# start walking - app blocker — reduce screentime, boost focus

> Blocks distracting apps until daily step goals are met, promoting healthier phone habits. (iPhone/iPad app by Cole Schaffer.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-walking-app-blocker/id6744389262 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Cole Schaffer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1807468785)
- Category: Productivity, Health & Fitness
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 9 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.2 · 31 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2025-07-17
- Data updated: 2026-08-02
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-walking-app-blocker/id6744389262/reviews.md

## What is start walking?

Transform your relationship with your phone by turning every step into digital freedom. Start Walking blocks distracting apps until you reach your daily step goal, helping you break phone addiction while building healthy habits that stick.


**As of June 2025, Start Walking users have walked over 2 million steps while breaking their scrolling habits.**

Many wellness enthusiasts and productivity professionals trust Start Walking to help them build better phone habits. You can too.


"Start Walking helped me reduce my Instagram time by 3 hours daily while getting my 10K steps" – Sarah, Wellness Coach


"This app changed everything. I used to scroll for hours, now I take evening walks instead." – Michael, Software Engineer


"Finally, an app that makes healthy habits rewarding instead of restrictive!" – Emma, Marketing Director


"Game-changer for phone addiction. My screen time dropped 40% in the first week." – David, Teacher

BENEFITS:

Walk an average of 2,847 more steps per day while reducing mindless scrolling by 1 hour and 37 minutes.

* 96% of Start Walking users report feeling more in control of their phone habits

* 93% say they're more physically active throughout the day

* 90% experience reduced anxiety from constant notifications

* 91% discover new hobbies and interests outside their phone

Added benefits:

- Break the cycle of endless scrolling and phone addiction
- Increase daily physical activity naturally
- Improve focus and productivity at work
- Better sleep quality from reduced evening screen time
- Stronger real-world connections and relationships
- Enhanced mental clarity and reduced digital overwhelm
- Build sustainable, long-term healthy habits
- Feel accomplished and motivated every single day

FEATURES (requires in-app-purchase) 

- Smart App Blocking: Choose which apps distract you most and unlock them by reaching your step goals
- Automatic Step Tracking: Seamless integration with Apple HealthKit for accurate, privacy-first tracking
- Personalized Goals: Set daily step targets that match your fitness level and lifestyle
- Usage Analytics: Beautiful visualizations of app usage, screen time, and phone pickup patterns
- Streak Tracking: Build momentum with daily streaks
- Animated Feedback: Delightful animations and transitions that make every interaction joyful
- Goal Flexibility: Adjust targets based on your schedule, weather, or energy levels
- Progress Insights: Track weekly trends in both walking and phone usage
- Premium Design: Clean, modern interface with custom illustrations and smooth animations

CREATE YOUR PERSONAL WELLNESS ROUTINE

Easily select which apps are your biggest distractions and set realistic daily step goals. Start Walking does the rest, automatically tracking your progress and rewarding healthy choices.

PRIVATE & SECURE

We use Apple's HealthKit and FamilyControls frameworks to track steps and manage app access. Setup is simple and takes just minutes on your iPhone.

Unlike other apps, Start Walking works entirely on your device and your personal health and usage data never leaves your phone. Your privacy is our priority – your data stays yours, always.

TERMS, PRIVACY & CONDITIONS

Read on https://startwalking.app/privacy-and-terms & https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

## Key features

- Smart App Blocking
- Automatic Step Tracking
- Personalized Goals
- Usage Analytics
- Streak Tracking
- Premium Design

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| unlimited (1 year) | $29.99 | per year |
| unlimited (1 year) | $19.99 | per year |
| unlimited (1 year) | $39.99 | per year |
| unlimited (1 year) | $49.99 | per year |
| unlimited (1 week) | $4.99 | per 7 days |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| friends and family | Free | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-walking-app-blocker/id6744389262/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Wow…

*2025-07-25*

The simplicity and clarity of this app is fantastic. It made everything so straight forward and is doing what it’s supposed to. Never regretted downloading it for one second.

### 5/5 — Amazing App

*2025-07-18*

I have only had it for a few days, and I have seen major improvement in my habits. Super happy with my progress!

**Developer response:** We’re so glad that you’ve been able to substitute your bad habits with good habits. Here’s to many more steps together!

## Frequently asked questions about start walking

### How does Start Walking block apps?

Start Walking uses smart app blocking to temporarily lock distracting applications. These apps are unlocked once you achieve your personalized daily step goals, encouraging a healthier balance between phone use and physical activity.

### Does Start Walking have ads?

No, Start Walking does not contain advertisements. The app is free to download and use, with optional in-app purchases for premium features.

### What devices does Start Walking support?

Start Walking is available for iPhone and iPad devices, leveraging Apple's HealthKit and FamilyControls frameworks for seamless integration.

### How often is Start Walking updated?

The app was last updated on July 21, 2025, indicating active development and support. Users can expect ongoing improvements and feature additions.

### What are the subscription options for Start Walking?

Start Walking offers several unlimited subscription plans, including weekly and yearly options, with prices ranging from $4.99 to $49.99. All plans include a 7-day free trial.

### What is the age rating for Start Walking?

Start Walking has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users looking to improve their digital habits.

### How does Start Walking track steps?

The app seamlessly integrates with Apple HealthKit for accurate and privacy-first step tracking. This allows for automatic monitoring of your physical activity without manual input.

### What do users like most about Start Walking?

User testimonials highlight significant reductions in screen time (up to 3 hours daily) and increased physical activity. Many users report feeling more in control of their phone habits and experiencing reduced anxiety.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.1 — 2025-07-21

various small updates and bug fixes. 

easy / medium / hard difficulties on block creation screen are now tailored to your average daily step count.

### 1.0 — 2025-07-17

No release notes.

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## More apps by Cole Schaffer

- [human pose detect](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/human-pose-detect/id6744780177)

All apps by Cole Schaffer: https://appshunter.io/developer/1807468785

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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 2026-08-02.*