Apps That Lock Other Apps For Studying: The Best Way To Stay Focused And Actually Remember What You Learn – Stop doom-scrolling and turn your phone into a study weapon instead of a distraction.
So, you’re looking for apps that locks other apps for studying and actually keep you off TikTok, Instagram, and all the other distractions?
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So, you’re looking for apps that locks other apps for studying and actually keep you off TikTok, Instagram, and all the other distractions? Honestly, the best combo isn’t just blocking apps – it’s blocking distractions and using something like Flashrecall) to turn that focused time into real learning. Flashrecall helps you study smarter with AI-made flashcards and spaced repetition, while focus apps keep everything else locked away. Set a focus session, open Flashrecall, and your phone basically becomes a study-only device. If you’re serious about grades or exams, setting this up now makes a huge difference long-term.
Why Just Blocking Apps Isn’t Enough
Alright, let’s be real for a second.
Apps that lock other apps for studying are great… until you sit there staring at your screen not knowing what to do with that quiet time.
You don’t just need:
- Less distraction
You also need:
- Better quality studying during that distraction-free time
That’s where pairing a focus/lock app with a study app like Flashrecall is way more powerful than just blocking social media.
With Flashrecall), you can:
- Turn your notes, PDFs, textbook photos, or even YouTube links into flashcards automatically
- Use spaced repetition so the app reminds you exactly when to review
- Practice active recall instead of passive rereading (way better for memory)
- Study offline on iPhone or iPad, so your phone becomes a mini study machine
So the play is:
How Apps That Lock Other Apps For Studying Actually Work
Most of these apps do one of a few things:
1. Block specific apps
- You choose TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, games, etc.
- During a focus session, you literally can’t open them.
2. Block notifications
- No buzzing, no banners, no “just checking in” dopamine hits.
3. Schedule focus times
- For example: 8–10 PM every day, everything except study apps is blocked.
4. Whitelist only study apps
- You allow apps like Flashrecall, Notes, maybe your browser for research.
- Everything else is off-limits.
This is perfect if you know you want to study but your fingers keep magically opening Instagram “just for a second.”
Why Flashrecall + A Locking App Is Such A Good Combo
Here’s the thing:
If you’re going to block apps to study, you might as well use that time to learn as efficiently as possible.
Flashrecall is built exactly for that:
- Instant flashcards from anything
Take a photo of your textbook, upload a PDF, paste text, drop in a YouTube link, or even use audio → Flashrecall turns it into flashcards for you. No wasting time formatting.
- Manual flashcards if you like control
Prefer typing them yourself? You can do that too, super quickly.
- Built-in spaced repetition
It automatically figures out when you’re about to forget something and reminds you at the right time. No manual planning.
- Study reminders
You can get gentle nudges to study so you don’t fall off track.
- Works offline
Perfect when you’ve locked your other apps and just want to grind through cards.
- Chat with your flashcards
Stuck on a concept? You can literally chat with the flashcard content to clarify things.
- Great for literally anything
Languages, medicine, law, school exams, uni, business concepts, random facts—you name it.
Grab it here if you haven’t already:
👉 Flashrecall on the App Store)
Types Of Apps That Lock Other Apps For Studying (And How To Use Them)
Let’s break down the main styles of “lock” apps and how they fit into your study setup.
1. Strict App Blockers
These are the “no mercy” apps. Once you start a session, you cannot access blocked apps until the timer ends.
They usually let you:
- Choose which apps to block
- Set a timer (e.g., 25, 45, 90 minutes)
- Add exceptions (like Flashrecall, Notes, calendar)
Flashrecall automatically keeps track and reminds you of the cards you don't remember well so you remember faster. Like this :
1. Add social apps + games to the block list
2. Whitelist Flashrecall
3. Start a 25–50 minute session
4. Open Flashrecall and run through a set of flashcards
5. Take a short break, then repeat
This is basically digital “library mode.”
2. Focus Timers / Pomodoro Apps
These are more about structured time than hardcore blocking. Some will lock apps, some just mute notifications.
Typical setup:
- 25 minutes focus, 5 minutes break
- After 4 rounds, take a longer break
- Use focus sessions for:
- Creating new flashcards from notes or PDFs
- Reviewing cards Flashrecall scheduled for today
- Use breaks for:
- Quick stretch, water, maybe check messages (if you want)
You’ll be surprised how much you can get done in a few focused Pomodoros with Flashrecall.
3. System-Level Focus (Like iOS Focus Modes)
If you’re on iPhone/iPad, you can actually do a lot just with built-in settings:
- Create a Study Focus mode
- Allow only:
- Flashrecall
- Notes
- Maybe your browser or a calculator
- Silence everything else
Then whenever you sit down to study, just turn on that mode and open Flashrecall.
This is a super clean, low-effort way to turn your device into a study-only tool.
A Simple Setup: From Distracted To Dialed-In
Here’s a super easy way to build a full “study system” with apps that locks other apps for studying plus Flashrecall.
Step 1: Decide Your Study Blocks
Pick something realistic:
- Weekdays: 2 x 45-minute sessions
- Weekends: 3 x 30-minute sessions
Nothing crazy. Consistency beats one massive cram session.
