‍A super simple and mindful speed bump for phone addiction.

Our newest feature is simple—but surprisingly powerful: Breathe to Unblock Apps.

Here’s the problem: picking up your phone is too easy. One tap and you're back in the feed, without even thinking. That split-second reflex chips away at your focus, mood, and time.

At Roots, we’re building ways to break that habit—to help you take a breath, literally, before you dive back in.

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Here’s how it works:

• You block an app like Instagram or TikTok.
• When you try to open it, a guided breathing exercise appears.
• You inhale, exhale, and re-center.
• Then — and only then — is the app unlocked.

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That brief pause is often enough to change your mind. You might still scroll—and that’s okay. But other times, you’ll put the phone down instead.

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Why we built it

Even a few deep breaths can reset your nervous system and snap you out of autopilot. It’s fast, calming, and research-backed.

This is part of our growing collection of “Speed Bumps”—intentional moments of friction that help you scroll less and live more.

The previous one we released, Pet a dog to unblock, has become a favorite ever since.

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More coming soon

We’re experimenting with other forms of gentle friction—each one designed to help you pause with purpose. Stay tuned.

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Try Breathe to Unblock in the latest Roots update

Download Roots

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