App For Locking Phone To Study: 7 Powerful Ways To Stop Scrolling And Actually Focus – Plus The One Study App That Makes Your Screen Time Worth It

So, You Want An App For Locking Your Phone To Study?

So, you're looking for an app for locking phone to study because your brain magically opens TikTok every time you try to revise? Honestly, the best combo isn’t just a lock app – it’s using a distraction blocker plus a study app that makes your phone actually useful, like Flashrecall). Flashrecall turns your phone into a focused study machine with AI-made flashcards and spaced repetition, so when you do unlock it, you’re actually learning, not doom-scrolling. Pair that with a good lock/focus app and you’ll get way more done in way less time. If you’re serious about studying, set this up once and your future self will be very thankful.

Why Just Locking Your Phone Isn’t Enough

Alright, let’s be real for a second.

Locking your phone helps, but if you unlock it and instantly go back to Instagram, nothing really changes. The real win is:

1. Block the distractions

2. Make the time on your phone actually productive

That’s where something like Flashrecall) comes in. Instead of your phone being the enemy, it becomes your “study weapon”:

• You open your phone → instead of social media, you open Flashrecall
• You study flashcards with active recall and spaced repetition
• You close your phone → focus app keeps the rest of the distractions away

Phone = still in your hand, but now it’s working for you, not against you.

Step 1: Pick Your Study App First (This Matters More Than You Think)

Before we talk about apps for locking your phone to study, it actually helps to choose how you’re going to study.

If your study method is boring, you’ll want to escape to social media.

If it’s quick and satisfying, you’re more likely to stay in it.

Why Flashcards + Focus = Perfect Combo

Flashcards are great because:

• They’re bite-sized – you can do them in 5–10 minute chunks
• They’re active recall – your brain actually has to think
• They work for literally anything: languages, exams, medicine, law, business, school, uni, whatever

Now add Flashrecall on top of that:

• Turn photos, PDFs, text, audio, YouTube links, or typed notes into flashcards automatically
• Built-in spaced repetition with auto reminders so you don’t have to remember when to review
• Works offline, so you can put your phone in airplane mode and still study
• You can even chat with your flashcards if you’re confused about something
• Fast, modern, and free to start on iPhone and iPad

Here’s the link so you don’t have to search for it:

👉 Flashrecall – Study Flashcards)

Once you’ve got your study app ready, then you add a phone-locking/focus app around it.

Step 2: Types Of “Phone Lock” Apps You Can Use

There isn’t just one kind of “app for locking phone to study.” You’ve got a few options:

1. App Blockers

These block specific apps like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, games, etc.

• You can usually whitelist apps like Flashrecall
• So during your study block, only “productive” apps are usable

2. Focus Timers

These use Pomodoro-style timers (25 min focus, 5 min break, etc.) and limit distractions during that time.

• Some just remind you to focus
• Others block apps while the timer runs

3. Full Phone Lock / Screen Time Limits

You can use built-in tools (like Screen Time on iOS) to:

• Limit social media to X minutes per day
• Block apps completely during certain hours
• Allow “allowed apps” only – this is where you keep Flashrecall in the safe list

You don’t need 10 apps. One good blocker + one good study app is more than enough.

How To Use A Lock App With Flashrecall (Simple Setup)

Here’s a super simple setup that actually works in real life:

1. Make Flashcards First

• Open Flashrecall)
• Import your notes:
• Snap a photo of textbook pages or handwritten notes
• Upload a PDF from your class
• Paste text or a YouTube link
• Let Flashrecall turn that into flashcards automatically
• You can also add or tweak cards manually if you want more control

2. Set Your Study Reminder

Inside Flashrecall, set study reminders so the app pings you when it’s time to review.

This works perfectly with spaced repetition – you’ll get reminded right when your brain is about to forget.

3. Block Everything Else

Use your chosen app for locking phone to study (or iOS Screen Time) and:

• Block social media, games, random time-wasters
• Allow only:
• Flashrecall
• Maybe a notes app or browser if you need it for research

Now when you pick up your phone, your only “fun” option is… studying.

We’re basically tricking your brain in a good way.

Why Flashrecall Works So Well With Focus Apps

If you’re going to the effort of locking your phone, you want the time you do spend on it to be super efficient.

