Opal: Screen Time For Focus Customer Service

Opal: Screen Time for Focus Positive Reviews

You need this app.When I first got opal my daily screen-time was about 8 1/2 hours a day. That’s really bad, but since then my screen time has dropped so much- The last couple days I have had under an hour! Most days though I have around 2 hours. There are definitely productive things on your phone, but a majority of the time its a distraction. Opal helps open your eye to how much of your screen time is actually necessary. It also isn't the same thing on every block, instead if quickly skipping by and pressing some type of ignore limit button, I am forced to actually stop for a second read the text, and then I gain better perspective on what I have spent the last 30 minutes or hour doing. This alone brought my screen time down a couple hours when i first got the app. The reason I wanted opal was because i felt like i was wasting so much time, and opal helps me see the time i could have lost, and the time i got back. I don’t personally have premium, and i don’t think i would get it either even if the price dropped since the free version has helped me enough. I will say i think the focus sessions should be able to surpass 500 hours, because i was aiming for 1000 and then it cut off half way though 😑. (this is the only app i have EVER written a review for so that should help show how much i LOVE opal).Loloflo09Version: 3.54

Leaving this app after some timeI used to have a Pro account for this app and found it really useful before the last major update. I liked that you could configure it in a way where it would ask you what your intention was if you wanted to unblock apps for a certain amount of time. It helped me be mindful about what I was doing. They got rid of that feature now, which was a huge bummer for me but not a dealbreaker. I understand that in the last major update they went from a VPN to using Screen Time, which made it easier for them to block the apps themselves, and not just the data. This is helpful. However, it seems like a huge oversight on their behalf that now I’m somehow still able to access social media websites on my web browser. So when Opal blocks my Instagram app, I can still go on my safari and access Instagram in no time. I reached out to their customer support for a solution. Apparently you can’t block specific websites, only the ones your screen time deems as “most visited” ones. There’s no way around this other than blocking every single website on your phone and then just manually adding the ones you wanna visit which is unrealistic, as I oftentimes work from my phone and I don’t know exactly which sites I need to go on. So this app virtually doesn’t work anymore. I can still go on Facebook or Instagram or any of those sites through my browser. It’s useless. Unfortunately I can’t get past this and I’ll have to find another app to help me block social media.Jessiek234Version: 3.12.1

For real get itI have adhd and I struggled with the “screen time” already built into the iPhone, because it took two seconds to unlock and keep doom scrolling. I have the paid version of this app and tbh it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I was getting so bored and anxious just scrolling and scrolling but couldn’t stop myself. Opal has helped break that habit. I’ve almost completely stopped using tik tok, my screen time went from like 7 hours a day to maybe 2… and even then I’m finally using more productive apps ( mainly Pinterest if I want to scroll and scroll) that way I can at least use it to envision the future and set goals. If I do go on tik tok the build in “ snooze” timer really helps. Gives you time to stop and think if that’s really something you want to do. I’ve been making goals before I open it. (What do I want to watch?) then use the search bar to search that exact thing ( mainly acotar videos lol) NEEDLESS TO SAY!! The app works. I sit in a literal empty office all day and have been able to actually do my job more hours of the day then before- and I’m I medicated! Buy it !!!!! Do it!! You got this. Take your life back, you are more than your phone..EjansixVersion: 3.50

This app is literally saving my lifeI saw an ad for this app on instagram, while I was doom scrolling of course, and it stopped me in my tracks. I already knew that my addiction to my phone was a huge issue… it was so bad that my phone actually got run over my car and I committed to change my relationship to it after that but my resolve lasted all of 5 days. It’s so hard to break this addiction, but this app has truly given me my life back. I block instagram and news for 22 hours a day and omg the relief at not being able to look at this soul sucking content. I have been evangelizing this app to my friends and if you’re reading this review and you’re still not convinced, this is your sign. On the day I installed the app, MINUTES after, I literally wrote a story for a children’s book. It was as if my decision to take back my life allowed for a huge creative block to lift. I can now finally sit in silence with myself. Imagine going to the bathroom without your phone in your hands! Turns out my own thoughts are pretty great… now that I’m giving myself a chance to hear myself think. Seriously. Super grateful to the creators and to the brilliant marketing team..Kaylaaaaa123456Version: 3.45.1

Great appHonestly this is a well rounded and thought out app I really appreciate the little quotes it gives of the locked apps when you click on them, I love the aesthetics where as you would think it to be a plain straight to the point type of deal but no the app is pretty patient with your needs and desires allowing you to really do this on your own time and it will be there and prepared waiting for you. You can tell a lot of thought went into this and that the creator do care enough to actually listen to there community and add the things asked. Overall love the app so far highly recommend for those in the majority like myself who can’t put their phone down when it comes to things that personally benefit them, though it seems less appealing then our quick dopamine rush that the phones provide.. the long term affects that these activities our daily needs and life goals will help us prosper more in life and throughout life then these phones ever could. At the end of the day our phones are just tools..ل$Version: 3.49.1

Great app, a few pieces of feedbackOverall, I love Opal! It’s really helping me stay on task during my assignments, and I think that the UI is absolutely gorgeous. This is really smart! One thing I wish the app did was disconnect the VPN when it’s not actively blocking apps and only connect to it when Opal is turned on, it’s a little bit of a privacy concern having the VPN connected when it’s not doing anything. It would be much better for privacy if the VPN was only connected when Opal is on, instead of having to scroll down to the bottom of the settings page to disconnect the VPN. At the very least, move the disconnect VPN button to somewhere more accessible (the main home screen would be best). I get that it’s necessary for the scheduling to work, but maybe instead there could simply be a pop-up warning the user that disabling the VPN will turn off scheduling (if there’s any enabled schedules) when you hit the disconnect button, instead of hiding it away. he amount of features you can use with the free tier is really great, too! They don’t force you to upgrade to the Pro plan to use the app, all the main functionalities are available for free and the other paid ones (like Scheduling and Focus Timer) let you try them out to see how it works..ThecommamasterVersion: 1.11

