Support
How can we help?
Answers to common questions below. Questions, bugs or ideas: email us and we’ll get back to you.
Getting started
How do I install Breather?
Download Breather from the download section and open the file. It installs itself for your account (no admin rights needed), adds Start menu and desktop shortcuts, and opens its settings window. There’s no separate installer.
Windows says “Unknown publisher” or “Windows protected your PC”. Is it safe?
Breather isn’t code-signed yet, so Windows SmartScreen warns about it the first time. Click More info, then Run anyway. To make sure your copy is genuine, compare its SHA-256 hash with the one in the download section.
How do I update to a new version?
Download the latest version from this site and open it. It replaces the old copy and keeps your settings and to-dos. Breather doesn’t check for updates on its own, because it never connects to the internet.
Where do I find Breather after I install it?
Breather runs in the background and lives in the Windows system tray, at the right end of the taskbar. If you don’t see its icon, click the small arrow (^) next to the tray to show hidden icons.
How do I open the settings?
Open Breather from the Start menu. If it’s already running in the tray, this brings up the settings window instead of starting a second copy.
Do I need an account?
No. Breather needs no sign-in and no account.
Using Breather
Can I change how often the break reminder appears?
Yes. In settings, under Reminder, pick 30 min, 45 min, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours or 3 hours, or set your own hours and minutes. You can also set how long a break lasts and how long a snooze lasts.
Can I snooze or skip a break?
Yes. The pop-up has Start, Snooze and Skip buttons. Snooze brings the reminder back after your snooze length (10 minutes by default). Skip dismisses this one.
Can I turn off the quote, to-dos or sound?
Yes. Under Pop-up in settings you can switch the random quote, the to-do list and the soft chime on or off, place the pop-up in the corner or center, and choose whether it closes itself. Click Preview pop-up to see your changes.
Can I change the colours?
Yes. Under Theme in settings, choose Ocean, Dawn, Lavender, Sage or Amber.
Does Breather start with Windows?
It can. In settings, turn Start with Windows on or off. When it’s on, Breather starts quietly in the tray with no window.
Privacy and removal
Does Breather need the internet?
No. Breather works fully offline and does not connect to the internet.
Where are my to-dos and settings stored?
Only on your computer, in a Breather folder inside %APPDATA%. They never leave your device, and we can’t see them. Read the privacy policy for details.
How do I uninstall Breather?
Open Windows Settings, go to Apps, then Installed apps, find Breather and choose Uninstall. To also clear your settings and to-dos, delete the Breather folder in %APPDATA% (paste that into File Explorer’s address bar).