01
create your routine
build a sequence of tasks for your morning, workout, bedtime, or any habit you want to establish.
walk · tap · unlock
build habits that don't rely on willpower.
anchor blocks the apps you can't stop opening until you walk to a real-world destination and tap it. the habit happens because the phone won't.
the guilt-free promise
stop fighting your phone.
start using it as the reward.
today
- endless screen time limits that you ignore
- feeling bad every time you pick up your phone
- apps that shame you for "too much" usage
- fighting your phone instead of using it
the anchor way
- complete routines, unlock your apps — simple as that
- enjoy tiktok, instagram, games without guilt
- your phone becomes motivation, not the enemy
- feel accomplished before you even start scrolling
how it works
three steps to a steadier start
02
set your triggers
choose when routines start, and place your anchors where tasks happen. put the anchor inside the closet, not on your nightstand — the point is to get you there.
03
walk there & unlock
go to your anchor, tap or scan, and your favorite apps unlock. that's it — you showed up for yourself.
features
how you earn it
quiet tools that turn your phone into the reward.
sequential routines
ordered tasks that build consistency. complete each step before moving to the next.
verified completion
anchors, QR codes, timers, and photos all verify you completed each task.
app blocking
you pick exactly which apps to block. phone, messages, maps, and anything you whitelist are never touched.
smart triggers
try to open an app before your routine is done? a block screen appears, showing how close you are.
a quiet record
a gentle history of the days you showed up. no streaks to break, no pressure — just proof it's working.
lock screen progress
see your routine progress right on your lock screen — no need to open the app.
anchors
place your anchors
small, physical destinations that pull you toward the task.
each task verifies its own way
sometimes just getting there
is the hard part.
one routine can mix all four anchor types. tap a sticker for meds, scan a printed code on the fridge, hold a timer for breathing, snap a photo of the watered plant. same app — four ways to show up.
tap anchors
place an anchor where the task happens — closet, bathroom, gym bag. walk there, tap, and the rest usually follows.
qr anchors
print free anchors to scan with your camera. stick one anywhere you want to anchor a routine — office desk, kitchen, journal cover.
countdown timer
set a minimum time for tasks like meditation or reading. timer ensures you complete the full duration.
photo verification
snap a photo as proof of completion. great for cleaning, cooking, or visual tasks.
the hardest part is starting
why anchors work
reminders tell you what to do.
anchors give you somewhere to go.
there's a difference between "i should get dressed" and "i need to walk to my closet." one is a mental battle. the other is just movement.
place an anchor where the task happens — inside the closet, not on the nightstand. when your routine starts, you have a destination. walk there, tap, and the rest usually follows.
that's why your screen time feels guilt-free. you didn't just check a box. you showed up.
some days are harder than others. anchors don't judge — they just give you a place to go. that's often enough.
faq
frequently asked
everything you need to know about anchor.
what makes anchors different from reminders?
reminders tell you what to do. anchors give you somewhere to go. there's a big difference. "get dressed" is a mental battle. "walk to the closet and tap" is just movement. once you're there, getting dressed becomes obvious. anchors turn tasks into destinations.
is this app anti-phone?
not at all. we love our phones too. anchor isn't about reducing screen time — it's about making your screen time feel earned and enjoyable. do what matters to you, then scroll without the guilt.
how does app blocking work?
when you create a routine, you choose exactly which apps to block — like tiktok and instagram. essential apps (phone calls, messages, maps, banking) are never touched. blocking uses your iPhone's built-in Screen Time, so it works system-wide and can't be easily bypassed. finish your routine and everything unlocks automatically. need an app urgently? there's always an emergency override — it just takes a few extra taps to give you a moment to reconsider.
do i need to buy anything to use anchor?
no — QR anchors, countdown timers, and photo verification are all free and built in. NFC tags (for tap anchors) are an optional purchase if you prefer tapping to scanning. they're widely available online for around $0.25 each, and any NTAG213 or NTAG215 compatible tag works.
is my data private?
yes. your routines, habits, and completion data stay on your device. anchor doesn't require an account and doesn't send your personal habit data to any servers. what you do with your time is your business.
can i bypass the app blocking?
blocking uses your iPhone's built-in parental controls (Screen Time), which are designed to be very hard to bypass. you always have an emergency override — you're an adult — but it takes a few extra taps, giving you a moment to reconsider. even if you delete anchor, the blocking stays active until you remove it in Settings.
does it work without internet?
yes. all core features work offline. your routines, anchors, and app blocking all function without an internet connection. anchor is designed to work reliably wherever life takes you.
what iPhone do i need?
anchor works on any iPhone with iOS 17 or later. tap anchors require iPhone 7 or newer (for NFC reading). lock screen progress works best on newer iPhones but isn't required.
can i choose which apps are blocked?
yes — you pick exactly which apps to block when you create a routine. phone calls, messages, maps, banking, and anything else you whitelist are never touched.
what happens if i skip my routine?
your blocked apps stay restricted until you complete the routine or use the emergency override. there's no punishment — just try again tomorrow. anchor doesn't judge.
is this just for mornings?
not at all. you can create routines for mornings, bedtime, workouts, study sessions, or any time of day. set up as many as you need.
is anchor available on Android?
anchor is currently iPhone only (iOS 17+). Android support is on our roadmap.
what if i delete the app?
app blocking is enforced by your iPhone's built-in Screen Time, which stays active independently of anchor. deleting the app won't remove the blocking — you'd need to turn it off in your iPhone's Settings.