Flashrecall helps with that because:

1. You Don’t Waste Time Making Cards Manually (Unless You Want To)

You can:

• Take a photo of your notes → Flashrecall turns it into cards
• Upload PDF slides → cards
• Use audio or YouTube → cards
• Or just type stuff in if you like doing it yourself

Less time formatting, more time actually learning.

2. Spaced Repetition Is Built-In

No need to remember when to review. Flashrecall:

• Schedules cards automatically
• Shows you the right cards at the right time
• Sends auto reminders so you don’t fall behind

So while your lock app is keeping distractions away, Flashrecall is making sure every review session is optimized.

3. It Works Offline

Perfect for:

• Library sessions
• Exams coming up and you don’t trust yourself with Wi-Fi
• Studying on the bus or train

Turn on airplane mode, keep your phone locked down from other apps, and Flashrecall still works.

4. You Can Chat With Your Flashcards

If you’re stuck on a concept, you can literally chat with the flashcard content:

• Ask for explanations in simpler terms
• Get extra examples
• Clarify confusing definitions

So even when your browser is blocked, you’re not stuck.

A Simple Study Routine You Can Copy

Here’s a realistic routine using an app for locking phone to study + Flashrecall:

Before Study Time

1. Open Flashrecall)

2. Import today’s notes (photo, PDF, text, whatever)

3. Quickly check your due reviews (spaced repetition queue)

During Study Time (e.g., 50 minutes)

1. Turn on your phone lock/focus mode

2. Only allow Flashrecall (and maybe Notes)

3. Do:

• 10–15 minutes: review old flashcards
• 20–30 minutes: learn new cards from today’s material
• Use the chat feature if you’re confused about anything

Break Time (5–10 minutes)

• Step away from your phone or keep the lock mode on
• Don’t immediately reward yourself with TikTok; let your brain actually rest

End Of The Day

• Check what Flashrecall has planned for tomorrow
• Let the study reminders handle the rest

Repeat that for a week and watch how much more you remember.

“But I’m Addicted To My Phone, Will This Even Work?”

Honestly, if you’re searching for an app for locking phone to study, you’re already halfway there. You know the phone is a problem.

Here’s how to make it easier on yourself:

• Don’t rely on willpower. Let the lock app do the discipline for you.
• Make studying as low-friction as possible. Flashrecall’s instant flashcard creation helps a lot here.
• Start small. Even 25 minutes of focused studying with distractions blocked is better than 3 hours of fake studying with TikTok in between.
• Reward yourself after. “Once this 50-minute session is done, then I can scroll.”

You’re not trying to be a robot. You’re just trying to make focused time actually happen.

Why Flashrecall Is Worth Installing Right Now

If you’re going to install an app for locking phone to study, it makes sense to also install the app that turns your phone into your best study tool.

Flashrecall gives you:

• Instant flashcards from images, PDFs, text, audio, YouTube links
• Manual card creation if you like full control
• Active recall built into every card
• Spaced repetition with automatic reminders
• Study reminders so you don’t forget to review
• Offline mode for distraction-free study
• Works on iPhone and iPad
• Free to start, fast, and genuinely easy to use

Grab it here so you’ve got it ready when you set up your focus/lock app:

👉 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flashrecall-study-flashcards/id6746757085

Lock your phone, open Flashrecall, and let your screen time finally do something useful for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the fastest way to create flashcards?

Manually typing cards works but takes time. Many students now use AI generators that turn notes into flashcards instantly. Flashrecall does this automatically from text, images, or PDFs.

Is there a free flashcard app?

Yes. Flashrecall is free and lets you create flashcards from images, text, prompts, audio, PDFs, and YouTube videos.

How do I start spaced repetition?

You can manually schedule your reviews, but most people use apps that automate this. Flashrecall uses built-in spaced repetition so you review cards at the perfect time.

What is active recall and how does it work?

Active recall is the process of actively retrieving information from memory rather than passively reviewing it. Flashrecall forces proper active recall by making you think before revealing answers, then uses spaced repetition to optimize your review schedule.

Related Articles

• An App That Locks Your Apps While Studying: 7 Powerful Ways To Stay Focused And Actually Remember What You Learn – Stop doomscrolling and turn your phone into a study weapon instead of a distraction.
• Focus Apps For Studying: 7 Powerful Tools To Stay Focused, Learn Faster, And Actually Remember Stuff
• App That Locks Your Phone While Studying: The Best Way To Stay Focused And Actually Remember Stuff – Stop doomscrolling, lock distractions, and turn your phone into a study weapon instead of a time sink.