DeskRest download & setup, the 5-minute version

There are exactly two official places to get the DeskRest download: the Mac App Store and the developer's own site. Both give you the same app for macOS 14.2+, both are safe, and setup takes about 5 minutes either way. Skip any third-party download portal — the app isn't distributed there, as we explain inIs DeskRest safe?

Before you start: requirements

• macOS 14.2 (Sonoma) or newer — both Apple silicon and Intel Macs work.
• About 2 minutes of patience for the permissions screen on first launch.
• A license key if you bought a plan (arrives by email right after checkout).

Path 1: Mac App Store

1. Open theApp Store listing("DeskRest: Smart Break Reminder") and click Get.
2. Launch the app; it appears in your menu bar, not the Dock — that's by design.
3. Follow the built-in welcome tour to set your break intervals.

The App Store route is best if you want updates handled automatically by macOS.

Path 2: direct from the developer

1. Download the latest build from theofficial site — releases are also published openly onGitHub.
2. Open the downloaded file and drag the app into your Applications folder.
3. On first launch macOS shows a Gatekeeper confirmation — that's Apple's notarization check passing, click Open.
4. Paste your license key into the settings pane to unlock your tier.

The direct route is best if you bought a lifetime license at the official checkout.

First-launch permissions that matter

The app asks for notification permission so break prompts can actually reach you — grant it, or the whole point is lost. It may also offer an optional launch-at-login toggle; turn it on, because a break reminder you have to remember to start is a to-do item, not a habit. No screen recording, camera, or microphone access is involved.

If something doesn't work on first launch

• No icon in the menu bar: confirm the app actually launched (check Applications), then look for a chevron ». macOS hides overflow menu-bar items on smaller screens.
• "App can't be opened" warning: right-click the app and choose Open once — that re-runs the Gatekeeper check with your explicit consent. If it persists, re-download from the official site; a corrupted download is the usual culprit.
• No break notifications: System Settings → Notifications → allow alerts for the app, and check that Focus mode isn't silencing them during work hours.

Haven't bought a license yet?

Check the pricing breakdown first — the 2-Mac lifetime plan at $23.99 is the popular pick — and grab the 40% welcome code from ourcoupon page before checkout.