Frequently Asked Questions
How does FocusMe work?
After you have configured it, FocusMe runs in the background and monitors which websites or applications you are using (information is only stored locally on your PC – it is never uploaded!)
When you visit a blocked site or application, FocusMe detects it, and can take action such as closing the website or application.
Is FocusMe safe to use?
Absolutely! FocusMe is 100% safe to use software. All our files are scanned with VirusTotal.
Do you record my browsing history?
FocusMe can track your browsing history and this is stored locally on your PC (never on our servers). You can turn off activity tracking if you wish in the main settings.
Can I block Applications with FocusMe?
Yes. FocusMe can block any application! Let us know if you have any difficulty to block something and we’ll show you how.
Can I time limit applications or websites at certain times and block them at others?
Yes. With FocusMe you can have multiple plans that are effective at the times you choose daily or weekly. Within each plan you can either block or time limit or limit launches. The possibilities really are endless!
How can I prevent FocusMe being uninstalled?
On Windows you just enable the setting ‘Protect Uninstall’. On macOS there is no need, as you cannot trash the app while it’s running. All you need to do is enable and password protect at least one plan then you are all set! On Android the ‘Protect Uninstall’ feature is only available in the version from us (it’s not allowed in the Google Play version due to Google’s requirements).
What platforms are supported?
Currently Windows, macOS, Linux & Android.
Do you have an iOS / iPhone version?
We are exploring the possibility of making an iOS version but we cannot confirm or provide an ETA yet. You can sign up here to keep informed. Meanwhile, check out Apple’s Screen Time feature which is built-in to iOS 12 and later.
Do you have Linux / Chromebook versions?
Not yet but we plan to make these in future. You can sign up here to keep informed.
Which browsers are supported?
Most common browsers are supported. On Windows we support Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, Brave, Comodo Dragon, AVG Secure Browser, Opera, Torch, Epic Browser, Tor Browser, Slimjet and more. On macOS we support Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Brave and Vivaldi. On Android we support Samsung Internet, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Opera Mini, Brave, Edge & Android browser. If you find a browser not supported let us know and we’ll try to add support for it or you could always just block a browser completely.
What are the browser addons for?
The Chrome and Firefox addons/extensions are recommended for users’ of FocusMe desktop application to improve URL detection. It’s not strictly required as FocusMe has other methods to obtain the URL which generally work very well, but using the addon can improve accuracy and speed of URL detection on some systems.
Is FocusMe Android really free?
Yes it is at the moment! But we may make a premium version in the future.
How can I request a new feature?
Please do that on feature requests page.
Where can I discuss productivity/wellbeing topics with like-minded people?
We have our very own FocusMe Community Forum.
Where can I find tutorials and documentation?
Just head on over to our FocusMe Documentation site.
Where can I download the latest version?
You sign up to download FocusMe here and we will email you the latest download links right away.
Do you offer any student discounts?
Yes! You can get 30% if you are a student or work in education. Use this form to request a discount.
How many devices can I use FocusMe on?
We now allow up to 5 desktop computers per license! (PC or macOS)
A license should not be shared between multiple users unless you are a parent using it for your kids who are under 18.
You may transfer your licenses to new computers if you change them. You get our Android app for free so this does not take up any of your device licenses.
Can FocusMe sync plans between devices?
Yes. FocusMe can sync plans between devices on both Windows and Mac (we are working on the Android version).
Does FocusMe work through a proxy?
Yes! It does not matter if you use a proxy or not. FocusMe can block sites either by URL or by webpage title.
Is it compatible with a VPN?
Yes. It doesn’t matter if you use a VPN. We track your browsers URL anyway.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept credit/debit cards or PayPal. We use Paddle.net for payment processing. On your statement you will see Paddle.net*Focusme
How can I cancel my subscription?
No problems. Just reply to your order email or contact us here. We’ll process your cancelation within 24 hours. (We are currently undergoing an upgrade of our billing system so will provide a link here to manage your subscription yourself when complete.)
How can I get a refund?
Just contact us within 60 days of your purchase and we’ll process your refund within 24 hours.
Does FocusMe require Administrator rights?
Not necessarily. The normal version of FocusMe does require an administrator to install it. But we also have a non-administrator version which can be used in case you do not have administrator rights.
When I switch from trial to paid will I lose all my plans?
No! Just enter your activation code after the trial ends and you will keep all the same plans and settings that you had before.
Why have you removed the lifetime subscription option?
To be able to provide our customers with world-class software and support we have chosen to fully embrace the subscription model. Therefore we have removed the lifetime plan from the available options on our website. We have added an economical 2 year subscription which gives you a substantial saving. We hope that our customers understand the reasons for this change. Please contact us if you need any help finding a payment option that works for you.
What does RegEx mean?
RegEx means Regular Expressions which provides advanced blocking capabilities to FocusMe. Please read more in our guide here.
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