Getting Started
This page walks you through installing Distant, granting the permissions it needs, and running your first focus session.
Install Distant
- Download Distant from the App Store. It needs iOS 26 or later, or iPadOS 26 or later.
- Open Distant.
There's no account to create and nothing to sign in to.
First launch
The first time you open Distant, three things appear:
- Updated Terms & Privacy. Tap Read Terms of Service or Read Privacy Policy to read them on oddomens.com, then tap Continue. Continuing to use Distant means you agree to them. Distant shows this notice again only when the terms change.
- Screen Time access. iOS asks whether Distant can access Screen Time. Tap Continue and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode. Distant needs this to start any focus session. See App Blocking.
- Notifications. Allow notifications if you want to hear when a session ends, when you're halfway through, and when you unlock achievements. Distant works without them.
TIP
If you tapped Don't Allow for Screen Time, Distant requests access again the next time you tap Start Focus. If iOS doesn't ask, turn access on in the iOS Settings app. See Troubleshooting.
The main screen
| Element | What it does |
|---|---|
| Menu (three lines, top right) | Opens Block Apps, Upgrade, Analytics, Achievements, History, Notifications, Levels & Progress, Customization and Settings. The menu is hidden while a session runs. A red badge shows unread notifications. |
| Dial | Drag the dot around the ring to set the session length. Each full turn is 60 minutes, up to 240 minutes. |
| Quick presets | Round buttons below the dial that set a length in one tap. The defaults are 5, 15 and 25 minutes. |
| Infinity button | Switches between a timed session and Infinite Focus. Shown with Full Access. |
| Focus type | The pill-shaped button showing what you're focusing on. Tap it to choose a different focus type. |
| Start Focus | Starts the session. The label changes to Start Deep Focus for long sessions and Start Infinite Focus in Infinite mode. |
Your first session
- Tap the menu, then Block Apps. Select the apps that distract you and tap Done. See App Blocking.
- Set a length with the dial or a quick preset.
- Tap the focus type and pick what you're doing, such as Reading or Working.
- Tap Start Focus.
The screen switches to a countdown with FOCUS MODE at the top. The apps you chose are blocked until the session ends. You can leave Distant, lock your phone or close the app. The session keeps going.
When the time is up you'll get a notification. Open Distant and choose Continue Session to keep going in overtime, or End Session to finish. Rate the session, add a note if you like, and tap Save & Continue. See Focus Sessions for every option.
Free and Full Access
Distant is free. App blocking, history, analytics, levels and achievements are included. Without Full Access, sessions can be up to 25 minutes. A one-time Full Access purchase unlocks sessions up to 4 hours, Infinite Focus, custom focus types, and extra styles.