Love it, but..I love the app! But it is too expensive. As a highschool student on multiple sports teams, I do not have any time to get a job in order to pay for this great app. And I believe that my generation struggles immensely with focusing when our phones are right in front of us. Although with that, a lot of us cannot ask our parents for 100 or even 75 dollars for an app on our phones (let alone an app that is a subscription, and will eventually run out). If it was a one time purchase I would have bought it ages ago. But instead, I have been looking for a less expensive alternative (By the way, none of them are as good as Opal). I have seen a couple of apps have an option for a one time purchase or for a subscription, and honestly I think that would be very beneficial for people like me. Or even for people younger than me.. I mean, if I saw the big 100 when I was in middle school or elementary, I wouldn’t even consider buying it. So please consider a one-time purchase, or at least a subscription for less than 60 dollars. I hope you take this into consideration because I am sure that I am not the only person who has not purchased because of the jarring price. Thanks.High School Student 🖍Version: 2.58

Opal fills a big gap in apple's focus modesAs someone who struggles to maintain focus on and keep myself from getting distracted by the pretty lights on my phone Opal is a must have tool. I'm relatively new to iOS and found it shocking that i couldn't use the focus modes to block my access to certain distracting apps, really made focus modes kinda useless.. but then i found opal and it solved this big gap for me! I love that i can link Opal with my phone's focus modes to automatically block certain apps, it really makes focus modes work the way i feel they should. Only reason I give 4 stars instead of 5 is due to the slightly buggy behavior of opal when activating via focus instead of time ranges. I notice that opal itself often takes awhile to recognize the session has been started by a focus filter which can cause some weirdness when i want to maybe snooze the session right at the beginning because I'm in the middle of something in one of the blocked apps at the time the focus mode kicks on. Other than that absolutely love Opal and recommend it to anyone who struggles with phone distraction like I do!.LucasSandyVersion: 3.45.1

100% worth it with new free plan!This app works better than any other app blocker on iOS. Case and point, when I deleted the app after the free trial expired, I was on my phone until 5am! It works by making you become more intentional with your phone usage. What I love most is that it changes the way you interact with your phone. The intentionally you set includes not only what you want to do but the amount of time you think you need. Then, it automatically turns back on so you’ll never use your phone more than you need to. That was my problem; I was using my phone without intention and without a way to stop once I started. Despite this, I could not justify the cost of the app. Before the free plan, it was not worth it since I am a student and have negative income. Thank you to the team at Opal for making the app more accessible with the new free plan. It doesn’t have any of the extra bell and whistles that the paid plan has but it’s enough to stop my phone addiction. 10/10 would recommend..KaXoTiCVersion: 2.32

I finished a book for the first time in years.At first I was like, “This is silly. I’m not paying for self-control.” But in the week trial, I finished 2 books, something I haven’t been able to do in years. For some very serious reasons, I struggle with mindfulness and disassociating by scrolling on my phone. Opal’s focus on maintaining mindfulness really helped me in a way I didn’t anticipate. I appreciated the easy, friendly interface, and I love the option to allow yourself to pause from using Opal or set your app to not allow you to override it until the timer is up. It’s been really helpful. It’s been 6 days and I believe I’ve only taken about 2 hours total to get back to focusing on either reading or errands or simply breaking the momentum with my phone, but those 2 hours were so valuable to me. You can either beat yourself up for not having the self-control, or you can understand yourself and give yourself the grace and handicap where you might need them. I love Opal!.PizzasongVersion: 2.5.1

People with ADHD rejoiceThis app is the best money I’ve ever spent. It’s excellent for two reasons; 1. Once you’ve been locked out of an app, if you want to go into it you have to first go to the opal app, and then wait for a 10 second count down before you can “take a break” up to 15 minutes - effectively unlocking your apps. This is great because it’s a lot of steps, so you only do it if you really need to. You can take as many “breaks” as you want during a session, it’s just a pain which makes me more likely to stay out of those apps entirely. 2. It will automatically lock you out of an app WHILE YOU'RE IN IT. For example, if you have opal set to lock you out of Instagram at 9pm and you are on Instagram at 9pm, the screen will suddenly go dark with the message that opal has begun. This - for me - is life changing as it helps break the cycle of endless scrolling without me having to set anything up before I open apps, which I often do without noticing..LiveforwinesVersion: 3.14

Probably changed the trajectory of my lifeIm going to preface this by saying I have literally never written a review for an app in my life but wow, this one deserves it. I am an avid procrastinator, i've tried apple’s time limit and it simply doesn’t work because I can easily make it so I can continue using whatever mindless app I was using previously. However, the feature that allows you to set a timer on your time limit/blocking session literally saved me from my habit. Now that I have to wait up to two minutes in order to access the app I was previously on, I am now able to do homework or chores that I usually procrastinate. I have completely 180ed my grades and have been getting As in almost all of my classes because of this app. The only thing that does slightly disappoint me is the timers max is only two minutes when I wish it could go up to at least 5, as sometimes I am patient enough to wait through the whole 2 min..Hi my name is emmaVersion: 3.40

I’m so grateful for this appOne of my New Year’s resolutions was to be on my phone less around my children. This app allowed me to effortlessly smash that goal. I love that I can limit apps to a certain amount of time a day; I’ve cut my social media time down to an hour a day and now feel like I could shorten that even lower. I also like that there are difficulty levels for breaking blocks: for instance, my morning block goes til 9 am, but it’s pretty easy for me skip out if I’m needing (or wanting) to check the given apps. However, all day Sunday it is impossible for me to get into social media, and on other days when I’ve hit my hour limit, I’m all done for the day. Thank you Opal for giving me back so much of my precious time. My only complaint is some of the apps I use for purely business or logistic reasons are labeled as “distracting” apps and my use effects my “focus score”. It’s not a huge deal but it does mess with my dopamine hits ;).Spiderwoman111Version: 3.52

