Built an app to stop doomscrolling... by making you walk first

Hey everyone! I kept noticing that I’d sit down to check one notification and suddenly lose 30 minutes scrolling. It got me thinking... what if I could lock distracting apps until I actually moved around first?

So I built WalkLock back in 2022, an iOS app that does exactly that: helps me be more present, waste less time, and be a healthier version of myself.

It syncs with Apple Health and locks selected apps until you hit your daily step goal. Instead of forcing restrictions, it turns movement into a reward, making it easier to stay active and mindful about screen time.

Some cool features:

Custom step goals – Set different unlock thresholds for different apps

Widgets & reminders – See progress at a glance without opening the app

Social Mode – Keep important notifications (texts, calls) available while limiting distractions

Automated unlocks – Once you hit your goal, your apps unlock automatically without opening the app

It’s been a fun challenge balancing motivation with usability, people want structure, but they also don’t want to feel overly restricted. Would love to hear your thoughts or feedback!

Just search for "WalkLock" on the App Store to try the app and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

If you’ve ever tried to cut back on screen time, what worked (or didn’t) for you?