Keep planning in Todoist. Do Instead gives a task from that list another chance to catch your attention. You connect with a personal API token in the app’s Settings; this is not a separate task list to maintain.
Connect Todoist on iPhone
You need a Todoist account, Do Instead, and an active Do Instead Pro subscription for the integration. Check your Pro status in Do Instead Settings before testing the task list.
- Open Do Instead → Settings. Under Where do your tasks live?, select Todoist.
- Find your Todoist API token. In Todoist on the web, go to Settings → Integrations → Developer and copy the API token. Do Instead also has an Open Todoist developer settings button.
- Paste it in Do Instead. Use the Paste the API token field, then tap Save token.
- Tap Test connection. Resolve any connection error, then open the Now tab to find your tasks.
- Add blocking if you want it. In Block, choose distractions and set allowed windows. Keep Todoist itself available so you can act on the task.
Todoist documents the token location in its official developer guide. Copy the token only into Do Instead’s token field. Do not include it in a screenshot or support message.
From a distraction to something you chose
- 1. Your listKeep tasks and due dates in Todoist.
- 2. The pauseA task appears in Do Instead or on the blocking screen.
- 3. Your next stepOpen Todoist, choose a task, or take a break.
Today’s tasks are considered before overdue and undated work, with priority helping choose between tasks. The next suggestion may change as your list changes. Do Instead uses a task cache, so an edit made elsewhere may not appear immediately.
On iOS 26.5 and later, the blocking-screen task-manager action opens through Do Instead. Earlier versions offer a notification shortcut when enabled. In the app, you can explore your tasks and return to Todoist.
When you mark a task done in Do Instead, it sends the completion to Todoist. Wait for it to succeed; a connection error is not a completed task. Completing a task does not unlock a blocked app. Access follows the allowed schedule.
If you also use Apple Reminders, you can select both sources. For the free integration, see the Apple Reminders guide.
Disconnect or replace your token
To remove the saved Todoist connection, clear the API token field in Do Instead Settings and tap Save token. If you want Reminders as your source, select it and grant permission.
If you replace or revoke the token in Todoist, save the new token in Do Instead and test again. A previously exported settings-transfer code can still contain the old token; keep transfer codes private and manage the connection on any device where you imported one.
If the connection or task list does not work
- Test connection fails: check your internet connection, copy the token again, save it, and retry. A token that has been replaced in Todoist will no longer work.
- The connection works but no tasks appear: check Pro status, confirm Todoist is selected as a task source, and check for unfinished tasks in that Todoist account.
- A particular task is missing from the first suggestion: check its due date and priority. The first card is a shortlist choice, not a full copy of every task.
- Todoist cannot open while blocking is on: remove the task manager from your blocked selections and test again. Apps can also be included through a selected category.
If you still need help, contact support with the error text and your Do Instead/iOS versions. Leave the API token and private task names out of the message.
Where the connection lives
On iPhone, the saved token is kept in the Keychain and the task integration makes requests to Todoist. Settings transfers can carry the token to another device. Do Instead does not require its own account or use advertising or analytics. The privacy policy explains local storage, task caching, and transfers.
This guide covers the iPhone app. Chrome and Safari for Mac store releases are still pending; see the desktop setup guide for their status.
Instructions refer to the API-token connection in Do Instead 1.1.3. Todoist is a separate service.
Keep going
- Block apps at certain times
Set a schedule for social breaks and work hours.
- Use Apple Reminders
Bring the tasks you already keep into view.
- Block Instagram on iPhone
Choose when to use the app, without deleting it.