WeWard Introduces Walking Mode to Unlock Apps After You Reach Your Daily Step Goal

WeWard, the walking rewards app that gives users incentives for tracking their daily steps, has introduced a new feature called Walking Mode, which allows users to limit access to selected apps until they complete a predefined number of steps. The new addition is designed to encourage users to stay physically active while also helping them cut down on unnecessary screen time, if they choose to.

For example, someone looking to spend less time on apps such as TikTok or Instagram can set a requirement that prevents access until they have completed a daily target of 3,000 steps. Both the number of steps required and the apps affected by the restriction can be fully customised according to eachuser’ss preferences.

Before introducing Walking Mode, WeWard motivated users to stay active by rewarding them with “Wards,” the platform’s virtual currency that can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or charitable donations. The app also includes a gamified leaderboard that allows users to compare their progress with friends, adding a light competitive element to daily walking goals. The addition of screen-time management tools aligns with growing demand from users seeking practical ways to reduce excessive smartphone and social media usage.

Backed by tennis champion and angel investor Venus Williams, the France-based company says its platform now serves approximately 30 million users across 29 countries, including around 4 million users in the United States. According to the company, use of the app has been shown to increase the amount of time people spend walking by nearly 25%.

“We believe the next generation of products should be designed to create healthier behaviours in the real world, not simply capture more attention,” said WeWard co-founder Yves Benchimol. He added that Walking Mode represents the company’s contribution to that vision and expressed hope that it will encourage broader discussions around mindful product design and how success should be measured within the technology industry.

WeWard also noted that users typically spend only a few minutes each day inside the app. The company considers this a positive outcome because its objective is not to maximise user engagement or keep people continuously using the platform.

Unlike some reward-based applications that generate revenue by collecting and selling user information to third parties, WeWard says it does not follow that business model. Instead, the company earns income through in-app purchases, affiliate partnerships, premium subscription services, and advertising.