💡 Ideas & Tips
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Dec 19, 2024
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5 min read
Mobile games are designed to entertain and amuse us. But for some, the distraction becomes an obsession. Blurring the lines between reality and the virtual world, it can sometimes be hard to set boundaries. A study shows that 1 in 5 students suffer from severe mobile gaming addiction.
Candy Crush Saga is, as of 2024, one of the most popular and profitable mobile games worldwide. To give you an idea, the game generates over $52 million every month and has 2 million downloads on iPhone alone (source: SensorTower). If you thought you were the only one spending hours a day or too much money on this game, think again.
Today, the goal is to help you set boundaries for your Candy Crush Saga usage. Whether it’s limiting screen time or blocking the game entirely, we’ll explain everything step-by-step (and don’t worry, it’s super simple).
How to set time limits for Candy Crush Saga
Now that you’re aware of the risks, here’s how to gradually implement restrictions on Candy Crush Saga. These solutions work for both casual and hardcore players.
Apple Screen Time
On iPhone, you can set a time limit using the Screen Time settings. Once the limit is reached, the app is blocked (you can request extra time or stick to the restriction).
Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits.
Tap “Add Limit.”
Select Candy Crush Saga from the list, then tap “Next.”
Set a limit (2 hours a day is a good starting point).
Tap “Add.”
Limiting with Jomo
For stricter control, Jomo can block Candy Crush Saga after a certain daily usage time. Here’s how:
Open Jomo and go to Rules > + > Limits > Time Limit.
Under “Daily use exceeds...,” choose the maximum duration per day.
In Block > Apps & Websites, select Candy Crush Saga.
Enable Strict Mode and disable breaks.
Tap “Schedule.”
Once the limit is reached, the app will be blocked until the next day.
How to Completely Block Candy Crush Saga?
If you prefer a total break, here’s how to use Jomo to block the game:
Go to Rules > + > Recurring Session.
In Block, select Candy Crush Saga.
Set a very low number of daily unlocks (1 or 2 max).
Enable Strict Mode.
Select “Always-On” and tap “Schedule.”
How to Block Micro-transactions Without Blocking Candy Crush Saga?
If you want to avoid spending money while still playing, Jomo can block microtransactions:
Go to Rules > + > Recurring Session.
In Block, tap Additional Options & Websites.
Enable “App Store & iTunes Purchases.”
Limit the number of daily unlocks (1 or 2 max).
Select “Always-On” and tap “Schedule.”
This way, you can avoid impulsive purchases while continuing to play.
Why set Boundaries for Candy Crush Saga?
Playing games is a fun hobby, but it shouldn’t overshadow your life’s priorities.
“Real life is a game on hard mode—be a pro player in real life. Any game is a waste of time. Reading a good book is more valuable. Invest in your career. Games are made so developers can get rich.” — User on Reddit
Mobile games are designed to capture attention, using highly addictive reward mechanisms. These apps are developed by entire teams of engineers aiming to maximize your screen time and spending.
This doesn’t come without consequences...
For Your Mental Health
Excessive gaming can lead to stress, anxiety, and reduced satisfaction in other areas of life. Spending too much time playing might mean less time for enriching activities, like quality moments with family or friends, potentially leading to social isolation.
For Your Productivity
Excessive gaming can distract you from important tasks at school, work, or personal projects. It can also create procrastination habits and harm your focus.
For Your Physical Health
Long hours in front of a screen can cause back, neck, or wrist pain. The lack of physical activity tied to gaming can contribute to issues like weight gain or poor cardiovascular health, though these effects often appear over the long term.
For Your Sleep
Playing late at night can disrupt your sleep cycle. The blue light from screens interferes with melatonin production, and the mental stimulation from gaming makes it harder to fall asleep. One quick game can easily turn into hours of nighttime play.
Risks of Addiction and Loss of Control
Games like Candy Crush Saga use strategies such as daily challenges or time-limited rewards to encourage frequent play. This can result in a form of addiction that’s hard to break.
And, of course, Financial Consequences
Micro-transactions, or in-app purchases, can quickly add up and affect your budget.
“As someone who was younger when free mobile games became popular, I quickly got addicted and started spending money on micro-transactions across various games. … I ended up spending about $100 within a month.” — User on Reddit
The goal isn’t to demonize Candy Crush Saga but to raise awareness of its impact on your daily life. Tools like Jomo shouldn’t feel restrictive but rather empowering—a way to take control of your time and priorities. After all, dedicating just one hour a day to something else can transform your productivity, relationships, or well-being. Make the choice to invest your time intentionally.
