Readgate
Terms of Service
By downloading, installing, or using Readgate, you agree to these Terms of Service and the Apple Standard End User License Agreement. If you do not agree, do not use Readgate.
1. Eligibility
You must be at least 13 years old to use Readgate. If the law where you live requires consent from a parent or guardian, you may use Readgate only with that consent.
2. Service and license
Readgate is an iPhone app that uses Apple's Family Controls and Managed Settings frameworks to place selected apps, websites, or categories behind a short read and then lift Readgate's gate for a limited unlock window.
We grant you a limited, personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use Readgate on Apple devices you own or control, for personal and non-commercial use, subject to these Terms and Apple's applicable rules.
3. Device permissions and limitations
Readgate requires Screen Time access through Apple's Family Controls frameworks. You may revoke that access in iPhone Settings, but the gates will stop working. Optional local notifications support the return from the iOS shield and unlock expiry alerts.
Readgate can remove only a gate created by Readgate. Other blockers, Apple Screen Time limits, device restrictions, operating system behavior, or unavailable third-party services may still prevent an app or website from opening.
4. Free and Pro features
Readgate is free to download. The current Free tier includes:
- One protected app or website at a time.
- Unlimited reading unlocks.
- A 10 minute unlock window.
- Selected curated content, reading history, and weekly statistics.
Readgate Pro is an auto-renewable subscription that adds:
- Unlimited protected apps, websites, and categories.
- Schedules and flexible default unlock timing from 1 to 60 minutes.
- Per-unlock timing choices, gate delay options, and an optional daily cap.
- Full access to Readgate Originals.
Feature availability can depend on your iOS version, device capabilities, region, and the current app version. The purchase screen shows the current included features before you subscribe.
5. Purchases and subscription terms
Subscription: Readgate Pro.
Plans: Monthly and annual.
Price and duration: Displayed in the app before purchase in your local currency. The purchase screen controls if it differs from a general description on this site.
Payment: Apple charges your Apple ID when you confirm the purchase.
Renewal: Pro renews automatically for the same duration unless you cancel at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Apple may charge the renewal within 24 hours before the next period starts.
Manage or cancel: Use Readgate Settings or your Apple subscription settings. Cancellation stops future renewal and Pro remains active until the paid period ends.
Restore: Use Restore Purchases after reinstalling or changing devices. Pro access follows the Apple ID used for purchase; local reading history does not transfer through Restore Purchases.
Refunds: Apple handles billing and refund requests. Eligibility is determined by Apple and applicable law. Requests can be made at reportaproblem.apple.com.
6. Content and intellectual property
Readgate contains software, design, branding, Insight Cards, Readgate Originals, editorial material, and content from third-party or open-knowledge sources. Readgate-owned material may not be copied, sold, republished, or used to create a competing service except where law permits.
Third-party content remains subject to its source license. Wikimedia content is commonly available under CC BY-SA 4.0 or the license identified by the source. Public-domain material remains public domain. Source links and attribution are shown where applicable.
Reading content is provided for general educational and informational purposes. It may contain errors or become outdated and is not professional, medical, legal, financial, or safety advice.
7. Acceptable use
You may not misuse Readgate, interfere with its operation, attempt unauthorized access, use it to violate another person's rights, or reverse engineer or redistribute it except to the extent such restrictions are prohibited by law.
8. Availability and changes
We may fix, add, remove, or change features and content, or suspend or discontinue parts of Readgate. We do not guarantee that every feature, content source, iOS integration, or network service will always be available. Material changes affecting an active paid subscription will be handled as required by Apple and applicable law.
9. Third-party services
Readgate relies on Apple, RevenueCat, Wikimedia services, PostHog, Sentry, and website or email infrastructure. Their separate terms and privacy policies may apply. We are not responsible for third-party services beyond the extent required by law.
10. Disclaimer
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Readgate is provided as available and without warranties that can lawfully be excluded. We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation, a particular reduction in screen time, or that Readgate will override another blocker or device restriction.
11. Limitation of liability
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, including liability for intent, gross negligence, injury to life, body, or health, fraud, or mandatory product liability. Otherwise, liability is limited to the extent permitted by applicable law.
12. Mandatory consumer rights
If you are a consumer, mandatory rights and remedies under the law of your country remain unaffected. These Terms do not replace rights you have against Apple in connection with App Store billing.
13. Suspension and termination
You may stop using Readgate at any time. We may suspend access where reasonably necessary to protect the service, comply with law, or address serious misuse. Deleting Readgate does not cancel an active App Store subscription; cancel it separately through Apple.
14. Changes to these Terms
We may update these Terms when Readgate, its providers, or legal requirements change. The date above will be updated, and material changes will be communicated where required. Continued use after an effective update means the revised Terms apply to the extent permitted by law.
15. Contact
For questions about these Terms or your subscription, contact hello@readgateapp.com.