Quit smoking apps

Also called smoking cessation apps

Quit smoking apps

  • There are a variety of apps to help you quit smoking.
  • They can help you set quit goals, and provide motivation and tips to manage cravings and other symptoms.
  • Quit smoking apps are best used with other strategies in your journey to quit smoking such as connecting with a quit coach and support from Quitline.
  • Learn more about quit smoking apps and read reviews by Healthify. 
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Quitting smoking has many great benefits. Your health starts to improve almost straight away and you reduce your risk of developing many diseases. It's also great for the health of your whānau – and for your wallet too. Quitting smoking can be incredibly difficult, but there are many treatments that can help you do it. Read more about treatment for quitting smoking.

There are a variety of apps to help you quit smoking. They can help you:

  • set quit goals, eg, reducing the number of cigarettes smoked per day
  • track your progress to keep you motivated, eg, by recording how many cigarettes you've smoked, how much money you've saved by not buying cigarettes, and how long it's been since your last smoke
  • manage cravings and reduce the urge to smoke by providing tips and techniques, eg, deep breathing exercises, distraction activities, and tips for coping with stress.
  • feel supported by providing daily reminders, motivational messages, and access to a community of others who are also trying to quit smoking.

Quit smoking apps are best used with other strategies in your journey to quit smoking. These might include connecting with a quit coach and getting support from Quitline(external link).

Before choosing an app, think about how it will benefit you and what you want it to be able to do.

  • An app will only be helpful if you use it, so it needs to be something you like using and find easy to use.
  • If you find the app difficult to use, or you don't like the imagery or look of it, or the language it uses, you may want to find another one that suits you better.
  • For more guidance on how to choose health apps, see how to choose a health app.

App Description Clinical review

My QuitBuddy app
  • Goal setting and tracking.
  • Counter and reminders.
  • App community.
  • Available from Google Play.
  • and iTunes.
  • Cost: free.
  • Read more about My QuitBuddy app.
 4 star review

Quitline online support

  

Flamy – quit smoking app
  • Goal setting and tracking.
  • Daily cravings and calculator/counter.
  • Graphs and reporting.
  • Data exports and OS smartwatch integration.
  • Free with in-app purchases ranging from $1.79 to $15.99 per item.
  • Read more about Flamy – quit smoking app.
 4 star review

Quit Guide
  • Self-help.
  • Reminders.
  • Tracking your habits.
  • Mood tracking
  • Available from Google Play and iTunes.
  • Cost: free.
  • Read more about Quit Guide.
 4 star review

Quit Smoking – QuitNow
  • Online community.
  • Social networking.
  • Achievement system for quitting smoking.
  • Available from Google Play and iTunes.
  • Cost: free (paid version available for Android and Apple IOS).
  • Read more about Quit Smoking – QuitNow.
 4 star review

quitSTART
  • Tracking.
  • Counter.
  • Reminders.
  • Available from Google Play and iTunes.
  • Cost: free.
  • Read more about quitSTART.
 3 star review

Why should I quit smoking?
Smoking – treatments for quitting smoking
Quit smoking
Consumer guide – how to choose a health app
Clinicians guide – how to choose a health app
NZ Health App Library

References

  1. Hendriks Y, Peek S, Kaptein M, Bongers I. Process and information needs when searching for and selecting apps for smoking cessation – qualitative study using contextual inquiry(external link) JMIR Hum Factors 2022;9(2):e32628.
  2. Whittaker R, McRobbie H, Bullen C, Rodgers A, Gu Y. Mobile phone-based interventions for smoking cessation(external link) Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4:CD006611.
  3. Heminger CL, Schindler-Ruwisch JM, Abroms LC. Smoking cessation support for pregnant women: role of mobile technology(external link) Subst Abuse Rehabil. 2016;7:15-26.
  4. Ubhi HK, Michie S, Kotz D, et al. Characterising smoking cessation smartphone applications in terms of behaviour change techniques, engagement and ease-of-use features(external link). Transl Behav Med. 2016;6(3):410-7.
  5. Abroms LC, Lee Westmaas J, Bontemps-Jones J, et al. A content analysis of popular smartphone apps for smoking cessation(external link) Am J Prev Med. 2013;45(6):732-6.
  6. Finkelstein J, Cha EM. Using a mobile app to promote smoking cessation in hospitalized patients(external link) JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2016;4(2):e59.

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.

Factsheets – using health apps safely

How to choose a health app
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Privacy and security tips for using health apps
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.

Read more at: https://healthify.nz/apps/q/quit-smoking-apps/
Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust