Get Detach
Get Detach is an open-source app blocker designed to help users reduce screen time and regain focus on what matters. It allows you to block distracting applications and websites on your mobile device, creating a barrier against mindless scrolling and app addiction. The app works by scheduling focus sessions where selected apps are completely inaccessible, and it can enforce strict blocking that prevents bypassing or uninstalling the blocker during an active session. With a clean, minimal interface, Detach makes it easy to set up custom block lists and schedules tailored to your daily routines. Detach stands out by being fully transparent—its source code is publicly available, ensuring no hidden data collection or backdoors. This privacy-first approach appeals to users who are wary of commercial blockers that may harvest usage data. The app includes features like real-time screen time tracking, usage analytics, and the ability to set recurring block schedules (e.g., block social media every morning until noon). It also supports a "Detach Mode" that temporarily locks your phone into a distraction-free state, with only essential apps like Phone, Messages, and Maps remaining active. Under the hood, Detach leverages device management profiles (on iOS) or accessibility services (on Android) to enforce blocking, making it difficult to cheat. The paid version unlocks advanced features such as unlimited schedules, priority support, and cloud sync across devices. While the core functionality is open source, the official distribution is available as a paid app to sustain development. This model ensures ongoing maintenance while giving users the freedom to audit or self-host if they choose.
- Category
- Open Source
- Pricing
- Paid
Problem solved
Many people struggle with smartphone addiction, spending excessive time on social media, games, and entertainment apps, which harms productivity, sleep, and mental well-being. Get Detach solves this by providing a robust, open-source app blocker that lets users set strict schedules or instant block sessions, making distracting apps inaccessible and helping them break compulsive usage patterns without sacrificing privacy.
Use cases
- Blocking social media apps during work or study hours to maintain productivity.
- Setting a bedtime schedule that blocks all entertainment apps to encourage better sleep habits.
- Using the "Detach Mode" for short, intensive focus sprints (e.g., 25-minute Pomodoro sessions) with only essential apps available.
- Managing screen time for children by remotely setting block schedules via family sharing (if supported).
- Reducing overall phone usage by tracking daily screen time and gradually tightening limits.
Audience
- Developers
- Business Users
- Content Creators
- Hobbyists
Pros
- Open-source transparency for trust and community contributions.
- Flexible scheduling and strict blocking options.
- Privacy-focused, no data collection.
- Clean and intuitive user interface.
- Available on both iOS and Android.
Cons
- Requires a paid license for full feature set, despite being open source.
- Can be bypassed by restarting the phone or using workarounds (common in blockers).
- Limited integration with third-party apps or calendars.
Official website: https://getdetach.app/
Canonical LambdaBase page: https://www.lambdabase.com/tools/get-detach