Sandflow vs Apple Screen Time
Sandflow vs Apple Screen Time: Real-Time Tracking vs Reports
Compare Sandflow with Apple Screen Time and learn why real-time app usage tracking helps iPhone users notice distracting sessions sooner.
Apple Screen Time: reports and limits
Sandflow: live timer for selected apps
Use both for better awareness
Apple Screen Time: reports and access boundaries
Apple’s built-in feature reports app and website activity. Its controls depend on iOS version: iOS 26 uses App Limits and Downtime; iOS 27 documents Time Allowances and Screen Time Schedule. Use it when you need broader reports or planned availability. Find the controls for your version.
Sandflow: selected sessions while they happen
Sandflow times the apps connected to your opening and closing Shortcuts automations. Its Live Activity can display the ongoing timer. It does not silently recreate all previous Screen Time history and it does not block an app when your planned time ends. See the setup requirement.
Compare the data before comparing totals
An Apple report can include multiple devices and websites. Sandflow records the app sessions you configure. Different scopes can produce different totals. Its Home Screen widget shows selected-app summaries; it is not the same as Apple’s widget or an always-refreshing timer. Understand the widget differences.
Which should you use?
Use Apple Screen Time alone if its reports and boundaries answer your question. Add Sandflow when you want a visible cue during selected sessions and are willing to configure the automations. If you need stronger blocking or an opening pause, compare those options separately. Compare the iPhone options.
Start without turning off your existing reports
Keep Screen Time enabled, choose one app, and check Sandflow’s start-and-stop behavior. Review the result over similar days before expanding the setup. Apple Screen Time is included with iOS; check Sandflow’s App Store listing and in-app offer for paid features.
Common questions
Why does Sandflow need Shortcuts?
Sandflow uses Shortcuts opening and closing events to start and stop the selected app’s timer. The setup is explicit and requires both actions.
Should I turn off Apple Screen Time?
No. Sandflow is designed to complement Apple Screen Time, not replace it.
Make distracting app time visible
Sandflow helps you notice the session while there is still time to change it.
Download on the App Store