Frequently asked questions
Short answers about Circuit. For step-by-step help, see the Help Centre; for how it compares, see the best app blockers for iPhone.
About Circuit
What is Circuit?
Circuit is an iPhone and iPad app blocker built on Apple's Screen Time. It blocks the apps, app categories and websites you choose, either on a repeating schedule or immediately with one hold of the Breaker.
How much does Circuit cost?
Circuit is free to start. Circuit Pro is $59.99 a year with a 7-day free trial, $12.99 a month, or $4.99 a week, and one subscription covers your Family Sharing group.
What is free, and what needs Pro?
Free: one schedule, the Breaker for blocks up to 30 minutes, and a week of stats. Pro: unlimited schedules, blocks up to 24 hours, Strict Mode, daily per-app limits, and a month of stats.
Which devices does Circuit work on?
iPhone and iPad with iOS 18 or later. There is no Android, Mac or Windows version.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no sign-up, email or password. Subscriptions go through your Apple ID.
Blocking
How does Circuit block apps?
Through Apple's Screen Time framework, the same system as the built-in App Limits. iOS enforces the block, so schedules keep running when Circuit is closed or force-quit.
What is the Breaker?
A one-hold block for 15, 30, 60 or 90 minutes, or a whole day. You can start it from the app, from Control Center, from a widget, or with Siri and Shortcuts.
What is Strict Mode?
A Strict Mode block runs to the end: there is no early exit and no override. Use it only for a block you want to be stuck with.
Can I end a normal block early?
Yes, after the friction you chose: a breathing countdown, a wait, or typing a sentence. On the blocked app's screen you can also ask for a few minutes, after a delay, unless the block is strict.
Can Circuit block websites?
Yes. The same picker that selects apps also takes websites, and they are blocked in Safari.
Privacy and your subscription
Can Circuit see which apps I use or block?
No. Apple's picker gives Circuit opaque tokens, not app names, and your choices stay on the phone. Circuit can draw an app's icon but cannot read what it is.
What data does Circuit send?
Anonymous usage counts, such as that a block started and how long it ran, and crash reports. Never which apps or sites you block. Usage counts can be turned off in Settings → Analytics.
Blocking stopped working — why?
Almost always because iOS revoked Screen Time access, which happens when the device joins another Family Sharing group and after some restores. Open Circuit and tap the Turn on Screen Time access card.
How do I cancel Pro?
In iOS Settings → your name → Subscriptions, or at apps.apple.com/account/subscriptions. Refunds are handled by Apple at reportaproblem.apple.com.