How can we help?
CNTRL is built and supported by one person. You will get a reply from the founder, usually within two working days.
Email: [email protected]
Include your iPhone model, iOS version and the CNTRL version (Profile → Settings → Version) so the first reply can be the useful one.
Getting started
Why does CNTRL ask for Screen Time permission?
CNTRL limits and shields apps using Apple’s Screen Time framework (FamilyControls, ManagedSettings, DeviceActivity). Without that permission it cannot block anything. The permission is granted to Apple’s system, and the usage data it produces is processed on your phone. CNTRL never uploads it.
I denied the permission. How do I grant it later?
Open CNTRL and tap the banner on the Home screen, or go to iPhone Settings → Screen Time and make sure Screen Time is turned on, then reopen CNTRL and accept the prompt.
What is the "CNTRL day"?
Your day as you actually live it. It starts at your wake time and ends at your sleep time, both set on the schedule dial. Every limit and the Time Reclaimed number follow that day instead of resetting at midnight.
Deep Work
Can I end a Deep Work session early?
No. Sessions run to the end by design. If you are unsure, choose a shorter session. 25 minutes is a good first length.
What happens if I restart my phone or the app crashes mid-session?
The session continues from where the clock actually is. The timer is anchored to wall-clock time, so it cannot be reset by relaunching.
The widget or Live Activity is not updating.
Widgets refresh on a schedule set by iOS and can lag for a minute under load. Opening the app forces a refresh. If a widget shows a session that already ended, remove and re-add the widget.
App Plans and More Time
I hit my limit and really need the app.
Tap the shield and choose More Time. You will read a short friction screen, then receive a grace period sized by your tier: Light, Balanced or Strict. The number of More Time requests per day depends on the tier.
Why is there no More Time during Wake-Up or Wind Down?
Those modes release apps in three phases on their own. The phase schedule is the release mechanism, so there is nothing to request.
How many time windows can a plan have?
Up to 4 time windows per App Plan, and up to 8 across all your active plans. Plans can use 9 App Groups (Social, Games, Entertainment and more).
An app I want to limit is not in any group.
Groups are defined by Apple’s app categories. If an app is miscategorised, tell us at the address below and include the app name.
Subscription and billing
How does the free trial work?
CNTRL has no free tier. You start with a 14-day free trial of Pro, which you begin through the App Store when you first set up the app. Nothing is charged during the trial. Unless you cancel at least 24 hours before it ends, it becomes a paid subscription. If you cancel, most of the app’s features are locked behind the paywall when the trial ends, until you subscribe. Your data stays on your phone.
What does it cost?
Pro is $9.99 a month or $59.99 a year in US dollars. The App Store shows the price for your country. Deep Work is part of Pro. Pro+ Social (friend circles, leaderboards and sharing) is planned but not available at launch. Billing is handled by the App Store.
How do I cancel?
iPhone Settings → your name → Subscriptions → CNTRL → Cancel. You keep access until the end of the paid period.
I changed phones. How do I restore my subscription?
Open the subscription screen in CNTRL and tap Restore Purchase. Make sure you are signed in with the same Apple ID you used to subscribe.
Can I get a refund?
Refunds are handled by Apple, not by CNTRL. Go to reportaproblem.apple.com, sign in, and choose the CNTRL purchase.
Data and privacy
Where is my data stored?
On your phone. CNTRL keeps its own records (sessions, plans, schedule) in a database on your phone, does not sync them through iCloud and never sends them anywhere. Screen Time usage data stays inside Apple’s framework.
How do I delete my data?
In Settings, Deactivate CNTRL removes everything CNTRL stores on your iPhone and turns off its Screen Time access. Deleting the app does the same. Because nothing is stored off your phone, nothing is left anywhere else.
Does CNTRL work on iPad, Mac or Android?
No. CNTRL is an iPhone app for iOS 17 and later.