Second Key vs Screen Time & Digital Wellbeing
The limit you can ignore.
Apple’s Screen Time and Android’s Digital Wellbeing are free and built in. Their catch is the exit: when a limit ends, the button to carry on is on your own screen.
| Question | Screen Time & Digital Wellbeing | Second Key |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, built in | Free plan; Pro $59.99 a year |
| When a limit ends | iPhone offers “One more minute” and “Ignore limit” unless someone else set a Screen Time passcode. Android greys the app out until you remove the timer in settings. | The app stays shielded. Leaving early means asking your keyholder, who approves or declines. |
| Who can end it early | You — or a parent, if they set the passcode | The person you chose, with your reason in front of them |
| Works across iPhone and Android pairs | No — each system only on its own phones | Yes: the request crosses between platforms |
| Adults holding each other accountable | Built for parents and children (Family Sharing) | Built for two adults: partners, friends, study partners |
The fair version.
If you only need a nudge, the built-in tools are free and good. Handing a partner your Screen Time passcode also works on iPhone — but it’s all or nothing, they have to be there to type it, and there’s no record of when you asked.
Pick Screen Time & Digital Wellbeing if
You want a free nudge and rarely tap “ignore”.
Pick Second Key if
You keep tapping “ignore”, and you want the exit to be a person, not a button.
Checked September 2026 against: Apple: Use Screen Time on your iPhone · Google: Manage how you spend time on your Android phone. Spotted something out of date? Tell us at hello@secondkey.link.