Skip to content

Add Delay-to-Open / Mindful Delay for App #334

Description

@gasmonkey2982-code

Feature description

I would like to request a Delay-to-Open feature for blocked/restricted apps, similar to the approach used by Zenith.

Instead of immediately blocking an app or allowing it to open normally, Mindful could introduce a configurable waiting period before the app becomes accessible.

Example

If I configure Instagram with a 10-second delay:

  1. I open Instagram.
  2. Mindful detects the app launch.
  3. A Material 3 overlay appears with a 10-second countdown.
  4. The app remains inaccessible during the countdown.
  5. After the countdown finishes, a "Proceed" button becomes available.
  6. The user can also choose Cancel/Go Back at any time.

Configuration

Ideally, the delay could be configured per app:

  • 5 seconds
  • 10 seconds
  • 15 seconds
  • 30 seconds
  • Custom duration

Optional settings could include:

  • Cooldown period before the delay appears again
  • Different delay times for different apps
  • Schedule-based delays
  • Breathing/mindfulness animation during the countdown

Why this would be useful

A hard block can sometimes be too restrictive. A short delay introduces friction without completely preventing access, which can help break the automatic habit of opening an app.

This would be especially useful for apps such as Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, and other short-form content apps.

UI/UX

Since Mindful already has a modern Material-based interface, the delay screen could follow the existing Mindful design language rather than introducing a separate UI.

This feature could complement the existing:

  • App & Internet Blocking
  • Screen Time Limits
  • Focus Mode
  • Bedtime Mode

Thanks for maintaining Mindful and considering the feature!

Activity

Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment

Metadata

Metadata

Assignees

No one assigned

    Labels

    enhancementNew feature or request

    Projects

    No projects

      Milestone

      No milestone

      Relationships

      None yet

      Development

      No branches or pull requests

      Issue actions