It is good but how they calculate the default score is interesting…It is helpful in setting time limits for how long you can use certain apps per day and blocking apps when you want to get work done. It is sufficiently difficult to unblock the apps so it does help cut back on social media use. When youre in a “focus session” you can take breaks for a few minutes and then it blocks apps again so you dont go into a rabbit hole of scrolling. My one complaint is that most people are probably using this to cut back on social media but it defaults nonsocial media apps to “distracting” or “very distracting” that most people probably dont consider to be distracting. For example it counts bank apps, uber eats/delivery and news apps as “distracting.” Why should I get points deducted if I need to pay my credit card bill? And reading the news should not be in the same category as social media. It’s not a huge deal because you can change how various apps are scored in settings but I think all of these should be “neutral.”.VfbnxdVersion: 3.24

Amazing app for ADHD!As a high school student who often finds it challenging to simply “put the phone down,” this app has proven to be a valuable tool for me. One of its standout features, in my opinion, is the hardest difficulty setting. This is especially crucial because I recognize that while I’m working on my school assignments, I tend to become easily distracted and take numerous breaks with the other difficulties. Additionally, I make good use of the time limit feature since I’ve realized that I spend an excessive amount of time on TikTok. It serves as a reliable reminder to stay on track. I’ve set a goal for myself to gradually reduce my screen time by about 5 minutes every couple of days, starting from 3 hours. It’s been a highly effective strategy for curbing my phone addiction. If I had the option, I’d gladly give this app a 6-star rating because of the positive impact it’s had on my productivity and screen time management!.Mallek D.Version: 3.45.1

Mostly SatisfiedBest app for this purpose I’ve tried so far, but you can set it up so apps are blocked without any exceptions, meaning if you quickly need to Google something before hopping on the bus that arrives in 30 seconds, you can’t. Instead, you’ll have to uninstall the app which is not a good idea. This journey that you are about to go on requires adjustment. You will find that even with apps blocked, you’re reaching in your pocket to get your phone for that dopamine only to have a mini crash when you realize you cant. In other words, this app helps control usage but not heal the addiction. Let your values and aspirations guide you. Remember why you are doing this and define yourself as the person you wish to be. Pro tip: whenever possible, don’t have your phone in your pocket or near you. If you’re at home, keep it in a drawer in the other room. If your out and about, keep it in your bag. Good luck everyone Life is short and you are doing this for a good reason. Carpe Diem!.DJANAKEVersion: 3.52.1

It works now after recent updateI originally left a bad review, but their team quickly reached out to me and came out with an update that fixed the issue I was having with the scheduled sessions. If your phone addiction is severe and the Apple focus times aren’t restrictive enough for you, this app will solve that. I use the scheduled sessions throughout the day when I need to be productive. If you’re like me and have zero willpower when it comes to breaking your phone addiction, you’ll need to use the deep focus mode during the schedules so the app doesn’t allow you to take breaks from the session. After the recent update, you can no longer edit your scheduled session time while the session is running as a way to “cheat” your way out of it. This is exactly what I needed, so I’m happy with the app now. I really like the learning section that has educational content on things like focusing, digital wellness, and healthy habits..KG0271Version: 2.41

Great app however free options are extremely limitedI’ve been using the app’s free version and I have loved the experience I’ve been having while using the app. It helps me stay off my phone while having it on me. The sessions and trophies are my best motivations for this app! However, it’d be more realistic to be able to set multiple sessions for different parts of the day as a free user. Since users should be able to choose to start sessions for different tasks like their homework, study sessions, family time, bedtime routine, etc. Without multiple sessions the app leads to people to want to set unrealistic goals like only using their screens in the morning or simply tempt them into leaving the session early. I’d appreciate it if you gave free users some more sessions to have available. Maybe even allow different schedules for different weekdays as well. Please consider giving these free users options for their sessions as they do in their day to day lives to help them..Sleepy_DiamondVersion: 3.52.1

This app is actually greatThis app forces me to be intentional about my phone usage, as i constantly start one task and end up getting sucked into something completely irrelevant and lose track of time. i added all my highest time wasting apps to my list and i have opal on all day long 7am-10pm. when i want to do something in one of these apps i “take a break” and decide how much time i want to spend, then i go and do exactly what i meant to for the amount of time i intended, without losing track of time. for me it’s the perfect balance because i don’t want to delete the apps i love, i just don’t want to use them unintentionally. i LOVE the function that makes you wait a few seconds to choose “take a break” too. and I can customize the apps depending on what i’m working on. i haven’t gotten to the point of syncing with different focus modes yet, but i’m excited to get to know the app more in the future. thank you, opal!.GoldSpruceVersion: 3.7.1

If you have ADD/ADHD this app could help you outI have definitely been more productive, the first couple days are hard because you get tempted to go on social media. But since the apps are blocked you have no choice but get back to work/ study whatever is that you are supposed to do haha I have ADD so I have trouble focusing in general, I figured having a phone distracting me doesn’t make it better but worst to get anything done. Also you pay more attention to your loved ones. It’s worth having the app, it really does help you use your time wisely and give you your life back. Social media is a time eater. I need social media to show my work, I am a nail tech, but even though I use it for business purposes it still takes a lot of my free time away. So it’s nice to be able to post, get on here and there, get on track with my DMs but not waste my free time on it just scrolling down. So yes it’s worth it!.Vanycr_Version: 3.49

Amazing App!Over the years I have tried many productivity applications to reduce my social media usage. I have tried cutting out social media out all together but, I have found that I can loose touch with loved ones that are not local. Opal provides a helpful solution for mindless scrolling and lack of focus during my work day. The ability to customize sections throughout the day and the level of “app blocking” you want has been incredible for me. I have noticed increased work productivity, feeling more present in my everyday life, and overall mood improvement. Highly recommend this if you are looking to reduce your time on specific apps without deleting them all together. I also really enjoy the data that they provide. As someone who works in data analytics, I love to see my progress! $100 a year feels worth it considering the time I am saving and increased work productivity..ADHDMindlessScrollerVersion: 3.48

