effect of no data tracking/telemetry is there’s no way of testing if widgets would help reduce Screentime usage. I’m a strong believer that your phone should be dumb by default and non-dumb on a need-by basis. And I’m worried widgets, by making it a little less annoying to unblock, will cause more unblocks than necessary. With that said, I’ll probably just add it in a few updates just because you requested it. I do want this app to be flexible for everyone’s needs. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or feedback info@normalengineering.org
App does what it says it can do
Twintowers689
I was searching for ways to make my smartphone more dumb and this app was able to do that for me! It works by using the “Screen Time Limit” function Apple Products have and removing the option to extend the time limit right in the limited app. There are other advanced options you can use as well. I appreciate this developer’s honesty towards creating a product that is useful and deciding not to profit off of it. They’re doing it purely to help us and nothing more. Thank you!!!
Developer Response
Thank you so much! Feel free to reach out if you have any more feedback or requests info@normalengineering.org
Amazing
Doodlegib
This app is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for all your hard work. It has been great for limiting my kids screen time.
Developer Response
Thank you so much, great to hear!I was wondering if people would use this to manage their kids screentimes, it makes a lot of sense since you can manage NFC/QRs easily and there’s the physical aspect of that.Really happy it’s working great for you.One thing to note is kids may be able to access ‘Emergency Unblock’. While they only get 3 of these, just wanted to bring it up. The new update next week will have the Emergency Unblock sync up with iCloud so it’s a bit stricter. I was thinking of adding a PIN for emergency unblock for parents/kid use. But not sure if I should anymore.Feel free to reach out if you have any more feedback, concerns or suggestions for your use case, info@normalengineering.org.
Best app
nugget is gaga
Best screen time control app. Has no stupid paywalls.
Developer Response
Thank you!
Fixed app count. Onboarding improvements. Other bug fixes and improvements.
Version 1.2.3
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.
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
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.
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.
