How can I get Pestr?
The Pestr iPhone app is a free download on the App Store. Pestr Photo, which unlocks Photo mode, is available as a monthly or yearly in-app subscription. The app supports compatible Pestr Alarm devices.
Can I customize a phone alarm?
Not currently. On iOS 26 or later, Pestr Phone Alarm uses the iPhone's system alarm sound. Custom audio applies to a paired Pestr Alarm device, not to the iPhone alarm.
What happens if I can't provide proof?
The task stays active according to the reminder settings you chose. Total Disarm stops active phone alarms, notifications, and Screen Time blocks; each app installation includes three lifetime uses.
How does photo mode work?
Photo mode is for users age 18 or older. When you create the task, you describe what the proof photo should show. When the task is active, the app resizes and compresses your photo, sends it with the description to Pestr's backend, and returns an automated match or no-match result from Google's Gemini API.
Why use time-lapsing?
Timelapse capture can make progress visible and help you stay accountable during a task. The finished video stays on your iPhone until you save, share, or delete it and is not automatically uploaded to Pestr.
What proof methods are there?
Pestr offers three: tapping for a simple dismissal, scanning a saved QR code or barcode, and taking a picture that matches a description you provided.
How are the photos processed?
The app sends the photo and description over an encrypted connection to Pestr's Supabase-hosted validation endpoint, which uses Google's Gemini API. Pestr does not intentionally save the image in its app database or backend file storage after validation. Google's retention, review, and model-improvement treatment depends on the API plan and configuration used by Pestr. See the
Gemini API Terms and the
Privacy Policy. Do not submit sensitive or confidential material; use QR mode instead if you do not want to send a photo to a cloud service.
Do I need a physical Pestr Alarm?
No. Pestr's iPhone features work without physical hardware. You can also pair a compatible Pestr Alarm for device alarms and controls.
Does Pestr need internet access?
Most task features work without internet after setup. Signing in or recovering an account, using Profile or Friends, syncing Friend productivity summaries, sending gifts, Photo validation, device-benefit activation, firmware delivery, and App Store purchases or restores need a connection. The iPhone also uses a local Wi-Fi connection to pair with and control a compatible Pestr Alarm.
Is there stored data?
Most task content—including task titles, QR references, Screen Time selections, and timelapse videos—stays on your iPhone. You can sign in with email and password, Google, or Apple, or use core local features while signed out. A completed Profile syncs current and highest streak plus timelapse identifiers, start times, and durations for the Friend metrics you choose to share; it does not upload full tasks or timelapse videos. A protected signed-out feature may use an internal anonymous service identifier, which you can reset in the app. Deleting an account, resetting signed-out service data, deleting the app, unsubscribing from emails, and canceling an Apple subscription are separate actions. See the Privacy Policy for details.
Is it available on Android?
Not currently. The released app is built for iPhone and iOS. We have not announced an Android release date.
Is Pestr a one-time purchase or a subscription?
The app is free. Pestr Photo is an optional monthly or yearly auto-renewing App Store subscription that unlocks Photo mode. An eligible Pestr Alarm includes one complimentary year of Pestr Photo. After activation, the eligible owner may also gift one month to up to three different accepted Friends over that alarm's lifetime; each successful gift adds one month for the giver too. The App Store purchase screen shows the current localized price before you buy.