A great way to limit yourself from procrastination!I had been unnecessarily scrolling through facebook and other social media while I had tons of work to finish. Even though I sometime felt anxious and found myself lacking in motivation, my subconscious wanted to open facebook and waste time and I had been looking for a solution since. With this app, I can block myself from opening facebook and other time wasting apps so that my focus is on my productive work. I really like how this app motivates me to refocus on my work whenever I subconsciously open those block apps with little notes. Even in the free version, the available features are enough for me to effectively utilize my time and keep myself away from procrastination! Great work! Keep it up! P.S (It would be better if the shape stones representing milestones are other forms. Some of them kinda look like D**do from afar. Or may be just me).Draxco99Version: 3.30.1

The best for phone addict like me!I’ve tried many blockers and other apps to limit my screen time. But this one is the best so far. Yes, it’s worth every penny! My job unfortunately needs some phone usage, so sometimes I need some apps working (and try not to spend too much time on other time wasting apps). So it helps to customise what apps and for how much to block. I have limits on social media apps (which I still have to check from time to time), also have deep work sessions, where none of apps are allowed). Block works 100%. You won’t be able to overcome it and end the session before the timer 😅 So far my phone usage time is down 50% (from 4 hrs to 2), and I see there is no need to check it all the time. I feel more fulfilled, more present and actually accomplish more without throwing the phone to garbage can. I will certainly recommend it to friends..DliwjuVersion: 3.52

The only app that I have ever spent money that made me feel like I got more than I paid for.I work from home and therefore have my phone on me 24/7 as well as I own my own business so time is money for me and I realized I spent a ridiculous amount of day on non business apps. I’m like a drug addict with reels from any platform and the second I open Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram I would immediately loose an hour of my life just scrolling. Now that I have installed Opal and made routines for my morning meditation, business hours, and sleep hours I spend less than an hour of that on social media outside of business usage. It feels great to have my day back under control! Plus you can never buy back time so I would say that even at their current price point I have absolutely zero issues or buyers remorse paying for the entire year up front! 10/10 would recommend!!.Dillon SquierVersion: 3.30.1

Love it but buggyLove the concept of this app and when it works I think it is great. I’ve only used the free version but I like that you can set it up for multiple apps and it’s been very helpful. My only issue with it is it consistently doesn’t unblock apps when I go to start a break. I know it’s silly, but this is most frustrating when I’m at an event and I want to post a video on my Instagram story- so I just want to unlock it quickly, take the video then put my phone away. I end up spending an extra 5-10 minutes on my phone trying to close/restart the apps & opal to get the unblock to actually go into effect. Quite annoying. I will say that sometimes this has the successful effect of me giving up and not using the social media then, which I guess is not all bad. I deleted it after it got so bad that I was frustrated, but I am coming back to it now while using another app for my Instagram- I’ll just have opal block other apps that matter less if I can’t open them..WackygoluckyVersion: 3.44

(Almost) exactly what I’m looking forAs someone who is trying to limit my own screen time, this app is perfect compared to others that are more geared towards parental controls. Cute and easy interface that actually does encourage you to be mindful of how you’re spending your time. However, I wish the apps I can block were more customizable and reflective of the apps I have on my phone rather than just the general categories and apps offered. There are random apps that distract me that don’t fall under the listed apps, and why aren’t games on there?? Seems like a no-brained. Not everyone is distracted by the same apps but half the apps that are blocked aren’t even downloaded on my phone! Would be 5 stars if the i could block apps from a list of what I have on my phone or at least have a category for games. I still have the subscription because I forgot to cancel and will continue using with hopes that it keeps improving..KellyJx0Version: 2.11

Opal is very pogI never write app reviews, but I really wanted to share just how great Opal worked for me! I had a really bad phone addiction, I would spend 8-10 hours on my phone and it really messed everything up for me— from being unable to focus on my classes to my mental state. I tried getting a burner cell, deleting all the distracting apps, yet it never lasted long. tbh, I didn’t think Opal would work as well (after all, it’s just an app, right?). But, after downloading my screen time went down to 5-6 hours and I feel much better now. I think a part of it is just how seamless Opal is at stopping all of the distractions. The apps seem like they work, yet they don’t refresh so u can be saved from hours of “mindless scrolling” but still get the effect of being connected to the world. All in all, I think this app is pretty genius and I’m very thankful to everyone who worked on it bc it is truly amazing!.Oxford Comma supporterVersion: 1.19

Opal is a Must DownloadThis app really puts in perspective how much time people spend on their phone wether it be doomscrolling or playing a game instead of being in the actual world. It’s pretty crazy how our phones are just a part of the human being in this point in time therefore, it’s good to be conscious about how much time you spend on this thing for wasting time everyday and pushes you to do something else with your time. This app has helped me self regulate so much and would recommend it, if you need some sort of help as well. 5 stars because it is free and available for everyone and if you really want to put a harsh stop to your phone usage and get the most out of the app, it allows you to for a minuscule fee which makes sense since the developers also need some credit for making such a good and reliable service that HELPS YOU..Coowchi lickerVersion: 3.54

It works, but only if you do, tooOpal has saved me so much of my time, and I’m very happy that the app doesn’t require you pay for anything to use its services. Though there is a premium subscription service with extra features, I don’t use it. Some days, I’m down to 15-25% of the time I used to spend on my phone, but there are some days where I’ll still spend maybe 6 or 8 hours on my phone. Old habits die hard, and the design of social media platforms today begets addictive behavioral patterns. In this attention economy, Opal gives you back your means of production. Or rather, it gives you a tool to stop yourself from throwing away those means (your time and attention). What you do with that is in your hands, and only you have the power to make sure you’re not side-stepping the app to put time back into your phone..DropthebessVersion: 3.52

