Living Points icon

Living Points

Earn points by putting your phone down.

Need help?

Reach out any time. I typically respond within a couple of days.

Frequently asked

What is Living Points?

Living Points is a self-discipline app for iPhone. You choose which apps you'd like to use less, lock them through the app, and earn experience points the longer you keep them locked. Hit your daily goal to extend a streak; break a day and the streak resets.

Why does the app need Screen Time access?

Living Points uses Apple's official Screen Time framework (Family Controls and Managed Settings) to apply a shield to the apps you've chosen. The shield is what blocks the app from opening. Without Screen Time permission, Living Points cannot lock anything.

How are points calculated?

Points accrue every second while your selected apps are locked. The rate goes up while your phone is also asleep ("deep focus") and scales with how many apps you've selected (more selected apps means a larger multiplier, capped at 3×). Unlocking your apps applies a small per-second penalty so you have something to lose.

Does it work when my phone is asleep?

Yes, that's the strongest mode. When the phone is locked and your apps are locked, you're in deep focus and earning the highest rate, up to a daily cap to keep overnight sleep from dominating the leaderboard.

What happens to my data?

Nothing leaves your phone. See the privacy policy for the full breakdown.

The app won't lock, what should I check?

The most common cause is Screen Time authorization being denied or revoked. Open Settings → Screen Time → Apps with Screen Time Access and make sure Living Points is enabled. If the lock still doesn't apply, force-quit the app and re-open it; the lock state will reconcile with the OS shield on launch.

Can I unlock an app to use it?

Yes. Open Living Points and tap the lock button to release all your selected apps. While unlocked, your point rate goes negative until you re-engage the lock.

How do I delete the app and all its data?

Long-press the app on your home screen and choose Remove App → Delete App. Everything Living Points stores lives on your device and is removed with the app.