Halto
Halto
Screen Time or an app blocker: what's the difference on iPhone?
Updated: · The app details in this article describe the pre-release version.
iPhone's built-in Screen Time sets schedules and time limits for free, and it is the tool for managing a child's iPhone. Halto is an app blocker for your own iPhone: it adds a short pause and a reason before a blocked app opens, a daily unlock count and an optional strict mode.
Halto uses Apple's Screen Time framework, so iOS applies the blocks, and you can always turn Halto off in Settings.
What we compared
| What we compared | Built-in Screen Time | Halto | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | part of iOS | Free for one profile and three focus sessions a day; Pro adds unlimited profiles, daily limits and strict mode |
| What it blocks | Apps, categories and websites on a schedule or after a time limit | Apps, categories and websites on a schedule, after a daily limit (Pro) or during a focus session | |
| When you hit a block | Apple's guide: by default a reached limit can be ignored; a Screen Time passcode makes it stricter | “I need it” opens a pause: breathe for 15 seconds, pick a reason, open the app for 5 minutes, 3 times a day (all adjustable) | |
| Strictness | A Screen Time passcode that someone else can hold | Strict mode (Pro): normal unlocks off, one emergency unlock a day, and the profile can't be edited while it blocks | |
| Family | Manages a child's iPhone through Family Sharing | No parental controls; it blocks your own apps on your own iPhone | |
| Your data | Part of iOS | No account, server or analytics; schedules, reasons and history stay on the iPhone |
How to choose
- If a time limit that you can ignore now and then is enough, start with Screen Time. It's free and already on your iPhone.
- If you keep skipping past limits without noticing, try a pause before the app opens. Halto's free plan covers one profile.
- If you want a rule you can't quietly undo while it's running, look at a passcode someone else holds, or Halto's strict mode.
- For a child's iPhone, use Screen Time with Family Sharing.
Limits to know
- Halto can be turned off at any time: iOS lets you remove its blocking permission in Settings or delete the app. Halto doesn't hide that.
- Blocks don't start and end to the second. iOS wakes Halto when the device is in use, so a block or an unlock can be a little late.
When it isn't a good fit
To manage a child's iPhone, use Screen Time with Family Sharing; Halto has no parental controls.
To manage a child's iPhone, use Screen Time with Family Sharing; Halto has no parental controls.