HARD CORE!!! For those who truly want their time back!So as many people do I spend at ungodly amount of time on Instagram. I wanted to get my time back, so I downloaded this app. As I went through the app and learned how it works, I found the “Deep Focus” option. This option makes it so you cannot take breaks and you cannot cancel the session. I thought, sign me up! After using it about a week. There was a time after a concert I wanted to get on Instagram, but I was in a “deep focus” session. I thought well I’ll just delete the Opal app and I’ll be able to go on Instagram. NOPE! Not the case, I was still restricted. Then I thought I would delete and redownload Instagram. NOPE! Even when I re-downloaded Instagram, I was still restricted. All I could do is laugh and be enamored by how great this app Opal is. This app is no joke and is doing exactly what I’ve been looking for!.91PorscheVersion: 3.4

Went from 9 hrs of screen time to 3 hrs. Great for ADHD!This app has been great for keeping me on track. I’m honest with myself that I don’t need to use social media during work hours or right before bed, so I scheduled Deep Focus mode to block my distracting apps during those timeframes. My screen time is down to 3.5 hrs per day. I barely grab my phone as often. Because the Deep Focus can’t be unlocked I have no excuse to do my work or stick to my bedtime routine. They’ve recently made great user interface updates as well so the app is much more streamlined than it was when I first paid for the premium membership. The app is also available for sharing if you’re using an Apple family plan, so I can add this app to my nieces’ iPads so I can manage their screen time as well. Love it! Great app. I recommend. Especially for those with ADHD..GSUNation1Version: 3.52

First App to Actually Improve My ProductivityThis app has helped me tremendously in terms of helping me stay on track with my tasks and not getting distracted my apps on my phone. I high highly recommend everyone to get it, because it will truly help you become more productive since this app actually blocks distracting apps and incentivized mindful usage only. Opal encourages you to stop procrastinating with a direct solution, unlike most other apps. There is one slight improvement I would recommend, however. For the list of distracting apps, it currently only gives the categories but it would be really helpful if it allows us to select/deselect specific apps. For instance, Reddit is considered social media and I blocked social media, but I use Reddit as a source of news. The category of apps can sometimes be subjective, so adding this specific option would be very nice!.MonkeyGurl.XDVersion: 1.14.1

Better sleep, better work, better mindI applied for their student discount on their website and I got approved in a couple hours. I have been using this app since then, and I have cut down on my screen time by 75% and I used to have it at around 7 hours. I always use the full focus mode as I do not trust myself to keep myself to that. I have it scheduled so I have a specific time for studying, and also if I use some app for a certain amount of time, like entertainment and games, for me I use 30 minutes, then after 30 minutes it blocks all distracting apps for 3 hours. This app also helped gain back much needed sleep. I block all distracting apps at 10:30 pm, and I have recently been going to bed at 11pm instead of my prior 1am. My grades have also improved by around 7% since I started using it..Michael Sav. I.Version: 3.20

Life ChangingMy friends think it is weird that Opal is among my favorite apps on my phone (an app that makes you use your phone less lol). In this age of technology, it is important to protect your ability to focus and concentrate during critical hours of work, school, and sleep. I used to have this constant nagging in my mind that would nudge me to check my phone whenever I put it down, “I wonder if someone texted me”, “I wonder what’s new on Instagram”… we’ve all been there. Using Opal to block those apps during the workday has helped me reestablish a healthy relationship with my phone. Since downloading Opal I have gone from doomscrolling my phone 3.5 hours a day (unfortunately this is somewhat low for college-age students) to consistently staying in the 1-1.5 hour range. In the time I’ve saved: * I’ve gotten a new job that I really enjoy and have been promoted * I’ve established a consistent meditation practice * I’ve regained a love of reading and have read almost a book a week for the last year * I learned the guitar * (Most Importantly) I have regained control of my attention and can spend more time being present with friends and family, with my phone not only out of sight, but out of mind Embrace digital minimalism. Get Opal..Jrhill426Version: 3.45.1

Love it!!I had no idea how much social media scrolling early in the day was affecting my mental heath until I started regulating it with Opal. Now I have a block on addicting social media apps until 3pm each day, so I can spend the first several hours of my day doing things that matter most. The main difference between using Opal to regulate screen time versus using the Apple settings is that the limits are a lot more easily ignorable with the Apple set up. Using Opal for app blockages requires you to actually access the app settings to ignore a limit. Because of this, it manages my screen time much more effectively so I now am using my phone a healthy amount. This app has helped me so much and I totally recommend it to anyone else who struggles with managing screen time!.Mew Moo Reveiws 😽🐮Version: 3.30.1

A true lifesaver! (And timesaver of course)As someone with ADHD, I can’t recommend this app enough. I take stimulants to help with focus and productivity of course, but those can only do so much to keep me on track. A friend recommended this to me and oh my goodness… let’s just say I am finally making up for all the time I’ve wasted. There are a few things I would appreciate being added though, like being able to have certain apps unable to lessen my score when opened. Calculator, meditation apps, and Fitness apps are a few examples that I use often, which allow me to be more productive and/or healthy. Maybe this is already a feature and I’m just not completely familiar with the app, so let me know if I’m missing anything! I really appreciate Opal, and would love for you guys to consider my suggestions if they aren’t included in the app yet. Thank you! -Julia.Frozen EchosVersion: 3.30.1

Opal ReviewThis app is great if you have one app that you spend a lot of time on and want to stop. I use it for TikTok and when I tell you nothing else works, I have tried setting the time limits but I always press ignore and yes I know this is a me problem. Anyways this app makes it way harder to just press ignore and yes there is a break option but you can’t just press it right away you have to wait a few seconds. Which gives me time to think if I really want to break my streak when I can wait and use the app when my time limit for not using it is up. I love how you can customise it so much as to what times you want it blocked. I do wish I could block more apps and set more study sessions but overall this is a great app and if you have the money to buy the premium then you should have no complaints..LolsupercarVersion: 3.40.5

