App Limits

App Limits help you control how much time you spend on specific apps. When usage reaches the limit, CatchTime can remind you or even close the app automatically.

Creating Limit Rules

Go to Settings and find "App Limits". Tap "Add Limit" to create a new rule:

  1. Select an App — Choose from the list of apps CatchTime has recorded
  2. Set Limit Type — Choose a daily time limit, a time window restriction, or both
  3. Configure Actions — Choose what happens when the limit is reached

You can also set limits by category -- for example, limit the total usage time of all "Entertainment" apps.

Daily Time Limit

Set the maximum amount of time an app can be used each day:

  • Example: Limit Twitter to 30 minutes per day
  • CatchTime automatically tracks your cumulative usage of that app for the day
  • You'll receive a warning as you approach the limit
  • Once the limit is reached, the configured action is triggered

Time Window Restriction

Restrict an app to only be used during specific hours:

  • Example: Games can only be used between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM
  • CatchTime will alert you if you use the app outside the allowed window
  • Can be combined with daily time limits

Alerts and Auto-Close

When usage reaches the limit, CatchTime offers several response options:

Early Warning

  • Set a warning to fire a few minutes before the limit is reached
  • Example: With a 30-minute limit and a 5-minute warning, you'll be notified at the 25-minute mark

Alert Dialog

  • A dialog pops up when the limit is exceeded
  • Reminds you that you've gone past your set limit
  • You can choose to continue or close the app

Auto-Close (Desktop)

  • On Windows and macOS, CatchTime can automatically close the app when the limit is exceeded
  • This is the strictest enforcement mode
  • Best for situations where you need hard limits

Platform Differences

FeatureWindowsmacOSAndroid
Alert DialogSupportedSupportedSupported
Auto-CloseSupportedSupportedPartial

On Android, the auto-close feature requires Accessibility permission due to system restrictions.

Tips

  • Start with generous limits and tighten them gradually
  • Combine with Decrease goals for even better results
  • Use the early warning feature to give yourself a buffer and avoid sudden interruptions
  • Check Insights to understand your actual usage before setting limits

Learn More

  • Goals — Use Decrease goals to track limit progress
  • Insights — Understand your app usage patterns
  • Auto Tracking — Learn how usage time is recorded