Step 2: Set Up Your Locking App Or Focus Mode
- Block:
- Social media
- Games
- Random time-wasters
- Allow:
- Flashrecall)
- Notes / Docs
- Browser (if you need it for school)
Step 3: Load Flashrecall With Your Material
Before your session:
- Take photos of textbook pages
- Import PDFs from class
- Paste lecture notes
- Add YouTube links for explanations
Flashrecall will turn that into flashcards for you.
Step 4: Let Spaced Repetition Tell You What To Study
Once your cards are in:
- Flashrecall automatically schedules reviews
- Each day, it shows you what’s due
- You just show up, hit “study,” and go
No overthinking. The app handles the memory science.
Step 5: Repeat, Don’t Cram
Because Flashrecall:
- Reminds you when to review
- Works offline
- Keeps sessions fast and focused
You can stack small daily sessions and actually remember stuff long-term instead of forgetting everything after the exam.
Why Flashrecall Beats Just Using A Blocker Alone
If you only use apps that locks other apps for studying, you’re basically doing:
> “I won’t get distracted… but I also don’t really have a system for learning.”
With Flashrecall, your setup becomes:
> “I’ve removed distractions and I’m using a proven way to remember things long-term.”
Some big advantages Flashrecall gives you on top of blocking apps:
- You’re not guessing what to review
Spaced repetition chooses for you.
- You’re not wasting time making cards from scratch
AI helps generate them from your existing material.
- You’re actively recalling, not just rereading
That alone massively boosts memory.
- You can study anywhere
On the bus, in bed, between classes—especially with offline mode.
- You can ask questions when stuck
Chat with your flashcards to go deeper into tricky concepts.
How To Make Studying Less Painful (Even With A Busy Life)
If you’ve got school, maybe work, maybe other stuff going on, here’s a realistic plan:
- 5–10 minutes
Quick Flashrecall review on your phone during a break.
- 25 minutes
Lock your apps, do one Pomodoro with Flashrecall.
- 45–60 minutes
Deep session:
- Create new cards from that day’s class notes
- Review everything that’s due
You don’t need 4-hour library marathons every day.
You just need:
- Distraction-free time
- A smart way to use that time → Flashrecall
Final Thoughts: Turn Your Phone From Enemy To Study Partner
Your phone can either:
- Destroy your focus
or
- Become your best study sidekick
Using apps that locks other apps for studying is a solid first step.
But if you want those focused minutes to actually translate into better grades, stronger memory, and less last-minute panic, pair it with a proper learning app.
That’s exactly where Flashrecall) fits in:
- Fast, modern, and easy to use
- Free to start
- Works on iPhone and iPad
- Built-in active recall + spaced repetition + reminders
Set up a focus mode, block the junk, open Flashrecall, and suddenly your phone isn’t the enemy anymore—it’s your study weapon.
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.
How can I study more effectively for this test?
Effective exam prep combines active recall, spaced repetition, and regular practice. Flashrecall helps by automatically generating flashcards from your study materials and using spaced repetition to ensure you remember everything when exam day arrives.
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.
- 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.
- Apps For Study Focus: 7 Powerful Tools To Stay Laser Focused And Actually Remember What You Learn – Stop Getting Distracted And Start Studying Smarter Today
Practice This With Free Flashcards
Try our web flashcards right now to test yourself on what you just read. You can click to flip cards, move between questions, and see how much you really remember.
Try Flashcards in Your BrowserInside the FlashRecall app you can also create your own decks from images, PDFs, YouTube, audio, and text, then use spaced repetition to save your progress and study like top students.
Research References
The information in this article is based on peer-reviewed research and established studies in cognitive psychology and learning science.
Cepeda, N. J., Pashler, H., Vul, E., Wixted, J. T., & Rohrer, D. (2006). Distributed practice in verbal recall tasks: A review and quantitative synthesis. Psychological Bulletin, 132(3), 354-380
Meta-analysis showing spaced repetition significantly improves long-term retention compared to massed practice
Carpenter, S. K., Cepeda, N. J., Rohrer, D., Kang, S. H., & Pashler, H. (2012). Using spacing to enhance diverse forms of learning: Review of recent research and implications for instruction. Educational Psychology Review, 24(3), 369-378
Review showing spacing effects work across different types of learning materials and contexts
Kang, S. H. (2016). Spaced repetition promotes efficient and effective learning: Policy implications for instruction. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 3(1), 12-19
Policy review advocating for spaced repetition in educational settings based on extensive research evidence
Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger, H. L. (2008). The critical importance of retrieval for learning. Science, 319(5865), 966-968
Research demonstrating that active recall (retrieval practice) is more effective than re-reading for long-term learning
Roediger, H. L., & Butler, A. C. (2011). The critical role of retrieval practice in long-term retention. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 15(1), 20-27
Review of research showing retrieval practice (active recall) as one of the most effective learning strategies
Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving students' learning with effective learning techniques: Promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4-58
Comprehensive review ranking learning techniques, with practice testing and distributed practice rated as highly effective

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