Latest update is amazingOpal in the past was okay at best. The VPN solution worked sometimes, but it was too easy to just stay on a distracting app with preloaded data when a break would end. This new version with screentime integration is incredible. I love how Opal blacks out my distracting apps immediately when a break ends or when focus time begins. It even changes the distracting app’s appearance on the Home Screen so you’re less likely to click it. I also really like the new UI, especially the part where you can see your stats in the app. I can now feel shamed for my number of pickups and screentime 🤣 HUGE improvement Opal team, I can tell I am going to be way more focused now. I might even get the premium plan just to support y’all. Thanks very much guys..GodAtTheGoldenGatesVersion: 3.8

This app has actually changed my lifeI really struggled with going on my phone every morning when I woke up, then also continuously checked social media throughout the day. it was tough because I work from my phone & would mindlessly click into these apps without even realizing it. I even had time limits on my settings app but I would just enter in the passcode, so they never helped me. I’ve opal for about 10 months now and my life has literally changed completely because of it. I’m SO much more productive!!!! I literally launched my own online business without the time I have now. I recommend it to all my friends. I paid for the full year subscription and I intend to renew it once it’s up - it’s so worth it!!!.ILoveMarcusJohnsVersion: 3.44

Is it really worth the money?This is my fifth app blocking site, and although the rewards are great, it seems like it is just like most other apps capable of locking down both apps and sites, with one major downfall- the annual price is $100. For $100 annually, you can get an adhd planner, you can get a life list app to remind you of your need to do’s and reward you with real rewards, you can get your four things at the grocery store. Is this app worth $100 a year? I personally don’t think so. Getting through the trial has showed me my $2 paid app does everything the same but rewards with a simple celebration by knocking down your screen time for the day. Everything else on this app is just fancy for that. Don’t waste your money if you need it for other things, there are many apps that do the exact same thing and is easier on your budget..RaorainsVersion: 3.40.3

Life ChangingLike most my age, I’ve been struggling with spending too much time on the Internet/phone, ever since the iphone came out many years ago in my late teens. To my shame, average screen time of 8+ hours a day was common. After negative affects in my life, I was led to download this app. My screen time totals around 1.5 hours a day now! This includes email, text messages, and basic thing I still need to use! It’s a miracle! I have it on the strictest settings and only give myself 30 min a day to access all the other apps in the morning way BEFORE I typically wake up, so I end up not even using that time. Anyway. If you want to get your time back, download this app. Don’t waste your life in the “virtual world”… LIVE how it was intended to..I-am-AuroraVersion: 3.30.1

Came a long wayI tried out Opal before Apple iOS had allowed for this type of tight integration of screen time with a non-Apple app. At that time, the user experience was choppy and made my phone not usable. Since I re-downloaded the app, the interface has been simplified and the functionalities really take human habits into account. It is not an overly restrictive screen time app, but it does make you think intentionally about your device usage. There had been times recently where the app was buggy and crashed multiple times, but the dev team behind the app found fixes quickly. I have seen my screen time become reduced and feel less stressed and frazzled when I’m supposed to be productive. Thank you!.YupppppleVersion: 3.50

Unexpected valueI didn’t think this app would do much for me, but after owning it for 6 months, I am certain that it has. I’ve owned hundreds of apps in my life and never left a review. But I think Opal deserves one. Being more present in your life is priceless. No other app gives you back your life like Opal. Especially in 2024, it can be difficult! But Opal makes it a lot easier. I have good days and I have bad days in terms of screen time, but opal is always there to keep me in check and ensure that I am focused on the right things. My connection with friends, family, myself, and my education have all benefitted greatly since I installed this app. Use it if you want to be more present in your life! Focus on your goals!.RyanWeedVersion: 3.54

A miss, for nowI love the visual redesign of the app, the improvement to leaderboards, and the gem system. Unfortunately update (and the removal of the VPN) has removed the one feature I used the most, blocking all internet! It was so useful when I just wanted to block all internet using apps but still send and receive calls and texts. I’m not a huge fan of the new approach - I find that when a focus session ends, the apps i blocked are either back where they were or missing…and then I need to take the time to add them back which is more trouble than it’s worth to me. I feel like this feature was launched before it was ready. I’ll certainly check back in in a few months to see if anything has changed..Glamorous1324Version: 3.0.1

Gets rid of addiction, but glitches!Had a bad addiction to social media and would find myself reflexively opening up instagram or socials when I didn’t even want to open it up. This honestly helped cure my addiction and has transferred my time wasted on socials, mindlessly scrolling to productive time. My weekly average screen time went from 5-8 hours to 1 hour now. Highly recommend! The one thing that has been annoying me is that it will glitch outside of my allotted Opal schedule and locks my social apps on weekends, even apps I put it as always allowed. I checked both apple settings and opal settings and finding that it still glitches. The only way to get the apps to stop glitching is if I turn off Opal screen time access in apple’s settings. Please fix!.Katarina.hVersion: 3.50

GoodCool.HfhhdbVersion: 3.54

Game ChangerThis app freed me from my phone and my productivity is through the roof!.Vladdi1423Version: 3.54

So great!Such a great app. Keeps me focussed. Thank you team!.WalkingproVersion: 3.54

Good App -Fantastic app, but a little bit difficult to use. Bought premium subscription, but can still just go to apple settings and stop providing screen access to Opal and then it will be like same before.VermmaVersion: 3.54

Great appLove using this app!.IAbhayVersion: 3.54

FREEDOM!!!If you want to feel like William Wallace and charge through your life with purpose, then this app is for you. This app is designed to let your conscious mind, control your subconscious. Set it up when you are strong and let it help you when you are weak! Be intentional with your life!.AdamebVersion: 3.54

Great app to help limit distractionsI’ve been using Opal for a year and find it useful in limiting my social media use during work hours..Rifka923Version: 3.56

