The questions we get most often, grouped by topic.
Basics
What does CallFirst actually do?
CallFirst sits between you and the social apps you've chosen to block. When you tap on one, CallFirst takes over the screen. The only way through is a 60-second or longer phone call. After the call, your apps unlock for the rest of the day.
Which apps does it block?
On Android, the major social apps including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X (Twitter), Threads, Facebook and Snapchat. You decide which subset to lock. On iPhone you can choose whichever you want.
Is CallFirst a focus app?
No. CallFirst is built for connection, not productivity. It won't block Slack, Notion or your email. If you want a deep-work or focus blocker, a dedicated productivity app is the better choice — CallFirst is a friction layer for personal connection, not a focus tool.
Setup & calling
How do I pick the person I want to call?
During onboarding, and subsequently from home or settings, you choose a contact from your phone book. You can change your CallFirst person any time.
Does the call have to be on the regular phone line?
No. CallFirst supports both regular phone calls and WhatsApp calls.
What happens if they don't pick up?
Then your apps stay blocked. CallFirst counts only calls that connect and last sixty seconds or longer. If your person never picks up, you can delay the block, give up scrolling for the day or call someone else.
Can I have more than one contact?
Yes, on CallFirst Pro. On the Free tier only one contact.
Privacy & permissions
What does CallFirst see when I make the call?
Almost nothing about you, and nothing about the person you're calling. The contact you picked — their name and number — stays on your device; we never sync it to our servers. When you tap to call, we measure your time away from the app locally; sixty seconds or more, your apps unlock. We log the attempt to your account anonymously: the time, whether you used WhatsApp or your phone, and how long you were away. No contact identifier on those logs — we genuinely don't know which of your contacts you called. We don't read your phone's call log. We don't access audio. We don't read your address book beyond the one contact you picked.
What permissions does the app need?
On iOS: Screen Time API access (to block apps) and Phone access (to verify the call). On Android: Usage Access and Phone state. CallFirst does not request location, microphone, photos, or contacts beyond the one contact you pick.
Do you sell or share data?
No. We don't sell your data. We don't share it with advertisers. There is no marketing pixel on this website. The privacy policy has the formal version.
Plans & pricing
Is CallFirst free?
Yes, indefinitely, on the Free tier — one contact, one daily unlock, all seven blockable apps. Paid tiers add multiple contacts, custom schedules and streak tracking. Full details on the What is CallFirst page.
How much is it in my country?
Prices vary by region and currency. For the most up-to-date pricing in your country, check the App Store or Play Store listing, or open the app.
Can I cancel?
Yes. Annual subscriptions cancel any time in your app-store subscription panel; you keep access until the period ends. The one-time purchase is non-recurring by definition — pay once, yours indefinitely, nothing to cancel.
About
Who is behind CallFirst?
CallFirst is built by AI PM Services LTD, a UK-registered technology company. The About page has further information.