WeWard Introduces Walking Mode to Help Users Walk More and Scroll Less
WeWard, the popular step-tracking rewards app, is rolling out a new feature designed to help users build healthier daily habits. Called Walking Mode, the feature lets people temporarily block selected apps until they reach a personal step goal.
The idea is simple: if you want to spend less time scrolling through social media and more time moving, WeWard can help create that extra push. For example, a user could choose to lock apps like TikTok or Instagram until they complete 3,000 steps. Once the goal is reached, access to the chosen apps is restored.
Walking Mode is fully customizable, allowing users to decide which apps to restrict and how many steps they need to take before unlocking them. This makes the feature flexible for different lifestyles, whether someone wants a short daily walk, a stronger fitness routine, or a practical way to reduce screen time.
Until now, WeWard has mainly encouraged physical activity through rewards. Users earn “Wards,” the app’s virtual currency, by walking. These Wards can then be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or charitable donations. The app also includes leaderboard features, giving friends a way to compete and stay motivated together.
With the addition of Walking Mode, WeWard is expanding beyond step rewards and moving into digital wellness. Many people are looking for better ways to manage phone habits, especially when it comes to social media. By connecting app access to movement, WeWard is turning screen-time control into a health-focused challenge rather than a simple restriction.
The France-based company says it now has 30 million users across 29 countries, including around 4 million users in the United States. The app has also received backing from tennis star and angel investor Venus Williams. According to WeWard, its platform has helped increase users’ walking time by nearly 25%.
WeWard co-founder Yves Benchimol said the company wants to support products that encourage healthier real-world behavior instead of simply demanding more attention from users. He described Walking Mode as part of a broader shift toward mindful design and technology that helps people live better, not just stay online longer.
The company also says users spend only a few minutes per day inside the WeWard app, which it views as a positive sign. Unlike many digital platforms that are built to maximize engagement, WeWard’s goal is to motivate users to put their phones down and get moving.
Privacy is another area where WeWard aims to stand out. While some rewards-based apps generate revenue by collecting and selling user data, WeWard says it does not follow that model. Instead, the company earns money through in-app purchases, affiliate marketing, premium subscriptions, and advertising.
Walking Mode arrives at a time when interest in fitness apps, screen-time management tools, and digital wellbeing features continues to grow. By combining step goals with app restrictions, WeWard is offering a practical solution for users who want to walk more, reduce distractions, and create a healthier balance between technology and everyday life.
