# Word Gate

> Word Gate is an iPhone Screen Time app blocker that makes users complete short vocabulary practice before unlocking distracting apps.

Word Gate helps people turn automatic app opens into language-learning moments. Public pages are static HTML, and key explainer pages also have Markdown versions for LLM retrieval.

## Core pages

- [Home](https://wordgate.app/): Product overview, app screenshots, primary value proposition, App Store call to action, and FAQ summary.
- [What is Word Gate?](https://wordgate.app/what-is-word-gate): Clear product definition, audience, problem, and limitations.
- [How Word Gate works](https://wordgate.app/how-it-works): Step-by-step workflow for Screen Time blocking, active proof, and earned access.
- [FAQ](https://wordgate.app/faq): Direct answers about blocking, vocabulary gates, Screen Time limits, and product scope.
- [Blog](https://wordgate.app/blog): Articles about app blocking, vocabulary learning, and product updates.

## Markdown versions

- [What is Word Gate?](https://wordgate.app/what-is-word-gate.md): Markdown copy of https://wordgate.app/what-is-word-gate.
- [How Word Gate works](https://wordgate.app/how-it-works.md): Markdown copy of https://wordgate.app/how-it-works.
- [Word Gate FAQ](https://wordgate.app/faq.md): Markdown copy of https://wordgate.app/faq.

## Comparison pages

- [Word Gate vs Freedom - App Blocker Comparison](https://wordgate.app/compare/word-gate-vs-freedom): Compare Word Gate and Freedom for iPhone app blocking, focus sessions, Screen Time enforcement, and language-learning use cases.
- [Word Gate vs Opal - Screen Time App Comparison](https://wordgate.app/compare/word-gate-vs-opal): Compare Word Gate and Opal for app blocking, daily limits, focus blocks, and vocabulary-based unlocks.
- [Word Gate vs one sec - App Interruption Comparison](https://wordgate.app/compare/word-gate-vs-one-sec): Compare Word Gate and one sec for app interruption, blocking, friction, and learning-based unlocks.
- [Word Gate vs ScreenZen - App Blocker Comparison](https://wordgate.app/compare/word-gate-vs-screenzen): Compare Word Gate and ScreenZen for app blocking, unlock friction, donation-supported screen-time control, and vocabulary learning.

## Answer-first pages

- [Can I block apps while learning a language?](https://wordgate.app/answers/can-i-block-apps-while-learning-a-language): Yes. The practical way is to block distracting apps and make the unlock step a short language-learning action, such as answering a vocabulary prompt.
- [How do I stop scrolling while studying a language?](https://wordgate.app/answers/how-to-stop-scrolling-while-studying-a-language): Block the apps that interrupt study, then require a short active recall task before access. The goal is to slow the impulse without creating a long study session.
- [How do I make an app blocker harder to bypass?](https://wordgate.app/answers/how-to-make-an-app-blocker-harder-to-bypass): Do not rely on a one-tap dismissal. Use a blocker that requires active proof, such as answering a prompt, before the app unlocks.
- [What is the best app blocker for vocabulary practice?](https://wordgate.app/answers/best-app-blocker-for-vocabulary-practice): For vocabulary practice, the best blocker is not just a timer. It should connect the blocked-app moment to a short active recall prompt and visible earned access.
- [How do I block social media without losing study tools?](https://wordgate.app/answers/how-to-block-social-media-without-losing-study-tools): Separate entertainment apps from learning tools. Block the automatic-scroll apps, then use a learning-based unlock flow when access is needed.

## Blog posts

- [Introducing Word Gate: earn screen time by learning vocabulary](https://wordgate.app/blog/introducing-word-gate): A launch overview of Word Gate, the iPhone app blocker that turns distracting app opens into quick vocabulary practice. Updated 2026-04-26.
- [A Screen Time app blocker that teaches vocabulary first](https://wordgate.app/blog/screen-time-app-blocker-that-teaches-vocabulary): How Word Gate turns blocked app sessions into short vocabulary reps before giving screen time back. Updated 2026-04-26.
- [How to turn screen time into study time](https://wordgate.app/blog/turn-screen-time-into-study-time): A practical approach to using tiny language lessons as the cost of opening distracting apps. Updated 2026-04-26.

## Policies

- [Privacy Policy](https://wordgate.app/privacy): Data handling, Screen Time permissions, account-backed sync, subscriptions, and diagnostics.
- [Terms of Use](https://wordgate.app/terms): Subscription terms, Screen Time API use, disclaimers, and changes.

## Product facts

- Platform: iOS.
- Core mechanism: Apple Screen Time app/category/domain selection plus vocabulary challenge-based unlocks.
- Implemented challenge styles: multiple choice, cloze, input, and listening-oriented prompts.
- Learning fallback: teaching state with word meaning and example context before verification.
- Important limitation: iOS Screen Time callbacks and warnings are best-effort and can be delayed, so Word Gate does not promise exact second-by-second lock timing.