How it works
Positive incentives, enforced on device.
Three steps for parents and kids — no daily timer battles.
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1
Parent picks gated apps
Use Apple's Family Activity picker to choose YouTube, Minecraft, or other apps that require earned minutes.
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2
Child earns with letter quizzes
A big letter appears on screen. Voice or tap to answer, gentle retry on mistakes, and instant celebration when the threshold is met.
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3
Play, then auto-lock
Gated apps unlock for the minutes you configured. Screen Time shields return automatically — no manual policing.
Core loop
Locked → learn → play → locked.
The MVP flow EarnPlay enforces with Apple's Screen Time APIs.
- Apps show a shield until earned time is available
- Child opens EarnPlay and completes alphabet challenges
- Passing grants a shared pool of play minutes
- Gated apps unlock for the configured duration
- Timer ends and shields return without parent intervention
Why it works
Better than limits alone.
- Rewards learning instead of only saying no
- Technical enforcement via Apple Screen Time — not honor system
- Kid-first UI: big letters, voice input, ages 4–8
- Core loop runs fully on-device with no child account
FAQ
EarnPlay — common questions.
Product overview, privacy posture, and release status.
What is EarnPlay?
EarnPlay is an iPad and iPhone app that gates parent-selected apps behind quick learning checks. Kids earn minutes of play time by completing alphabet quizzes — then apps lock again automatically when time runs out.
Which apps can parents gate?
Parents choose apps with Apple's Family Activity picker — for example YouTube, Minecraft, or other games. EarnPlay uses Screen Time APIs to shield those apps until earned minutes are available.
Does EarnPlay need the internet?
No. The core loop — quiz, reward, unlock, and auto-relock — works fully on-device. No account is required for children in the MVP.
What age is EarnPlay for?
The MVP targets children around ages 4–8, with big visuals, voice input, and gentle retry feedback. Parents configure rules and app selection.
How is this different from Apple Screen Time limits?
Screen Time can set limits, but it does not reward learning. EarnPlay turns minutes into a positive incentive — complete a short quiz, earn play time, then apps re-lock without a manual battle.
When will EarnPlay be on the App Store?
EarnPlay is in active development. Follow the product page for updates, or email contact@patakolabs.com if you want to hear when TestFlight opens.
Want early access?
EarnPlay is in active development. Read the support guide for how it will work, or email us to hear when TestFlight opens.
Read the support guide