Apps That Block Social Media

Why should I block social media?

There are plenty of reasons for temporarily blocking social media apps. With 81% of the population using social media, it’s so easy to be connected 24/7, that it can be all too easy to get distracted. Social media can lead to productivity concerns in workplace or educational settings, as it can prove to be a major distraction. Blocking access to social media platforms can help employees or students stay focused on the task at hand.

Other reasons for blocking social media can include:

• Bandwidth conservation: social media platforms often consume a significant amount of internet bandwidth due to the rich media content they host. In environments with limited bandwidth, such as public wi-fi networks or shared internet connections, blocking social media can help conserve bandwidth for essential activities
• Protecting minors: schools or parents may choose to block access to social media platforms to protect children and teenagers from exposure to inappropriate content or online predators

Apps that block social media

Freedom

Boasting an increased average of 2.5 hours of productive time each day, Freedom’s easy customisation allows users to block the entire internet, specific apps or websites. Other key features include:

• Block all websites except the ones you need so you can focus on your work
• Pause, limit and monitor your time spent on distracting websites
• Create recurring sessions to help make productivity a habit
• Ambient noise for focus

Freedom offers the above features for free, or a Premium version for $8.99/month, $39.99/year or “Forever” – a one off payment of $99.50.

The Premium version includes additional features, such as:

• Unlimited sessions and devices
• Recurring scheduled sessions
• Advance scheduling
• Locked mode
• Partner discounts

Freedom supports Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, and Chrome devices.

Forest

If you find staying off your phone challenging, Forest could be the right app for you. The app rewards users for staying offline, by planting a virtual tree when they open the app. The tree will grow as the user focuses on their work. However, leaving the app halfway causes the tree to die.

Key features of include:

• Plant a customised flower by taking a personality test
• Grow your own forest by regularly limiting screen time
• Share your trees with friends

Users are able to spend virtual coins (earned through the app) to plant real trees. This is made possible through a partnership with Trees for the Future.

Available as a Chrome Extension, or through the App Store or Google Play.

AppBlock

AppBlock helps you cut down on screen time by blocking distracting apps and websites, allowing you to focus on what’s important. AppBlock’s key features include:

• Quick Block: instantly shield yourself from distracting apps and websites with a single tap
• Blocking schedules: design your productivity routine by setting custom schedules, ensuring specific apps and sites are blocked during your most crucial hours
• Strict mode: stay committed to your tasks with AppBlock’s Strict Mode, offering varying levels of strictness to keep you on track and prevent slip-ups
• Statistics: gain insights into your digital behavior with detailed usage statistics, helping you identify and overcome frequent distractions
• Parental control: empower safe digital exploration with AppBlock’s Parental Control. Set boundaries, block inappropriate apps and sites, and ensure your child’s online safety

AppBlock is available for download via Google Play, the App Store, AppGallery and Chrome Web Store.

StayFree

Seamlessly integrate all of your devices to optimise your screen time. With StayFree you can block apps and websites, understand your device usage, and stay productive. Key features of the app include:

• Block distracting apps and websites
• Screen tracking stats
• “Focus Mode” to schedule time away from your phone
• Sync with other devices
• Compare your stats with those of other users

StayFree is available for free on most desktops, browsers and mobile stores.

Cold Turkey

If you find yourself cheating your way out of blocking apps, Cold Turkey may be your best option. The app makes it almost impossible to stop the block once you lock it. Key features of Cold Turkey include:

• Block domains/subdomains
• Block or whitelist YouTube channels
• Block specific URLs
• Block keywords
• Block the entire internet

The Frozen Turkey feature can log off or shutdown your computer. This feature allows you to set aside time away from your workstation, so you can come back refreshed and motivated.

A basic version of Cold Turkey is available for free, or users can pay a one-off fee of $49 for Blocker Pro.

Cold Turkey can be installed as a desktop app for Windows or macOS. Mobile devices are not supported because of OS limitations.

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About the author of this page

This article was written by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.