Custom four-phase breathing

Create a custom breathing pattern that fits your pace.

Adjust inhale, hold, exhale and final hold durations, save the preset and follow it from your phone or compatible Wear OS watch.

BreathFriend custom preset editor on Android
Wear OS inhale duration picker

Four configurable phases

Change the rhythm instead of forcing your body to match it.

Each preset can define an inhale, first hold, exhale and final hold. A phase can be shortened, lengthened or disabled, depending on the pattern you want.

  • Name and save the preset.
  • Adjust durations in small increments.
  • Preview the full cycle before a longer session.
  • Use the same rhythm from Android or Wear OS.

A practical way to build a custom pattern

  1. Start with a comfortable inhale and exhale. Equal timing is simple, such as four seconds in and four seconds out.
  2. Add holds only if they feel natural. A zero-second hold is valid; a breathing exercise does not need every phase.
  3. Try one or two minutes first. A short test makes it easier to notice whether the rhythm is too slow or demanding.
  4. Change one phase at a time. Small adjustments make it clear which part improves the experience.

Example custom patterns

GoalStarting exampleAdjustment idea
Simple balance4 in · 0 hold · 4 out · 0 holdIncrease exhale to 5 seconds if comfortable.
Steady focus4 · 4 · 4 · 4Reduce holds to 2 seconds for an easier box pattern.
Gentle wind-down4 in · 1 hold · 6 out · 0 holdKeep the exhale longer without adding a long breath hold.

Use the watch after setup

The phone screen gives more room for detailed configuration. After saving a preset, use the Wear OS breathing app for quick access during the actual session.

Do not force timingA ratio that is popular online is not automatically right for you. Shorten holds or return to normal breathing if a pattern feels uncomfortable.

Start guided breathing from your wrist.

Install BreathFriend on Android and a compatible Wear OS watch.