Readgate
FAQ
Why does Readgate need Screen Time access?
Readgate uses Apple's Family Controls and Managed Settings frameworks to place a reading gate on the apps, websites, or categories you choose.
Readgate does not receive your general Screen Time history. You can revoke access in iPhone Settings at any time, but the gates will stop working.
Can Readgate see which apps or websites I protect?
Your selection is stored on your device and shared locally with Readgate's iOS extensions so the gate can work.
Protected app names and website domains are not intentionally sent to Readgate servers, product analytics, or crash reporting.
What data leaves my device?
Readgate has no account and no advertising tracking. It uses limited service providers for open knowledge content, purchases, anonymous product analytics, and privacy scrubbed crash reporting.
The Privacy Policy lists the services and event fields in detail.
Where do the reads come from?
Readgate mixes bundled Insight Cards and Readgate Originals with curated open knowledge from sources such as Wikipedia and Wikivoyage.
Network content is fetched directly from the relevant source when needed, and source links are shown where applicable. Bundled content remains available offline.
I finished reading but the app still does not open. Why?
Every blocker holds its own lock. If ScreenZen, Opal, one sec, or an Apple Screen Time limit also protects the same app, that lock remains after Readgate lifts its gate.
Remove the app from the other blocker or limit and try again.
How long is the unlock window?
Free unlocks last 10 minutes. Pro lets you set a default from 1 to 60 minutes and choose a shorter window after each completed read.
The gate returns automatically when the window ends.
Can I change which apps start with a read?
Yes. Go to Settings, then Manage Gates. Free protects one app or website at a time, so a new choice replaces the current one.
Pro can protect multiple apps, websites, and categories.
The reading gate does not appear when I open an app.
Confirm that Readgate has Screen Time access and that the app is in Manage Gates. If you use a Pro schedule, check that the current time is inside it.
In Settings, tap Repair when the Reading Gates status says it needs attention.
Are notifications required?
No. Readgate uses optional local notifications to return you from the iOS shield and to warn you one minute before a longer unlock ends.
Readgate does not register for marketing push notifications. If notifications are off, open Readgate manually after tapping the shield.
What happens if I skip or close a read before finishing?
The protected app stays gated. Finish a read to receive an unlock window.
Why did my history or streak disappear?
Reading history, streaks, and learning progress are stored on this device. A missed day can reset a streak, and deleting Readgate or clearing its data can remove local progress.
Restoring a purchase restores Pro access, not local reading history.
What's the difference between Free and Pro?
Free protects one app or website with unlimited reading unlocks, a 10 minute window, reading history, and weekly stats.
Pro adds unlimited gates, schedules, flexible unlock timing, gate delay options, an optional daily cap, and full Readgate Originals.
How do I manage or restore Readgate Pro?
Open Settings and choose Manage Subscription to view or cancel through Apple. Use Restore Purchases after reinstalling or changing devices.
Readgate has no separate login, so Pro access follows the Apple ID used for the purchase.