What is Mute and how does it work?

Mute is a focus app, available now on Google Play for Android, with an iOS version in development. You choose a session length (15, 25, 45, or 60 minute presets, or a custom length up to 8 hours), stake a small commitment deposit to start (your first session is free), and Mute blocks distracting apps until the session ends — on Android it silences notifications with Do Not Disturb as well. If you try to open a blocked app, Mute redirects you back. Complete the session and the deposit carries forward; quit early and it's spent. The deposit exists because behavioral science shows that putting skin in the game dramatically increases follow-through.

Why does Mute ask for a commitment deposit?

The commitment deposit is rooted in behavioral economics. Research from institutions like the University of Chicago shows that loss aversion — the fear of losing even a small amount — is one of the strongest motivators for behavior change. When you have money on the line, you're far more likely to complete your session. It's not a subscription or a paywall: complete the session and the deposit carries forward to your next one; you only lose it by exiting early.

Why does Mute need special permissions to block apps?

Blocking apps requires an operating-system feature, and each platform provides a different one. On Android, Mute uses the Accessibility Service to detect when you open a distracting app during a focus session and redirect you back — that is the only mechanism Android offers for this. On iOS, Mute uses Apple's Screen Time framework in its individual, self-directed mode. In both cases Mute never reads your screen content, and neither permission is used to collect data.

01Commitment-based focus · Private · No ads

Mute

Your phone is stealing your focus and time.

Mute blocks the apps that pull you away so you can do what matters. Put skin in the game, lock in, and reclaim your attention.

Get Mute — Free on Google PlayComing soon to the App Store

Free to install · No account · No ads · Android now, iPhone in testing

Mute

18:20

Focus session active 62% complete End early

$0To install

8 hrsMax session length

0Accounts required

0Ads, ever

How Mute works

One session, start to finish

Privacy

Your data stays yours. No accounts. No ads. That’s Mute.

Focus history stays on your device, encrypted
No accounts or sign-ups required
No profiles, no ad tracking, nothing sold
Android: anonymous crash & usage diagnostics only — switch them off in Settings anytime. iOS: no network requests at all
No ads, ever

The deposit

Why Mute asks for a commitment deposit

Most focus apps rely on willpower alone — timers you can dismiss, blockers you can disable. Mute is different. Behavioral science shows that loss aversion — the fear of losing even a small amount — is one of the strongest motivators for behavior change. When you put money on the line, you’re dramatically more likely to follow through.

That’s what the deposit is. Not a subscription. Not a paywall. A commitment device. Your first session is free. After that, you stake $0.99 to start — finish the session and the deposit carries forward to your next one, at no extra charge. You only lose it by quitting early.

$0.99One deposit — carries forward every time you finish

1Choose your session length — 15 to 60 min presets, or custom up to 8 hrs

2Stake the deposit — your skin in the game (first session’s free)

3Lock in — apps blocked, notifications silenced, Ensō tracking

4Complete the session — your deposit carries forward and your streak grows

Questions

What is Mute?

A focus app that blocks distracting apps during timed sessions. A small commitment deposit puts skin in the game — finish and it carries forward, quit early and it’s spent. No accounts, no ads. Available now on Google Play; an iOS version is in development.

Why does Mute ask for a deposit?

It’s a commitment device, not a paywall. Behavioral research shows that loss aversion — risking even a small amount — dramatically increases follow-through. Your first session is free, and a completed session carries the deposit forward; you only lose it by quitting early.

Does Mute collect my data?

Your focus data — sessions, history, streaks — never leaves your phone, and there are no accounts or profiles. On Android, Mute sends anonymous crash and usage diagnostics so we can fix bugs; you can switch that off in Settings anytime. The iOS version sends nothing at all.

Why does Mute need special permissions?

Blocking apps needs an operating-system feature, and each platform offers a different one. Android requires the Accessibility Service to detect when you open a blocked app; iOS uses Apple’s Screen Time framework in its individual, self-directed mode. Mute never reads screen content or collects data through either.

How is Mute different from other focus apps?

Most focus apps rely on willpower alone. Mute adds a financial commitment and keeps your focus data on your device — features competitors charge monthly subscriptions for.