Normal
What it is
Normal is an open-source iOS app for blocking apps and managing screen time. Users can turn any NFC tag or QR code into a key for blocking or unblocking apps; the maker says these keys use PBKDF2 hashing for cryptographic security. Custom app groups can be created without a stated limit, and each group can be controlled separately. Timed unlocks let users reopen apps or groups for preset periods, after which they are blocked again automatically. Recurring schedules can set selected days, start times, and durations for blocking. The maker says settings and keys remain on the iPhone and that the app has no accounts, cloud sync, analytics, or tracking. The repository README notes that shortcuts can help prevent bypassing, which may require a hardware key or resetting the phone. Normal is free, with no subscriptions or paywalls; the App Store lists optional monthly support and one-time donations. It requires iOS 18.0 or later and is listed for iPhone and iPad.
For and against
For
- Uses NFC tags or QR codes as blocking keys
- Unlimited custom app groups
- Timed unlocks automatically reblock apps
- Recurring schedules support custom days and durations
- Maker says settings stay on the iPhone
Against
- Requires iOS 18.0 or later
- Available on iOS only
- Bypassing may require hardware key or phone reset
The verdict
Normal offers several ways to control app access, including schedules, groups, and physical or QR keys. It is free, though optional support and donation purchases are listed.
Who it suits
Normal suits iPhone and iPad users seeking scheduled or key-controlled app blocking. It may also suit people who want custom groups and timed unlocks.
Plans and prices
Normal
No hidden costs or premium tiers · no subscriptions or paywalls
Read 8 Oct 2026 · normalengineering.org
On the record
- Additional controls
- The repository README says shortcuts can help prevent bypassing, and bypassing may require unlocking with a hardware key or resetting the phone.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- App groups
- Users can create unlimited custom app groups and block or unblock each group independently.normalengineering.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The App Store listing requires iOS 18.0 or later and lists iPhone and iPad compatibility.apps.apple.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Donations
- The App Store lists optional monthly support and one-time donation in-app purchases.apps.apple.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Key security
- The maker says NFC and QR keys are cryptographically secured with PBKDF2 hashing.normalengineering.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The App Store identifies the seller as Normal Engineering Inc.apps.apple.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- NFC and QR keys
- Any NFC tag or QR code can be used as a key to block and unblock apps.normalengineering.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Offline use
- The maker’s FAQ asks whether the app works without an internet connection but the page does not provide an answer.normalengineering.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says there are no accounts, cloud sync, analytics, or tracking, and settings and keys stay on the iPhone.normalengineering.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Normal is an open-source iOS screen-time control and app-blocking app.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Schedules
- Recurring schedules can block apps on selected days and at custom start times and durations.normalengineering.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker lists [email protected] for questions and feedback.normalengineering.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Timed unlocks
- Apps or groups can be unlocked for preset durations and automatically reblocked when the timer ends.normalengineering.org · read 8 Oct 2026
