ScrollBump is a doomscrolling break app for iOS that schedules short, annoying, unskippable breaks based on your app usage to make endless scrolling unenjoyable without fully locking you out.
ScrollBump is a screen-time reduction tool that adds friction to distracting apps by triggering short, customizable blocks based on how long you use them. You define rules like “for every X minutes spent on app Y while at location Z, block it for Z minutes.” It runs on iOS (with an Android partner version) and is developed by Nexgea.
Key Features
- Annoying break reminders — Set short, unskippable breaks that pop up after a configurable amount of screen time, making doomscrolling feel tedious.
- Works with any app — Add any app (Instagram, TikTok, X, Reddit, YouTube, etc.) to your block list; ScrollBump monitors usage across all of them.
- Location & schedule rules — Create different break behaviors based on your physical location (e.g., home, work, gym) and time of day (e.g., block during mornings, allow on commute).
- Customizable shields — When an app is blocked, it’s covered with a shield you can personalize with your dog’s photo and a message, adding a gentle nudge.
- Accountability partners — Invite friends or family to monitor your screen time and keep you honest.
- Block & Hide and Free Time-of-Day Scheduling — Version 1.8 introduced the ability to block and hide apps entirely and schedule free time slots during which breaks are disabled.
- Free Rule Locking and Stay-in-App Locking — Version 1.7 added rule locking (preventing you from changing rules during a block) and stay-in-app locking (keeping you from closing the shield app).
Who is it for?
- Heavy social media users who lose hours scrolling Instagram, TikTok, or X and want a gentle, non-permanent block.
- Remote workers who need to stay focused at home but allow scrolling on their commute.
- People with low willpower who need external friction to break the doomscrolling habit.
- Set location-based break rules — Allow scrolling only on your commute by creating a rule that triggers breaks only at home or work.
- Schedule focus periods — Block apps during your morning routine or work hours, while letting them free in the evening.
- Use customizable shields for motivation — Replace the blocked app screen with a photo of your dog or a motivational message to reinforce why you’re reducing screen time.
- Add the apps you want to limit from your installed list (Instagram, TikTok, X, Reddit, YouTube, etc.).
- Create a rule: for example, “if I use Instagram for 5 minutes while at home, block it for 10 minutes.”
- When the rule triggers, ScrollBump covers the app with a shield you can personalize. You can wait out the block or, if you really need the app, dismiss the shield and continue after a short forced pause.
FAQ
ScrollBump follows a freemium model (based on product metadata); exact pricing tiers are not listed on the website. The iOS app is available for download, and an Android version exists for partners only.
The Android app is currently available for partners only. The public version is on iOS.
It works with any app you add to its list, including Instagram, TikTok, X, Reddit, YouTube, and more. You can add as many apps as you want.
Can I customize how the block looks?
Yes, you can set a customizable shield with your own photo (e.g., your dog) and a personal message to make the block more motivating or amusing.
