The short list
Checked November 7, 2026, on each maker’s own site or App Store page. US prices. Prices change, so check before you buy.
| App | Who can undo it | From their own phone? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| one sec | You, after a pause you set | No | Free for one app. Pro from $6.99 a month. |
| ScreenZen | You, after a delay or a set number of opens | Not stated | Free, with optional tips |
| Opal | You, once the focus timer runs out | Not stated | Free tier. Paid plans on Opal’s pricing page. |
| Brick | A tap on the Brick device, or one of 5 emergency unbricks | No | Device from $59. App free. |
| Apple Screen Time passcode | Whoever knows the code | No. It is typed on your phone. | Free, built in |
| LockPact | One partner, who approves or declines | Yes | Free. Optional paid add-ons. |
| Friend Controls | Friends, who approve or deny | Yes | Free to start. More than one app needs a purchase. |
| Waive | Up to 5 people you pick, or a group of up to 30 with Max | Yes | Only the person who starts the group pays: $49.99 a year or $14.99 a month. The people you invite join free. |
Turning off Screen Time access
An app built on Apple’s Screen Time stops blocking when you turn off its Screen Time access in iPhone Settings, unless a Screen Time passcode you don’t know protects that setting. one sec suggests a friend sets that passcode. LockPact and Waive tell your people when you turn access off.
When Waive is the wrong pick
- You use Android. Waive needs an iPhone.
- You want a timer for yourself, not people. one sec, ScreenZen or Opal fit better.
- You want one partner and nothing to pay. LockPact and Friend Controls are free to start.
When Waive fits
- You want more than one person who can let you back in, so you are not stuck when one of them is busy.
- You want them to answer from their own phone, with one tap.
- You want your friends to join free.
Sources
- one sec: one-sec.app, its Screen Time lock guide, App Store
- ScreenZen: screenzen.co, App Store
- Opal: opal.so, App Store
- Brick: getbrick.com, emergency unbricks
- Apple: Screen Time passcode
- LockPact: lockpact.app, App Store
- Friend Controls: App Store
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