Refocus: Rest-First Timer
Hiroki Nishikawa Productivity iPhoneiPadiPod touch
Refocus: Rest-First Timer is a free Productivity app for iPhone and iPad by Hiroki Nishikawa. Requires iOS 17.0. Updated May 25, 2026.
- Price
- Free
- on the App Store
- Size
- 51 MB
- Age 4+
- Updated
- May 25
- 2026 · v2.0
Screenshots
About Refocus: Rest-First Timer
Focus is not just about willpower. It can be designed. Refocus is a focus timer created with inspiration from scientific research on attention, breaks, and cognitive load. Today, our minds are constantly exposed to stimulation from smartphones, social media, notifications, videos, and endless streams of short information. When your mind is still filled with that noise, simply starting a traditional focus timer may not be enough to help you switch into a focused state. Refocus begins by preparing the state before focus. First, you take a short break to let your mind cool down and settle. Before the break, you can write down one small thing you want to do afterward. This helps you stop holding the next task in your head while resting, and makes it easier to return to work smoothly when the break ends. Refocus is not just about dividing time. It is about resting, clearing your mind, remembering what comes next, and returning to focus. Main features: ・A focus timer designed with scientific insights in mind ・A unique workflow that starts with a break ・A simple note feature to write down what you will do after the break ・A smooth flow that helps you return to focus after resting ・A simple cycle of focus and break sessions ・Calming animations and a minimal interface Recommended for people who: ・Take time to get into focus ・Feel mentally scattered after using smartphones or social media ・Forget what they were going to do after taking a break ・Want to reset their mind before starting work ・Prefer a simple and calm timer app ・Want to enter focus naturally, without forcing it Rest first. Clear your mind. Leave your next task behind. Then return to focus. Refocus is a timer designed to help create a state where focus can happen more naturally.
What’s new
Version 2.0 · Updated May 25, 2026
We made the following improvements to help you focus better. - Added three preset durations and a custom duration option for break and focus sessions. Choose the timing that best fits your situation. - Added a feature that lets you write a short note about what you will do after your break, helping reduce mental clutter during breaks and making it easier to get started afterward. - Made other small improvements to interactions and the UI.
App privacy
The developer, Hiroki Nishikawa, reported these privacy practices to Apple.
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Alternatives to Refocus: Rest-First Timer
Looking for apps like Refocus: Rest-First Timer? Here are 6 similar apps on the App Store. The highest rated is BumbleUp - Notes, Tasks & Wiki (5.0/5), and all 6 are free to download.
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RecallNest
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Degauss: Focus & Collect
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BumbleUp - Notes, Tasks & Wiki
5.0
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ZenWall: Deep Focus
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the boring app.
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ADHD Focus Pomodoro Timer
| App | Rating | Price | Last updated | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refocus: Rest-First Timer | – | Free | May 25, 2026 | |
| RecallNest | – | Free | Jul 29, 2026 | Compare |
| Degauss: Focus & Collect | – | Free | Jan 10, 2026 | Compare |
| BumbleUp - Notes, Tasks & Wiki | 5.0 / 5 (1) | Free | Dec 19, 2025 | Compare |
| ZenWall: Deep Focus | – | Free | Feb 11, 2026 | Compare |
| the boring app. | 5.0 / 5 (1) | Free | Jun 8, 2026 | Compare |
| ADHD Focus Pomodoro Timer | – | Free | Oct 5, 2026 | Compare |