The problem is that if you know the Screen Time passcode, it's only a few taps to ignore an app limit or disable Screen Time entirely. That made it far too easy for me to override it whenever I was tempted.

WaitToUnlock solves that - It generates a random passcode and guides you through entering it in a deliberately confusing sequence, making it very difficult to remember the final code.

The passcode is then encrypted and stored securely.

If you ever need it back, you can request it at any time, but there's a mandatory 6-hour wait before it's revealed. The delay is long enough for an impulsive urge to pass, while still ensuring you can always recover your passcode if you genuinely need it.

I built it for myself to spend less time using my phone, and thought others might find it useful too. I'd love to hear your feedback.

Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48893892

Points: 4

# Comments: 0

The only problem is that it uses a 4 digit passcode. If I set the passcode myself, I can always override my app limits by typing it in when I hit my limits. I could ask a friend or partner to set the passcode for me, but that felt awkward.

So I built WaitToUnlock.com. It's a simple website that generates a random ScreenTime passcode and guides you through entering it in a deliberately confusing way (for example: "enter 3, enter 7, delete it, now enter 5..."), making it very difficult to remember the final code.

The passcode is then securely stored away. If you need it back, you can request it, but you have to wait at least 6 hours before it's revealed.

That way, you can still get your passcode back if you really need it, but it removes the ability to override the app limits the moment the temptation strikes.

Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48861554

Points: 4

# Comments: 0