An app that disables your social media until you go out for a walk has been released

A new iOS app called Steppin is here to help users balance physical activity and screen time. It’s designed to encourage healthier habits by blocking access to apps like TikTok or Instagram until you meet your daily step goals. The app aims to bridge the gap between mental and physical health by making exercise a part of your daily routine.

Steppin lets you set the number of steps required to unlock screen time. For example, you might decide that every 100 steps earns you one minute of social media access.

The app also allows flexibility, so if you need immediate access to an app, you can override the controls. Beyond social media, you can use Steppin to manage time spent on other apps like Netflix or games.

The app was co-created by Paul English, the entrepreneur behind the travel search engine Kayak, along with his son Michael English and fiancée Rachel Cohen. The idea came to them during a vacation in Spain when they realized they were spending too much time scrolling on their phones instead of enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

They wanted to create something that would not only reduce screen time but also promote physical and mental well-being.

Although Steppin is marketed mainly to Gen Z, Paul emphasizes that it’s suitable for all ages. He shared that both parents and adults have shown interest, whether it’s for their teenagers or for themselves. Many people, regardless of age, feel they spend too much time on their phones and not enough outdoors.

At launch, Steppin is free to download, but the team plans to introduce a subscription model priced at around $20 annually. Future updates will include more activity options, such as logging yoga classes or other forms of exercise. The app will also feature leaderboards to compare usage with friends and track streaks of consistent use.

Steppin is now available on iOS, with an Android version expected soon. If you’re looking for a fun way to stay active and cut down on screen time, it might be worth checking out.