Last updated 08-03-2026
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SpeedBump
SpeedBump caps how long you can stay inside apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Duolingo on your phone. You set a time limit each time you open a tracked app, and when the timer ends, SpeedBump covers the screen with deliberate annoyances (fake cookie banners, rain, cats, screen time police) until you leave. A 15 minute cooldown runs before you can open the app again.
Most screen time tools lean on gentle reminders or daily quotas. SpeedBump bets on friction instead. You cannot extend a session without breaking your streak, and repeat opens face longer wait times, so ignoring the limit gets costlier each time.
The app fits anyone who opens social apps on reflex and wants a hard stop rather than another nudge. It helps people with ADHD who get pulled into Shorts and Reels, students trying to study without Instagram, and adults who want to check messages without an hour of scrolling.
Setup takes about 5 minutes according to speedbumpapp.com. The app is free with a Google Play listing, and the site advertises an iOS waitlist while that build ships.
Set a fresh time limit each time you open TikTok, Instagram, Duolingo, or other tracked apps
Nine overlay annoyances (cookie banners, rain, cats, newsletters) appear when your session ends
15 minute mandatory break before you can reopen a tracked app after time runs out
Session timers cannot be extended without breaking your usage streak
Setup takes about 5 minutes according to speedbumpapp.com
Google Play app limits any Android app, including Netflix and games, not just social media
Forces a hard stop with overlay annoyances instead of easy-to-ignore reminders.
Sets limits at the moment you open an app, which fits ADHD workflows better than fixed schedules.
Free with no paid tier listed on the homepage or Google Play listing.
Tracks streaks so you cannot extend a session without breaking your progress.
Android-first: iOS availability is still rolling out via waitlist per the launch blog.
Cannot block Shorts or Reels inside apps yet; that feature is marked coming soon.
Requires overlay permission on Android, which some users may hesitate to grant.
What is SpeedBump?
SpeedBump is a mobile app that sets a time limit when you open addictive apps like TikTok or Instagram. When the timer ends, SpeedBump shows annoying overlays until you leave and enforces a 15 minute break before you can reopen the app.
How does SpeedBump stop doomscrolling?
SpeedBump stops doomscrolling by covering addictive apps with nine intentional annoyances (fake cookie banners, rain, cats) once your session ends. You cannot extend the timer without breaking your streak, and repeat opens face longer wait times.
Is SpeedBump free?
Yes, SpeedBump is free to use. The speedbumpapp.com homepage states the app is free and does not list paid plans or subscriptions on the site or Google Play listing.
Which apps can SpeedBump limit?
SpeedBump can limit any app on your Android phone, including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Duolingo, Netflix, and games. The Google Play listing says Shorts and Reels blocking inside apps is coming soon.
Does SpeedBump work on iOS?
SpeedBump is available on Google Play for Android today. The speedbumpapp.com site lists an App Store link and the launch blog notes an iOS build was in progress with a waitlist.
How long does SpeedBump setup take?
SpeedBump setup takes about 5 minutes according to speedbumpapp.com. You pick which apps to track and set limits when you actually open them rather than scheduling blocks in advance.
What happens when my SpeedBump timer ends?
When your SpeedBump timer ends, overlay annoyances cover the app until you close it. SpeedBump then enforces a 15 minute break before you can open that app again, and extending the session breaks your streak.