# Dayo: Pause the Distractions — Lock apps with any thing.

> Earn cash and rewards by managing screen time with agreed-upon deals. (iPhone/iPad app by Allday people, LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dayo-pause-the-distractions/id6475719573 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Allday people, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1665549320)
- Category: Health & Fitness, Lifestyle
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.10/5 from 186 App Store ratings · 70 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 41 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2024-06-01
- Data updated: 2026-08-19
- Monetization: freemium
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dayo-pause-the-distractions/id6475719573/reviews.md

## What is Dayo?

Pick a thing. It becomes the key to pausing distractions on your phone.

Your earbuds case. A coffee mug. A library card. A weird little rock. Pick any object - Dayo locks the apps you choose behind it. To get back in, you have to physically find it and snap a photo. No willpower. No "are you sure?" prompts. Just a real-world object standing between you and the scroll.

WHY IT WORKS

Every other screen time app gives you a button you can tap your way around. Dayo gives you a thing - and things don't have a "snooze for 15 minutes" option. The friction is the feature.

WHAT'S IN 2.0

Modes - Pick a starter kit when you set up a Totem:
- Work Mode (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
- Sleep Mode (every night, 10pm-7am)
- Study Mode (Mon-Fri, 6pm-9pm)
- Focus Mode (manual only - you lock it when you're ready)

Focus Blocks - Pomodoro-style. Pick 25, 50, or 90 minutes. Phone locks. Auto-unlocks at the bell. No snap needed.

Schedules - Auto-lock on the times that matter (Pro).

Daily Limits - Budget your TikTok at 30 min/day. Once you blow it, your Totem auto-locks until tomorrow.

Streaks - Lock once a day, build your run. 3, 7, 30, 100, 365 days - we celebrate every milestone.

Reflections - When you unlock, we ask "What did you do instead?" A week later you see your own answers. Yes, it's a little corny. Yes, it works.

Buddies (Pro) - Lock in with a friend. You see when they're focusing. They see when you are. Quiet co-presence - no chat, no rankings.

Sunday Recap - Every week, we text you a one-line summary of what you reclaimed. "3 hours 22 minutes off your phone. 9 sessions. 7-day streak." That's it.

WHO IT'S FOR

- People who already tried Screen Time, Opal, and Jomo and tapped past every one of them
- Anyone who wants their evenings back without an entire "wellness journey"
- Pomodoro nerds who want a real-world commitment device
- Friend groups that want to focus together without a chat app screaming at them

FREE TIER

- Limited manual Totem locks (1 self-initiated lock per day)
- Limited Focus Blocks
- Daily limits
- Streaks and recap

DAYO PRO

- Scheduled Totems (auto-lock on your calendar)
- Buddies (up to 5 friends)
- Unlimited manual locks
- Unlimited Totem locks
- Unlimited Focus locks
- Buddy Focus blocks
- Future Pro features as we ship them

PRIVACY

Dayo uses Apple's Family Controls and Screen Time APIs. We never see which apps you blocked or how long you used them - Apple keeps that data on-device. Your Totem photos and reflections live in your private account. We don't sell anything. We don't have ads. You pay us, or you don't.

SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS

Totem Pro is a 1-year auto-renewing subscription. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. Subscription auto-renews unless turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions.

Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Privacy Policy: https://dayo.co/privacy

## Key features

- Fund screen time deals with real cash
- Set agreed-upon daily app limits
- Automatic, real-time usage tracking
- Earn rewards via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards
- Gamified streaks for earning back funds
- Personal deals for reducing adult screen time
- Science-backed behavioral framework

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Totem Pro | $34.99 | per year |
| Totem Pro — Founders | $24.99 | per year |
| Dayo Pro Trial | $9.99 | per month |
| Dayo Pro | $9.99 | per month |


## What do users think of Dayo?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 💪 Effectively reduces screen time and social media addiction
- 🎯 Strong motivational reward system for behavior change
- 🎨 Beautiful, calming, and intuitive user interface design
- 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Helps families have better conversations about screen time
- 💳 Discounts on quality, curated products from reputable brands
- 📊 Clear progress tracking and statistics over time
- 💌 Supportive and encouraging notification messaging
- 🔄 Daily refresh allows flexibility for busy days
- 🛍️ Growing marketplace with diverse product categories
- ⚡ Continuous app improvements and updates

