Download Refocus
There is only one file, a DMG. The same file works on both Apple silicon and Intel Mac.
Refocus 1.03
Free and notarized by Apple. Runs on macOS 12 or later.
By downloading, you agree to the Privacy Policy & Disclaimer.
Requirements
| macOS | macOS 12 or later (tested on macOS 12–15). Only “Launch at Login” needs macOS 13 or later. |
|---|---|
| Chip | Apple silicon and Intel Mac (one app for both) |
| Disk space | The app itself is about 4 MB. |
| Internet | Not needed for the break timer. Needed to check for and download updates. |
| App interface | English and Japanese (English by default; switch under “Language”) |
How to verify
You can check in Terminal that the file you downloaded is the official one. This is optional; if you want to check, run these two lines.
spctl -a -vv -t open --context context:primary-signature ~/Downloads/Refocus.dmg shasum -a 256 ~/Downloads/Refocus.dmg
- If the first line prints “accepted” and “source=Notarized Developer ID”, the file has been notarized by Apple.
- If the value from the second line matches the SHA-256 in the table above, the file is unchanged since it was published.
Notarization is Apple’s automated check for known malware. It does not guarantee the app’s quality or behavior.
How to install
You normally don’t need an administrator password.
MidoriIf a confirmation appears on first launch, choose “Open”.
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Open the DMG
Double-click the downloaded
Refocus.dmg. -
Drag it to Applications
In the window that opens, drag Refocus onto the Applications folder next to it. You can eject the DMG afterwards.
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Launch it
Double-click Refocus in the Applications folder. On first launch macOS asks whether you want to open an app downloaded from the internet; choose “Open”.
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Check the menu bar
There is no Dock icon. If you see the eye mark and the time left (for example “20 min”) on the right side of the menu bar, Refocus is running.
If you use Homebrew, you can install it from Terminal instead. It downloads the same file from this site and checks its SHA-256 before installing.
brew install --cask kenji-miygauchi/apps/refocus
How to update
About 3 seconds after launch, Refocus asks k386.sub.jp whether a newer version exists. If there is one, the update window appears; press “Update Now”. It downloads the update, checks its SHA-256, replaces the app and relaunches it. Choose “Later” to keep using the current version.
To check yourself, choose “Check for Updates…” in the menu.
You can also download the new DMG from this page and replace Refocus in the Applications folder. Your settings are kept either way.
Uninstalling
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Quit Refocus
Click the eye mark in the menu bar and choose “Quit” at the bottom. If you turned on “Launch at Login”, turning it off first is the surest way.
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Move it to the Trash
Move Refocus from the Applications folder to the Trash.
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Remove settings and background image (optional)
To remove the settings, run this command in Terminal.
defaults delete com.duca.Refocus
If you chose a background image for the break screen, a copy remains in
~/Library/Application Support/LockScreenBackground/. Open that location with Finder’s Go → Go to Folder and move the folder to the Trash.
Release notes
1.03 (build 4) — September 29, 2026
- The app icon is now the same Refocus icon as on the official site.
1.02 (build 3) — September 29, 2026
- Added "About this app". Open it from the menu to see the version, the copyright (© 2026 K386) and a link to the official site. It appears once on first launch and once after each update.
- The minimum macOS is now 12. On macOS 11, please use 1.01 (download 1.01, SHA-256
c1def9d2b83c45d8043d63acf62040ed9d34719d9f4078cfb9374e27081b36c9). Version 1.01 on macOS 11 is not offered the 1.02 update.
1.01 (build 2) — September 13, 2026
- Fixed delayed updates of the iris icon in the menu bar.
- The final minute now shows only the eye outline, regardless of the “Countdown Before Break” setting.
- Updated the in-app help (Settings Help).