Make sure you are set up to get the most out of Roots:
1. Install the Roots app
Roots is available for download on iOS via the App Store
Complete the onboarding, and account creation
2. Check your phone settings
There are several settings you will want to enable or disable
Check the full list here
3. Set your intentions
Setting intentions is not just a feel-good practice. It's actually backed by science. You are almost twice as likely to succeed when you set clear intentions and document them.
How much time do you want to spend on your phone each day?
How many times do you want to check your phone each day?
What do you want to do instead of scrolling? (this one is important!)
We recommend starting with intentions that feel attainable, and increasing difficulty as you continue to use the app.
4. Create your app limits
Think of app limits as the hard ceiling โ what's the most time you want to spend on an app or app category? For many of us, it makes sense to start with a few key app limits:
Social media
Productivity apps
Games
As you stay under your limits, you'll build up a streak. See how many days you can string together!
Pro tip: use "Monk Mode" for app limits you can't skip!
5. Create your downtime sessions
Think of downtime as a way to make the most of your day, and help you stay under your total app limits. Many times, if you set up downtime correctly, you make not even hit your app limits!
Here are the most popular downtime sessions:
Morning downtime
Work day downtime
Family dinner downtime
Evenings with kids downtime
Weekend downtime
Pro tip: use "Monk Mode" for downtime you can't break!
6. Track your daily progress
Your personalized daily "Balance Score" will update each time you open the app. This helps you understand your daily balance and whether you are staying within your set intentions and limits at a glance.
Want more personal tips?
Click here to read how our founder uses the app!
That's it! Enjoy the benefits of better boundaries with your phone
Now that you're set up for success, here's what to expect from using Roots:
Reduce your screen time by 30% or more (most users save 1+ hour per day!)
Gain back years of your life that you would have spent scrolling
Unlock more time for the things that matter to you
Be more present, and balanced
Looking for inspiration? Here's a sample setup:
Daily Intentions
Screen time: 3 hours
Phone pickups: 75
App Limits
Social Media (Monk Mode):
X, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat
1 hour limit
News & Entertainment (Monk Mode):
BBC, Yahoo News, Reddit
30 minute limit
Productivity:
Gmail, Linkedin
30 minute limit
Downtime
Mindful Mornings
Social Media and News & Entertainment
6:00am - 9:00am, Daily
Family Dinners (Monk Mode)
Social Media, News & Entertainment and Productivity Apps
6:00pm - 7:00pm, Daily
Evening Wind Down
Social Media, News & Entertainment and Productivity Apps
7:00pm - 11:59pm, Daily
Weekend Detox
Productivity apps
All Day: Friday, Saturday, Sunday