A Mac break reminder built not to interrupt your calls

A break timer that only watches the clock can go off in the middle of a call. StandUp is a Mac break reminder that knows when you're on a call: it keeps counting your work time, but holds a due break until the call ends.

The problem with break timers and calls

Handling calls is a big part of why I built StandUp: I wanted a break reminder that wouldn't go off in the middle of a Zoom call. There's more on the About page.

How StandUp handles calls

It notices the call. StandUp treats it as a call when your camera or microphone is in use and one of these apps is running: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, Slack, Webex, Discord, or a web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge) for browser-based calls such as Google Meet. You can edit the list in Settings. It's on by default. StandUp is built not to interrupt calls in supported apps; if you use another call app, add it under Settings.

Call time still counts as work time. Sitting in a meeting is still sitting at your screen, so StandUp keeps counting. A 45-minute call isn't a break.

The due break waits until the call ends. If a break comes due during the call, StandUp holds it. When the call is over, you get the break.

Fullscreen apps work the same way. If a fullscreen app is in front, such as a presentation or a video, the time counts as work time and a due break waits until you're done.

It doesn't need extra permissions. StandUp only checks whether the camera or mic is in use. It never asks for access to them, and it doesn't need the Input Monitoring or Accessibility permission.

When you need a few more minutes

Not every important moment is a call. A heads-up card appears at the top of your main display before every break (60 seconds by default), with Start Now, Snooze and Skip. A small countdown also follows your cursor for the last few seconds (10 by default; adjustable or off in Settings). Snooze pushes the break back by the length you choose in Settings, from 10 seconds to 5 minutes. To pause breaks while certain apps run, turn on Pause when specific apps are running in Settings (Smart Focus tab) and add the apps.

Then a real break

Once you're free, the break starts. A full-screen overlay covers every display. The countdown, prompt, Skip and Lock Screen buttons are on your main display; the others are blurred and dimmed. The prompt is a short line, like "Look away from the screen" or "Straighten your posture".

Other apps that handle calls

StandUp isn't the only Mac app that tries not to interrupt calls. Here's how a few others describe it on their own sites:

• LookAway lists meetings or calls, screen recording, video playback, deep focus apps and fullscreen gaming as times it pauses automatically. See StandUp vs LookAway.
• DeskRest pauses break reminders while it detects video calls, meetings and Focus mode. It needs macOS 14.2 or later and is also on the App Store.
• Time Out can postpone or skip breaks with rules and meeting scripts that you set up; the scripts recognize calls in FaceTime, Teams and Zoom. See StandUp vs Time Out.
• Stretchly pauses breaks while Do Not Disturb is on, and you can list programs under appExclusions in its preferences file. See StandUp vs Stretchly.

For more options, see Mac break reminder apps compared (2026).

Frequently asked questions

Which meeting apps does StandUp detect?

Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, Slack, Webex, Discord, or a web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge) for browser-based calls such as Google Meet. You can edit the list in Settings. StandUp treats it as a call when your camera or microphone is in use and one of these apps is running.

Does call time count towards my next break?

Yes. Call time still counts as work time. If a break comes due during the call, it waits until the call ends, and then you get it.

Do I have to set anything up?

Not for supported call apps: call and fullscreen handling is on by default. If you use another call app, add it under Settings. To pause breaks while certain apps run, turn on 'Pause when specific apps are running' in Settings (Smart Focus tab) and add the apps.

Does StandUp need access to my camera or microphone?

No. It only checks whether the camera or mic is in use, and never asks for access to them. It also doesn't need the Input Monitoring or Accessibility permission.

What about fullscreen apps like presentations or videos?

They're handled the same way as calls: the time counts as work time and a due break waits until you leave the fullscreen app.