Mivo’s new app takes a mindful approach to managing screen time

Rather than outright blocking certain apps, users can set customizable time limits for how long they wish to scroll on specific platforms. For instance, users can schedule two daily scroll sessions, allocating one-hour windows during which they select the apps they want to focus on. When it’s time to take a break, a friendly reminder pops up, nudging them to think about why they’re scrolling right then. Is it out of boredom, looking for a distraction, or genuinely trying to relax? 

Notably, unlike other apps that might just try to pull you away from your phone, Mivo lets the user decide if they want to continue, encouraging users to become more aware of how and why they’re using it instead. 

“Most screen time tools try to restrict people after the habit is already happening,” Pranshu Raithatha, creator of Mivo Scrolling, told TechCrunch. “Mivo adds a small reflection moment right when someone opens a social app, so they can pause and ask why they’re opening it before falling into an automatic scroll.”

Additionally, users can set regular pauses every two, three, or five minutes, encouraging intermittent check-ins that help maintain awareness of their scrolling habits. Plus, after the scrolling session, Mivo asks the user if they feel like the time was well spent or if they just got lost in the scroll, aiming to help users build a healthier relationship with their phone.

Mivo also includes a widget that users can install on their home screen to display daily scroll time and be reminded of when the next scheduled scroll session is.

Mivo Scrolling is currently available for free on the App Store.