# A nudge when the next block starts

> Get a nudge when a block starts, a break begins or focus resumes, on every device you turn on. Set up Reassign notifications and choose your alerts per device.

Published: 2026-09-23. Updated: 2026-09-28. Canonical: https://reassign.ai/resources/block-and-break-alerts

You set aside 10 to 11 for the proposal. At 10:18, you are still answering the email you opened at 9:55.

The hour was there. You even protected it. What you missed was the moment to switch.

Reassign has **block and break alerts**: a nudge when a block starts, when a break begins, and when it is time to return to work. They reach every device you turn on, so the nudge finds you on the laptop or the phone. The [24-hour dial](https://reassign.ai/features/the-dial) shows how the day fits together. An alert brings your attention back to the next part of it.

## Three moments worth a nudge, and two more

**Block starts** tells you when a scheduled block begins. If the proposal starts at 10, that is the transition the alert marks. It gives you a cue to close the email and open the work you chose for that hour.

**Break starts** marks the break in your [focus rhythm](https://reassign.ai/resources/pomodoro-focus-intervals). With a 25/5 rhythm, you get a cue to step away after the working stretch. You can put your attention into the work without repeatedly checking how much of the interval is left.

**Focus resumes** marks the next working stretch. Take the break, get some water, and have a cue to come back before a five-minute pause becomes the rest of the morning.

Two more alert types are **off by default**. **Non-blocking item starts** marks the start of an overlay such as a fast or a sleep window. **Reference item starts** marks a reference band. Both are start alerts only: no break alerts and no end alert.

Each alert has its own switch. If starting is easy but breaks disappear, keep the break alerts. If all you need is a cue for the next block, use that one.

## The reminder starts with your plan

Block alerts follow scheduled blocking blocks on your day. A task waiting in the [Inbox](https://reassign.ai/features/inbox) has no start time to announce. Give it a slot on the dial first.

Break and return alerts follow the focus rhythm you use for the work. You can see those working stretches and breaks on the ring, and work through a block in [focus mode](https://reassign.ai/features/focus).

The notification does not decide whether the proposal is still the right next move. Open the day, see what changed, and [reshape the plan](https://reassign.ai/features/reschedule) if you need to. You still choose what gets the hour.

## Turn them on and try one

1. Open **Settings → Notifications** in Reassign.
2. Under **Push notifications**, turn on **this device**.
3. Allow notifications when your browser asks.
4. Choose the alert types. **Items** holds Block starts, Non-blocking item starts, and Reference item starts. **Focus** holds Break starts and Focus resumes.
5. Press **Send test** to check that the notification reaches you.

On **iPhone and iPad**, add Reassign to your **Home Screen** first. Open it from there, then enable the alerts. The settings show a reminder if you still need to install it.

## Every device, each with its own rules

An alert goes to **every device you turned on**, not only the device you used last. The list under **Your devices** shows up to your 50 most recently used devices, and each one that is on gets the alert.

- **Override per device.** Each device can set each alert type to Account (the account choice), On, or Off. Keep break alerts on the laptop and off on the phone, for example.
- **Turn one off from anywhere.** Turn another device off from the list on any device. You turn a device on only on that device, because the browser there must allow notifications.
- **Test any device.** Send test works on this device, and on any other device in the list that is on.
- **Each device gets its own "Back to" alert.** When a break ends and you return to the same block, every device with Focus resumes on gets its own nudge.

If you previously blocked permission, allow notifications in your browser settings. A browser without push support cannot turn alerts on.

You can turn off an alert type for the account or for one device in the same settings. The [short setup guide](https://reassign.ai/docs#block-and-break-alerts) is there whenever you need it.

## Keep the overview and the next step

The [morning brief and evening emails](https://reassign.ai/resources/daily-planner-email) help you plan and look back. Push alerts help with the transitions inside that plan. Their controls are separate, so you can use either or both.

Try block alerts for the hour you most want to protect tomorrow. Give that work a place on the dial, turn on the nudge, and use it as your cue to begin.

Block and break alerts are included in [Pro](https://reassign.ai/pricing): $14/month or $120/year. [Start your 7-day trial](https://reassign.app). No card required. No automatic charge.

## FAQ

### What notifications can Reassign send?

Five alert types. Block starts, Break starts, and Focus resumes are on by default. Non-blocking item starts and Reference item starts are off until you turn them on. Break and focus alerts follow your focus rhythm. Each type has its own switch in Settings → Notifications.

### How do I turn on block and break alerts?

Open Settings → Notifications → Push notifications. Turn on this device, allow browser notifications, choose the alert types you want, and press Send test.

### Do Reassign notifications work on iPhone and iPad?

Add Reassign to your Home Screen first, then open it from there and turn on the device in Settings → Notifications. Allow notifications when prompted and use Send test to check delivery.

### Which device receives the alerts?

Every device where you turned alerts on, up to your 50 most recently used devices. Each device can override each alert type. You can turn another device off from the device list, but you turn a device on only on that device.

### Are these the same as email digests?

No. Block and break alerts are push notifications for transitions during your day. Email digests cover the morning brief, evening planning and reflection prompts, and weekly review. They have separate controls in Settings → Notifications.

### Are notifications included in Pro?

Yes. Block and break alerts are included in Pro and the 7-day no-card trial. Pro costs $14/month or $120/year. The trial does not charge automatically.

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More from Reassign, a 24-hour circular day planner: https://reassign.ai/llms.txt