Actually helpsThis app paired with BlockSite actually works well for my social media addiction. I was able to finish reading a book first time in months!.Marvelle GreyVersion: 3.54

Helps me control my screen timeI like it. It is a bit expensive but it’s worth it.Ha20210515Version: 3.54

It worksIt works.CRUSTY CARPETVersion: 3.54

Does the job if you work with it!It takes a while to understand that you need a couple minutes if you need to snooze for a bit but once you work with it it’s great.JanitkayVersion: 3.54

Opal reviewThis app made succeed in school. Best app on my phone.TommydickVersion: 3.54

Great appCool app.Turgz1Version: 3.54

Thank god for this appThis app rocks and has helped me curb my social media addiction thank you for making it.Theboss1234567Version: 3.54

Great appHelped me stay off my phone and focus during school. Very customizable would recommend to anyone who spends too much time on their phone..Migyy_.fVersion: 3.53

Great app. Love using itOpal had indeed helped me with reducing my screen time by 50% Tried many things before but this magically works. I’m not sure how 😂.JamalekhanVersion: 3.52.1

Dramatically reduced my screen timeThis is the first app which has worked for me to help bring my screen time down. The messages that show up when an app is blocked aren’t as easily skippable and they make you more present and aware before you can dodge limits. I got my screen time from 8+ hrs a day down to 2.5 so far, aiming for 2! Good luck everyone with beating their phone addictions, you can do this..BigmakbcVersion: 3.52.1

Great AppVery useful when trying to concentrate on midterms and exams!.Mithu_16Version: 3.53

LifesaverBeen searching for a way to block time wasting apps while still being able to be productive on my phone. Def gets the job done 👍🏻.WillchukVersion: 3.52.1

Great appMakes me more productive.Emac2114Version: 3.52.1

Best money you’ll spend on yourselfLife changing app. 100% recommend getting this app.Cory_SCVersion: 3.52.1

Great appDoes what it says and keeps me on task..KandchVersion: 3.52.1

HelpfulThis app helped me track my phone usage and be more aware of what I digitally consume.MehdiBelhouariVersion: 3.52.1

Great app!Great app if you want to monitor you’re social media & digital intake. Although, if you want access to the “pro” version it comes at a hefty price. But the free version is good too, it works for me! Will work for somebody who just wants to be more conscious about their usage..ThecurlycanadianVersion: 3.53

Save yourselfThis is a must in 2024, we don’t realize how much time we waste looking at our screens, this puts things into perspective and makes it easier to stay focused.Marcin082000Version: 3.52.1

Genuinely very helpful!I do not usually write reviews but I want to say this is such a helpful app and has genuinely helped me in life! I have ADHD and self control with apps and the internet is just really challenging, but this app basically solved this problem for me. I did try another app but it did not seem to work well on my phone, so it did not really block the apps I needed to block very well. Opal blocks them completely for the time period I set it too, which is so helpful. Being able to pick and choose which apps I want to block is so helpful too, because I like to keep in touch with friends on messaging apps, but the other app I tried would group them in with the main sites I wanted to block instead of just blocking the individual app I wanted to block. For example, if I wanted to block facebook, it would block my messenger app as well which I would not want it to do. Opal is great in that is just blocks the specific apps I want to block. Honestly a really helpful, well programmed, straightforward app that for me is worth the money..Larrylovescats777Version: 3.53

It actually worksThis is the best app, it really snaps me back to reality. My productivity has increased and so has my self control. Even on days where I snooze/use breaks a lot (less self control) the app just snaps me back into reality. when that break is over and I realize wow I was really plugged in for a minute there… was that 15 minutes??? I would have stayed there for an hour not even knowing. Great app.Jalepeno chipsVersion: 3.52.1

Great app!Recommended to friends.NasimrezaeiVersion: 3.52.1

No longer a phone addict!This app CHANGED MY LIFE. I have been addicted to using my phone over the past few months where my screen time was going beyond 16 + hours a day. By using this app, my productivity and sleep has been so much better. Yes, the price is expensive but what cost more? your productivity or quality of life? I’ll continue to use this!.Nicole199618Version: 3.52.1

Amazing!Helps reduce your screen time, levels up your focus!.AbzyshakeVersion: 3.52.1

Great appOffers great free and paid options, and works well. Just what I was looking for—thanks!.Frustrated20110601Version: 3.52.1

Life changing appThis really is a life changing app if you utilize it correctly, and are ready to put distractions behind you. Takes a lot of commitment, trust me!.SuperpointGuardVersion: 3.52.1

Helps me stay focused during the day!Even when I want to take a break - it’s easy to get back on track with the timer running down. Love this app!!.Sweetd.gVersion: 3.52.1

Tremendous help!It keeps me off distractions when I need and keep track of my time on the screen! I really like the visual of the app!.VannSaindonVersion: 3.52.1

Excellent appWell done!.Lili1417Version: 3.52.1

Made me more productiveThis app is good ngl I recommended it to people.Eggplanties69Version: 3.52

Ça change ma vie!!!Vaut vraiment l'investissement pro!!! Ça m'aide à beaucoup moin perdre mon temps, quand je le perd c'est que je me permet une pause et le max 15 minutes est parfait! Je recommande x1000.Stef191919Version: 3.52

It actually worksThis has reduced my screen time SO MUCH.Emly.mrtnVersion: 3.52

Worth its weight in goldThe only thing stronger than my ADHD!.All nicknames are-chosenVersion: 3.52

Make it freeMake it free..M.M.RVersion: 3.52

Free International Money Transfer 💸Enjoy high maximum transfers into more than 20 currencies while saving up to 90% over local banks! The cheap, fast way to send money abroad. Free transfer up to 500 USD!AdvertorialVersion: 3.56

