# Do Instead: App Blocker — Make room for your life

> Make room for your life (iPhone/iPad app by Groei BV.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/do-instead-app-blocker/id6802359163 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Groei BV](https://appshunter.io/developer/6786428761)
- Category: Productivity
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.0 · 9 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2026-09-09
- Data updated: 2026-10-19

## What is Do Instead?

Block distracting apps. Put your real tasks back in view.

Do Instead helps you step away from social scrolling and return to something you chose to do. Set allowed times for distracting apps and websites, then see a next task from Apple Reminders or Todoist when you reach for a blocked app.

YOUR TASKS AT THE MOMENT YOU NEED THEM
Connect Apple Reminders to bring your existing tasks into view. Today's commitments come first, followed by overdue work, with priority helping you choose. Connect Todoist with Pro. Keep your next task nearby with Home and Lock Screen widgets.

SEPARATE SOCIAL BREAKS FROM WORK HOURS
Give Social and Work their own apps, websites, and allowed times. Schedule a social break at lunch and keep work messages within working hours. Choose optional reminders five minutes before your allowed times start or end. Scheduled blocking requires Do Instead Pro and Screen Time permission.

GIVE AN IMPULSE TIME TO PASS
Turning off the guard or widening your allowed times takes ten minutes to apply. Tightening protection applies immediately. After repeated blocked opens, pause and write down what you came for before choosing your next step.

CHOOSE SOMETHING TO DO INSTEAD
Return to a task, take a minute for guided box breathing, or try a short desk workout with a 3D coach. You choose what to do with the pause.

WHAT'S FREE AND WHAT'S PRO
Free: Apple Reminders, Home and Lock Screen widgets, breathing, desk workouts, and the gentler Shortcuts route. The Shortcuts route requires setting up an automation to open Do Instead when you open a chosen app.

Pro: scheduled blocking, allowed windows, the ten-minute cooldown, and Todoist integration. Subscription prices and available trials are shown in the app for your region before purchase.

HOW BLOCKING WORKS
Strict mode uses Apple's Screen Time features. Website coverage depends on your browser and iOS version. You can add website addresses or import a browser history export to choose domains; imported domains stay on your device. Manually added website restrictions can show Apple's restriction page instead of the task shield.

On iOS 26.5 and later, open your task manager from the shield through Do Instead. Earlier versions offer a notification shortcut when notifications are enabled. Or choose Take a break to step away without starting a task. Completing a task does not unlock blocked apps; your allowed times determine access.

PRIVATE BY DESIGN
No Do Instead account, ads, analytics, or tracking. Task integrations connect to the services you choose. Transfer settings between devices with a QR code. Your intention notes stay on your phone.

BUILT FROM A PERSONAL JOURNEY
My weekly Social-category time went from 12h 36m to 6h 17m, then 2h 37m across three complete weeks. That personal experience inspired how I build Do Instead. It is not a promise of your results.
— Arkadiy, creator of Do Instead

Make room for what you'd rather do.

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

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro | $19.99 | per year |
| Pro Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |


## Is Do Instead safe?

Not enough ratings yet to assess Do Instead.

## Is Do Instead legit?

Do Instead: App Blocker has limited verification signals. The AppsHunter Legitimacy Score for Do Instead is 58 out of 100 points across 7 verification signals from App Store and developer data.


## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.1.3 — 2026-10-03

• A simpler blocking screen makes your next task, due date and task source easier to read.
• Open Apple Reminders or Todoist for the task shown, or choose “Take a break” to step away without starting a task. Direct opening is available on iOS 26.5 and later; earlier versions offer a notification shortcut when enabled.
• Add optional reminders five minutes before your Social or Work allowed times start or end.
• Updated setup previews and guidance explain the new actions.

### 1.1.2 — 2026-09-29

Make room for what you’d rather do.

• Refreshed wording across the app, with clearer choices for a task, a breath, or a little movement.
• Clearer explanations of Do Instead Pro and the boundaries you choose.
• Improved Pro screen layout so benefits remain readable.
• Updated wording in the Safari extension.

### 1.1.1 — 2026-09-14

• Keep Social and Work separate, with their own apps, websites and allowed times.
• Add website addresses or import a browser history export, then search and choose sites to block.
• Imported website domains stay on your device. Clear the library whenever you like.
• Redeem App Store promo codes from the Pro screen or Settings.
• Shorter website setup instructions and clearer browser guidance.
• Guided onboarding helps you choose your groups and schedules.

### 1.1.0 — 2026-09-09

A fresh look and a clearer next step.

• A redesigned interface with calm gradients and a new app icon.
• Smarter task suggestions that put today's tasks first and take priority into account.
• Refreshed Home and Lock Screen widgets, with alternatives and access to all your tasks.
• Open your task manager from the blocking screen on iOS 26.5 and later.
• Improved Screen Time access status when reopening the Block tab.
• More reliable task completion and clearer loading and error states.
• Refined breathing and movement screens for a better break.

### 1.0.0 — 2026-09-08

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Do Instead

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| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| [Top3: Daily Focus & To-Do](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/top3-daily-focus-and-to-do/id6769172191) | — | Free | Productivity |
| [Scroll - Daily Microlearning](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scroll-daily-microlearning/id6762019627) | — | Free | Productivity |
| [oneTap: Brief & Block](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onetap-brief-and-block/id6774352132) | 5.0 (17) | Free | Productivity |
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## More apps by Groei BV

- [KidsTube: Controlled videos](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kidstube-controlled-videos/id6786428758)

All apps by Groei BV: https://appshunter.io/developer/6786428761

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*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 2026-10-19.*