Questions and answers.
Everything you want to know before and after ordering. Question missing? Email [email protected], we answer personally.
How does the ctrl key work?
You choose in the app which apps belong to which Mode. Hold your phone to the key to lock them, tap again to unlock. The key is a passive NFC chip in aluminum: no battery, no Bluetooth, nothing to charge. Blocking runs on Apple Screen Time technology directly on your iPhone.
Does it work with my iPhone?
The ctrl key uses NFC and works with every iPhone from the XS on. Android is on the roadmap.
Do I need a subscription?
No. The core app is free and stays free: Modes, blocking, schedules, progress, Loophole Guard. Optionally there is ctrl+ for deep insights, extras and Family.
What does it cost, including shipping?
49 euros incl. VAT, one time. Shipping within Germany is 4.99 euros, free from two keys. More countries are shown at checkout.
When does it ship?
The first run is expected to ship from September 1, 2026. Pre-orders are delivered first.
When am I charged?
As long as paid checkout is not active, you reserve for free and nothing is charged. Once you pre-order with payment, the amount is charged right away, and you get a full refund any time until we ship.
Can I cancel or return it?
Any time before shipping with a short email, full refund. After delivery you have an additional 30 days money back, no questions. Plus 2 years of warranty coverage under EU law.
What if I lose the key?
No drama. Timers and schedules end on their own, and there are emergency unlocks in the app. A replacement key pairs in minutes.
Can several iPhones use the same key?
Yes. The key is a passive chip, not tied to one iPhone. Any iPhone with the ctrl app can use the same key, handy for households.
How does ctrl work for families?
With Family (part of ctrl+) one membership covers the whole family: shared quiet windows, gentle remote lock, and a child that can always reach you.
What happens with my data?
The app works without an account and settings stay on your device. If you optionally create an account (e.g. for Connect), your data lives on our own servers in Germany. No tracking, EU privacy.
What is special about the edition?
The first run is 500 keys, each milled from aluminum and ceramic, engraved and numbered 001 to 500.
Can I just bypass the block?
ctrl is an honest hurdle, not a cage. The Loophole Guard (settings lock, wait gate, strict shields) makes bypassing inconvenient enough that the impulse passes. There is always an emergency exit.
How do I reach you?
Email [email protected]. We answer personally.