**Cons**

- 💰 Misleading marketing claiming 'earn money' when only discounts offered
- 🛒 Limited discount cap per item prevents full credit usage
- 📦 Small marketplace selection with frequent out-of-stock items
- 🎁 Rewards require additional out-of-pocket spending
- 🔐 Requires email registration, limiting privacy options
- 📱 Tracks user data and behavior patterns
- 💸 Discounts not significantly better than brand website offers
- 🏪 Marketplace inventory management issues
- ⚙️ UX/interface needs improvement in some areas
- 🤔 Confusing reward system structure for new users

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Continue button hidden after selecting daily social media hours
- App crashes and freezes during use
- Social media time tracking inaccurate (counts background apps)
- Countdown timer not displaying in new update
- Registration screen scrolling issues on iPhone 13 mini
- Inconsistent discount amounts shown for same items
- Marketplace interface clunky and difficult to navigate

**Most requested features**

- Real cash payout or gift card options
- Ability to use full earned credits toward purchases
- Higher discount caps or percentage limits
- Marketplace filtering by price, stock status, and category
- Charity donation option for unused credits
- Ability to adjust tracked apps after initial setup
- More international brand options
- Countdown timer visibility for daily allowance
- Flexible cheat day usage instead of forced scheduling
- Subscription tier with enhanced rewards

## Recent user reviews (10 of 70)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dayo-pause-the-distractions/id6475719573/reviews.md

### 2/5 — They totally changed the app with no warning

*2026-05-31, version 2.0.2*

I accidentally chose a teen account and there’s no way to undo it - I’m an adult! Also the app totally changed from offering discounts on goods to a totally different model. Not cool.

### 1/5 — What a joke.

*2026-05-29, version 2.0.2*

Like the previous two reviews, I had $1400 in “Dayo dollars” that completely vanished with this silly banana update. I also bought a Powell’s gift card for my mother, prior to the update, that she never got. $80 down the drain. This app is yet another huge scam run by scammers.

### 1/5 — Super bummed!

*2026-05-26, version 2.0.1*

First iterations were great! Original 30/min day system worked well, as did deals with myself, and loved earning rewards and discounts. Incredibly disappointed to have lost all of that with this new update. Not interested in “totems.”

### 1/5 — Update lost everything

*2026-05-23, version 2.0.0*

I had hundreds of dollars in rewards that are gone from this new update.

### 5/5 — Great App, important work

*2026-04-13, version 1.1.26*

Love the concept of Dayo, and their execution helps serve a real need, reducing doom scrolling while giving you perks to address the FOMO

### 5/5 — Great App

*2026-03-29, version 1.1.26*

Dayo is user friendly and has helped reduce fights with my teen over screen time. My teen is excited to earn money if she stays in the screen time limit and it’s been motivating!

### 5/5 — Excellent

*2026-03-27, version 1.1.26*

This app is totally win-win deal both parents and children. Your children earning money and staying away from social media. The parents are more comfortable with this.

### 5/5 — Dayo Helps

*2026-03-26*

I like how the system works and how it still gives you freedom by letting you bypass the limit but punishing you for it. Also it’s a great solution for parents helping their kids as they can slowly build money and spend it on the app with  discounts although there selection isn’t amazing you can still get gift cards to loads of stores but just with no dayo discounts.

### 5/5 — Great idea for managing screen time

*2026-03-24, version 1.1.26*

I really like the concept behind Dayo. It’s not just about reducing screen time—it actually gives a reason to do it. I’ve been using it to stay more intentional during the day, and I love how it connects habits with real rewards. Simple, but very smart idea.

### 5/5 — Less Socials = Better health for real

*2026-03-18*

Update: I’ve had this app since it launched and I’m just popping in to say I’ve upped it to 5 stars. All the original little things I didn’t like got changed in the new versions and I so so happy with Dayo. 

