They are not published yet. Official Chrome Web Store and Mac App Store links will appear here after approval. The instructions below describe the upcoming desktop release. A schedule transfer needs an iPhone version that includes website schedules in its transfer code.
01 · Install
Chrome on your computer
- When available, open the official Chrome Web Store link on this page and choose Add to Chrome.
- Allow the requested website access. Do Instead needs it to recognize websites you choose and redirect blocked visits. It does not read page content or record a browsing log.
- Open Chrome’s Extensions menu (the puzzle icon), pin Do Instead, and click its icon to open settings.
Use a current version of desktop Chrome. The extension protects this browser profile; install and set it up separately in any other browser profile you use.
01 · Install
Safari on Mac
- When available, install Do Instead for Safari from its Mac App Store link on this page. Requires macOS 13 or later.
- Open the app and choose Open Safari Extension Settings. You can also go to Safari → Settings → Extensions.
- Enable Do Instead and grant website access. “All Websites” covers future additions; if you allow individual websites, add permission for each new blocked domain. Allow
api.todoist.comtoo if you connect Todoist. - Click Do Instead in Safari’s toolbar to open its settings. Keep the containing Mac app installed.
The extension protects websites inside Safari. It does not block other Mac apps or other browsers.
02 · Connect
Bring your iPhone schedule across
- In Do Instead on iPhone, set up your Social and Work groups and their allowed hours. Add explicit website addresses for the services you want to protect on your computer.
- Open Settings → Advanced setup → Transfer to another device → Copy code.
- On your computer, paste the complete
DOI1.…code into Transfer code. Choose Review code. - Check the groups, websites, hours and time zone. Choose Use these settings to replace this browser’s saved settings, hobbies and Todoist connection.
- Outside an allowed window, visit one of your blocked websites. You should see Do Instead. During the allowed window, it should open normally.
This is a snapshot. After changing the phone schedule, copy and import a new code. The computer follows the time zone shown in the imported schedule, even when you travel. Keep the computer’s date and time correct.
Sites in multiple groups stay blocked until every group allows them. A group without allowed windows is blocked all day while protection is on. Already-open pages are also checked when an allowed window ends. A browser that is closed or a sleeping computer resumes checking when it wakes.
Apple’s private app/category selections cannot be copied to another device. Add the corresponding website domains yourself. Phone-only temporary access, task focus, program progress and access history are not transferred. Known scheduled changes included in the code are applied on the desktop.
Keep the code private. It is an encoded copy, not an encrypted backup, and may contain your Todoist API token. Never post it in a support message or screenshot.
03 · Make room
Choose something to do instead
The pause screen offers hobby prompts, a 25-minute focus timer and breathing. Todoist is optional: paste your personal API token in extension settings, test the connection, then save. The extension reads due tasks directly from Todoist and can mark a task complete there when you choose. Apple Reminders is available in the iPhone app only.
Without an iPhone code, add domains under Blocked websites and save. This manual list blocks all day and offers a configurable snooze. Imported schedules do not offer snooze; access opens during their allowed hours.
You can edit the websites in an imported group on your computer. Change allowed hours on the phone and import a fresh code. A new import replaces local edits.
If something does not work
The code has no schedule
Older codes contain only a website list. Update the iPhone app and export a fresh code from a version that supports desktop schedules. Until that iPhone update is available, use the manual list. The import preview tells you whether the code includes a schedule.
A site is not blocked
Check that the extension is enabled, has website access, and that the domain appears in the correct group. Review the time zone and “Allowed now” or “Blocked now” label. An app picked in Apple’s Screen Time picker is not automatically a website rule. Add its domain, save, then reload the page. Browser-internal pages and other applications cannot be blocked by this extension.
Private or Incognito windows are not protected
Browsers control extension access separately in private windows. Enable “Allow in Incognito” in Chrome’s extension details, or allow the extension in Safari Private Browsing if your Safari version supports it. Test in that window. Otherwise use a normal window for protection.
Changes on the phone did not appear here
Transfer codes are one-time snapshots, not a live link. Copy and import a new code. Imported schedules and Todoist tokens stay local to each browser; basic preferences may sync through the browser account.
Todoist does not connect
Check the token and internet connection. In Safari, allow website access to api.todoist.com. Test the connection, then save. Blocking, hobbies and breathing work without Todoist.
How do I delete my data?
Open extension settings → Help & privacy → Reset saved data. Confirm to remove the imported schedule, credentials, tasks and saved preferences; the default website list is restored. Synced preferences are also reset in other signed-in browsers. Disconnect Todoist to remove just its local token and task cache. Remove the extension to stop protection. On Safari, disable it and remove its containing app after resetting. You can revoke a shared Todoist token in Todoist itself.
Need help? Contact support with your browser and macOS/Windows version and a description of the problem. Do not send your transfer code or API token. Read how your data is handled.