Opal: Screen Time for Focus Negative Reviews

Promising But Seriously FlawedOpal seemed like a promising choice to reduce digital distractions. It had a cute design and clever idea of introducing friction for unblocking, rather than blocking everything all the time. unfortunately, for the last year I’ve used the app, it has consistently had serious issues in executing on this promise. Back when it was a VPN-based blocker, it seemed to block personal hotspot and certain phone calls, issues that stopped when I turned off the VPN and switched to Opal’s new setup. This forced me to disable the VPN and forget to turn it back on for extended periods. Now, after Apple introduced an ability for apps to block things, Opal is still flawed. It doesn’t seem to automatically renew blocking unless the app is opened, making it nearly useless since I won’t remember to keep opening the app to make the blocking kick back in. The app frequently freezes for me, which wastes a significant fraction of my time as I try unlocking things. It also has unusual limitations in terms of how much it can block. Overall, Opal has had consistently poor execution for an entire year now and I certainly will not be renewing my subscription..BrendonwbwVersion: 3.4

Crashes all the time when I paid $300+This app crashes all the time. When I create a section. Create a list of apps. Or do whatever. It just crashes. I’ve tried so many times to create a white list of apps. It has crashed about almost ten times. I paid for lifetime which was over 300 dollars around I think May? I only occasionally use it, and it has been frustrating. I have tried updated the app. And my phone is the newest iPhone model and software up to date. Extremely disappointed. update: after abt an hour and a half, I was able to create a whitelist. Now I’m not able to choose an alternative list when I create or start any session. It has a pre chosen list that I created before. Whenever I click on it, it only allows me to edit that pre chosen list, but it doesn’t offer to let me choose another list. This whole thing is Garbage. Please fix. Update 2: I just realized the COPY ICON in this app can direct you to choose your list. Opal team please have a look at your app. We’re all netizens here. Please do not use icon logos that already have well known meanings to represent OTHER meanings in your own app..不装淑女Version: 3.40.4

Fantastic idea with unreliable executionTitle says it. The app blocks what it needs to block, and the lower level nature of this block helps prevent abuse better than most apps. However, random websites will suddenly not load (not those blocked, or in categories blocked), and it'll turn on blocking seemingly randomly (even if you pause or turn it off entirely). It became enough of an issue that I cancelled my subscription and uninstalled the app. If they improve these issues, might get it again. UPDATE AUGUST 2022: The app is still unreliable. It's blocking the wrong things less - that's a plus - but now the VPN keeps turning itself off for no reason, or only starts working when I manually open the app. There are a few screens which show constant loading icons as well - not sure what those are supposed to be. Looks like there'a supposed to be time tracking features, but those are broken. However, I'm going to keep using Opal for now because no one else is really filling this role. Opal, please fix these issues.StartupSamVersion: 2.65

Not the best app for meI used this app for several months and ended up buying a subscription, however, it didn’t really work for me for a couple reasons. First the app didn’t block a lot of sites or apps that I wanted it to and my support requests weren’t helpful at all. In the end it wasn’t able to block the sites that I wanted to block most. More importantly, I think the approach of most of these app blockers like Opal isn’t the most effective for managing distraction or procrastination. I had much better success with a different app called one sec, and even the free version of that app is much more useful than Opal was for me. Even though I paid for one year, I only ended up using Opal premium for a month. I asked for some kind of refund and support with the issues I was having and received neither. I don’t recommend this app. Instead I think people are better saving their money and trying other approaches to managing distraction, like one sec..S. JohnsonsVersion: 3.28.1

Good in theory—but too easy to get aroundI have been paying for Opal premium for a few months now. It was really helpful at first—I loved that because the app requires you to set up all of your schedules and block lists from scratch if you delete it acted as a deterrent from my just deleting it if I really wanted to get past my restrictions. But now, I've realized that it's incredibly easy to just switch off screen time permissions for Opal in screen time settings (in iOS at least), which instantly gives you back access to all of your apps and websites without having to change a thing in the app. I know that there's nothing Opal can do about that, but it definitely doesn't make it worth it anymore for me to pay for premium and have the ability to set up "Deep Focus" sessions. I am instead going to try just using the native Downtime feature in iOS and having a friend set the screen time passcode so I can't easily make changes..Rowank27Version: 3.20

80 bucks a year to look at your phone lessTitle says it all. Asks you a bunch of intro questions and then slams you with a mega subscription… typical people trying to make money off of our bad habits..Gentrymx3Version: 2.23

Great app, way too expensiveI loved the features of this app and really wanted to keep using it, however the $100 annual subscription is ridiculous for something that other apps do for free. I would totally pay a one time fee, sad when the subscription model ruins a great product.SneakturtVersion: 3.9.2

Unacceptable priceSeriously don’t know how you come up with such an outrageous price. Get real..GlouriousMrRichVersion: 3.19

Deleted the app and I’m still locked out of my appsMy subscription expired but Opal was still restricting my apps, I deleted Opal and now I still can’t open any of my apps!.KaudnelO whic avqiVersion: 3.56

For an app that is supposed to keep you off your phone it sure sends a lot of notificationsI got 8 notifications today from this app that is supposed to help me stay off my phone. That’s insane. And the subscription model is outrageous. I would happily pay the $100 for a lifetime access to an app that is on my phone, but I’m not paying that yearly. I pay $50 a year for Alltrails which has a million more features than an app that blocks apps..SarahannedesignVersion: 3.54

Money grabOutrageous price.This doesnt make sound😂Version: 3.54

Just as greedy as the rest of the big appsYou guys have a whole ad explaining how other apps are harvesting us. However how does making us pay 99.99 yearly make you any different. smell you later opal.KXnny14Version: 3.53

Money grabDidn’t set anything up or agree to pay and it locked me out of an extremely important Zoom meeting..BeccagradiloneVersion: 3.53

This app needs work.Blocks all apps even apps you need for work..CrimsonBenzVersion: 3.53

Too expensiveThe app isn’t a fair price..WillyD23Version: 3.52.1

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