Frequently asked questions
The basics
What is DontRot?
An Android app that locks the apps you scroll too much and lets you earn screen time back with real-life activities. Here's how it works.
Is DontRot free?
Yes. Locking apps, earning minutes with every activity, the Time Bank and your Mundi are free and stay free. DontRot Pro is optional.
Is there an iPhone version?
Not yet. DontRot works on Android 8.0 or newer.
Which languages is it in?
English, Deutsch, Español, Čeština, Italiano, Nederlands, Polski.
Blocking
Which apps can I block?
Any app on your phone. Social media, games, video, shopping: you choose the list and can change it anytime.
Can I block websites too?
Yes, with Pro. If you block Instagram, instagram.com gets blocked in your browser too, and you can add your own keywords.
What happens when I run out of minutes?
A block screen shows up when you open a locked app. From there you can see how to earn more, or take minutes out of your Time Bank if you saved some.
Can I just turn DontRot off?
Yes, it's your phone. If you want to make that harder for yourself, Pro has a hardcore mode: while a block is running you can't switch DontRot off, edit your apps or lower your limits.
Earning time
How many minutes is each activity worth?
By default: 100 steps = 1 minute, 1 glass of water = 5 minutes, 1 break on the grass = 20 minutes, 1 km running = 10 minutes, 1 km cycling = 5 minutes, 3 minutes of meditation = 1 minute.
Does walking count with the app closed?
Yes. Steps count all day in the background, no start button needed.
How does it know I really exercised?
The camera follows your body and counts each rep. Water and grass need a quick photo, running and cycling use GPS, and steps come from your phone's step sensor.
Does it work with my smartwatch?
Steps from your watch can come in through Health Connect for free. Workouts recorded on the watch (runs, rides, gym) turn into screen time with Pro.
Can I cheat?
Probably, a little. But the only one you'd be fooling is you. The point isn't the minutes, it's the walk you took to get them.
What is the Time Bank?
Where unused minutes go at the end of the day. They wait there until you want them.
Mundi
What is a Mundi?
Your companion in the app: a small, fluffy planet that hatches from an egg and levels up with every minute you move. Fill your daily effort bar and it glows.
Can my Mundi die or get sad if I skip a day?
No. There are no lives and nothing to lose. Levels never go down.
Privacy and permissions
Why does DontRot need Accessibility permission?
It's how Android lets an app notice which app is on screen, so DontRot can lock the ones you chose. It also asks for Usage access and Display over other apps to show the block screen.
Do I need an account?
No account is needed to use DontRot.
Pro and payments
How much is Pro?
See the Pro page for plans. Google Play shows the price in your currency.
How do I cancel Pro?
From Google Play: Profile › Payments & subscriptions › Subscriptions.