Habits First

Reysu

In-app purchases

About this app

Do the thing, then scroll. Habits First is the most effective way to reduce your screen time - distracting apps stay blocked until your habits are done for the day. Earn your apps back every day.

Account optional for syncing.

HABITS SUPPORTED

- Walk 10,000 steps, or any number you like
- Work out 45 minutes - integrates with Health Connect - use any fitness tracker
- Meditate 10 minutes, from Calm, Headspace, Insight Timer, or any meditation app
- Use an app you pick: read or use Duolingo for 20 minutes
- Review your Anki flashcards (Habits Pro)
- Listen or read books on Audiobookshelf (Habits Pro)
- Finish a game on Chess.com (Habits Pro)
- Android Automations (Habits Pro)
- More coming

A block can ask for one habit, all of them, or any two of three.

HOW IT WORKS

Habits are automatically tracked via integrations such as with Health Connect. Apps you select are blocked until you finish your habits. When you're done, open the app to activate your unlock.

WEBSITE BLOCKING

Websites can also be blocked like apps. This uses Android's Accessibility API (AccessibilityService). Habits First uses this access only to read the web address shown in your browser's address bar, so websites you added to a block can be timed and blocked. It watches browsers only, reads nothing else on your screen, and nothing leaves your phone. The app asks for this access only once you add a website to a block, and you can switch it off at any time.

WHY IT WORKS

The idea is based off the Premack Principle - things you do often can help reinforce things that you do rarely. By habit stacking a difficult habit before an app you often use, you also hijack the addictive nature of distracting apps and turn that motivation towards your daily habits.

WHEN IT APPLIES

All day until your habits are done, on a schedule, only in certain places, or near a device you pick. Habits First helps you wake up into a calm phone screen, only unlocked after you finish your most important habits of the day.

PRICING

This app does not have any subscription fees. The core app is free forever: Health Connect goals, app timers, schedules, places, commitment locks, widgets, and as many blocks as you like. One small one-time purchase adds the extra integrations.