It’s been helpful for me and my teenager as well with the dayo deals. So nice to not have to talk about screen time every day with her. It’s taken a lot of the nagging and I know how long she’s been on by how much she gets at the end of the deal and it is actually working. She is on her phone less. What a gift. 

Original Review: 
I have been looking for an app like this. Like so many of us I am on the socials more than I want to be. It always starts fine, let’s check your feed, I need to post something for work, I need to post something for myself, and literally the addiction and habit of scrolling has been sucking me in like a black hole. 

What I like about Dayo:
-  it’s so pretty and calming the colors and design is minimal and soothing so right away I’m able to calm the mind and that always supports healthier habits for me. 
- the interface is super simple and straightforward 
- I can see progress over time in the statistics 
- YOU GET REWARDS, REAL ONES! For not being on the socials 
- I especially like the messaging in the notifications. So it will let you know when you used your points for the day and you are dipping into what would be “prize money” these messages are soft and kind and encouraging 
- it refreshes everyday so if one day is a busy it’s really okay. 
- I have been experiencing real shifts in my social use and that’s worth it all by its self. 

Overall it’s absolutely a fantastic app. Would recommend. It’s a win win completely.

## Frequently asked questions about Dayo

### What does Dayo do?

Dayo helps manage screen time by allowing users to set agreed-upon limits for specific apps. When these limits are met, users can earn cash or gift card rewards. It aims to create a positive reinforcement system for better digital habits.

### How does Dayo work?

Users pick apps and agree on daily limits. Parents fund these 'deals' with real money. The app automatically tracks usage in real-time. If limits are met, the earned money is rewarded to the user. Going over the limit means money is returned to the funder.

### Is Dayo free to use?

Dayo is free to download and offers free screen time tracking. However, to unlock features like 'Deals', the rewards marketplace, and advanced functionalities, a premium subscription is available for $9.99 per month.

### What kind of rewards can I earn?

Users can earn cash rewards via PayPal or Venmo. Additionally, there are hundreds of gift card partners available, including popular brands like Starbucks, Sephora, and Best Buy. Adults can also earn 'Dayo Dollars' for personal deals.

### Who is Dayo for?

Dayo is designed for families, particularly parents and teens, to collaboratively manage screen time. It's also useful for individuals who want to reduce their own screen time and earn rewards for doing so.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0.14 — 2026-07-22

Dominate Distracting apps with Dayo's Totems, Banana Mode, Buddies, and Tally your personal banana coach.

### 2.0.13 — 2026-07-03

Dominate Distracting apps with Dayo's Totems, Banana Mode, Buddies, and Tally your personal banana coach.

### 2.0.12 — 2026-06-29

Dominate Distracting apps with Dayo's Totems, Banana Mode and Buddies! Updates and bug fixes.

### 2.0.11 — 2026-06-22

Dominate Distracting apps with Dayo's Totems, Banana Mode and Buddies!

### 2.0.10 — 2026-06-19

Dominate Distracting apps with Dayo's Totems, Banana Mode and Buddies!

## Apps similar to Dayo

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Lloyd Athletic Club](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lloyd-athletic-club/id1484501266) | 4.6 (9) | Free | Health & Fitness |
| [Reps & Sets 26](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reps-and-sets-26/id6753645105) | 5.0 (4) | Free | Health & Fitness |
| [MyHealth: Body & Mind Care](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/myhealth-body-and-mind-care/id6757141068) | 4.8 (627) | Free | Health & Fitness |
| [Peak Performance PDX](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/peak-performance-pdx/id6477845471) | — | Free | Health & Fitness |
| [Forge Hot Yoga](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forge-hot-yoga/id1563263426) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Health & Fitness |
| [Remy AI: Sleep & Health coach](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/remy-ai-sleep-and-health-coach/id6443803441) | 4.9 (140) | Free | Health & Fitness |

## More apps by Allday people, LLC

- [PlayPal : Playdates made easy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/playpal-playdates-made-easy/id6763989741)

All apps by Allday people, LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/1665549320

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-19.*
