Here you'll find quick answers to the most common questions. If you can't find what you're looking for, email us at [email protected].
Why am I not getting notifications when a session or break ends?
Check these in order:
- iOS Settings → Focus Friend → Notifications: this must be set to "Allow Notifications" with sounds enabled.
- In Focus Friend, the Sounds toggle in Settings must be ON.
- If your iPhone is on Silent or in a Focus mode, iOS blocks regular notification sounds → turn on "Priority alerts" in Focus Friend's settings: notifications become time-sensitive and bypass Silent/Focus.
- For a true alarm that rings loudly even on Silent, turn on "End-of-session alarm" (requires iOS 26+).
Why can't Focus Friend block certain specific apps?
For privacy reasons, Apple doesn't allow an app to block other apps by name (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.). The only permitted method is Apple's system "Screen Time" picker, which opens when you tap "Apps to block" in Focus Friend's settings.
The first time, you'll need to grant Screen Time permission. From then on, you can select the apps and categories to block during focus.
Limits of Apple's system:
- Some system apps (Phone, Messages, Mail) can't be blocked.
- You have to select the apps from Apple's picker we can't choose them for you.
Why don't I hear the sound when my iPhone is on Silent or in Focus?
On Silent/Focus, iOS blocks regular notification sounds. To hear them:
- Turn on "Priority alerts" in Focus Friend → notifications become time-sensitive and bypass Silent/Focus.
- Or, for the strongest option (a loud alarm-like sound and a full-screen alert even on Silent), turn on "End-of-session alarm" (iOS 26+).