Frequently Asked Questions

Monk is an iPhone app that keeps distracting apps locked until you do real habits, earn Monk Coins, and spend them to unlock screen time — so scrolling is something you choose, not a reflex.

With your permission, Monk uses Apple's Screen Time APIs to block the apps you choose. When you try to open a blocked app, a shield appears. Your apps stay locked until you earn Monk Coins and spend them to unlock scroll time.

Make sure Monk has Screen Time permission: Settings → Screen Time → Apps with Screen Time Access → enable Monk.

Also confirm you have selected apps to block in Profile, and that you are not in an active unlock session. If you recently reinstalled or signed out, you may need to re-select your apps.

Monk Coins are in-app rewards you earn by doing habits. Spend them to temporarily unlock blocked apps. One coin equals one minute of scroll time. You can hold up to 100 coins, and they carry over from day to day. Monk Coins have no cash value.

You earn coins in two ways:

• Timer habits (Habits tab) — each habit has its own earn rate (for example, 10 or 15 coins per hour). Choose a session length from 3 minutes up to 2 hours. Ending early still earns coins for the time you completed.
• Quick Coins (Monk tab) — photo-verified micro-habits like Drink Water or Touch Grass. Each rewards 10 coins, with a 2-hour cooldown per habit and a daily cap of 15 successful completions.

On the Monk tab, tap Unlock (Scroll), pick 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, or 15 minutes, then hold to unlock. A countdown runs while your apps are unblocked. Coins are charged when the session ends. Tap End early to stop sooner and save unused coins.

Pick habits from the library or create your own on the Habits tab. Start a timed session, complete it to earn Monk Coins, and optionally play focus music during the session. Ending early still earns coins for the time you completed.

Open the Habits tab to browse the library, add or remove habits, and tap the + button to create custom habits with your own title and coin rate.

Yes. Before starting a habit, tap the duration row to open the duration wheel. You can choose anywhere from 3 minutes up to 2 hours.

Quick Coins are photo-verified micro-habits on the Monk tab, such as Drink Water or Touch Grass. Take a photo to verify completion, earn coins if verification succeeds, and try again if it does not. Photos are deleted from our servers after verification.

The Stats tab shows where your time really went — habit time vs. scroll time, tracked automatically. View your progress by day, week, or month, and see lifetime coin earnings.

Listen provides music for sleep and focus. You can play tracks during habits or browse calm and focus playlists on the Listen tab. If you set a bedtime schedule, unlocks become harder to start near sleep — hold times increase from 5 to 10 or 20 seconds depending on the time of day.

Yes. A subscription is required to use Monk. Start with a free trial on the App Store and cancel anytime.

Monk is an iPhone app for iOS 18 and later. During setup you choose which apps to lock. That selection stays on your phone.

Go to Profile → Delete Account. This permanently removes your personal data from our systems, including habit progress and coin history, except where retention is required by law.

Email hello@monk.zone. You can also review our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.