WritersLock

A journaling app that locks your chosen distracting apps until you've written today's entry. Available on iOS and Android with a free 3-day trial.

WritersLock solves a real problem: social media doomscrolling wins over the writing you actually want to do. Instead of relying on willpower, the app puts friction on distracting apps and makes writing the easy path first.

Here's how it works. You pick which apps (like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok) to lock and when (morning, midday, night, or custom times). At those times, the locked apps stay inaccessible until you complete today's writing entry—whether that's a free journal, gratitude log, dream diary, or a guided prompt. Once you hit your word goal, everything unlocks for the rest of the day and the streak counter grows.

The app includes four writing modes, streak tracking with a 7-day heatmap, and full privacy: your entries never leave your device. Works on iPhone (via Screen Time) and Android (via usage access). Free 3-day trial, then subscription pricing (annual or monthly). You can pause with vacation mode if you need a day off.