If you have ever picked up your phone to check the time and found yourself scrolling much later, Sabbath Space was built for you. The iOS and Android app pairs with a physical NFC tag that blocks distracting apps and notifications until you scan again, leaving only the apps you choose.^1^3 You can set a Sabbath mode for rest, a devotional mode for time with God, or a work mode that keeps social media out of the way.^3
Erick Vargas, a Christian entrepreneur and seminary graduate, built this with his family after his screen time climbed past six hours a day as a new father.^4 He says the pairing cut that time by 81 percent.^1 A keychain tag ships with an app subscription, and a desk stand is available for home or office.^4 Core features are free; additional features use a subscription.^2
I have seen this kind of hardware lock help people keep a digital Sabbath when willpower does not hold. Carrie Bock talked with Erick about reclaiming time for God and family.^5
