Guide
Set up your Tag and start your first focus session. Find help with schedules, places and connected devices below.
From setup to your next scan.
Open freeself on your iPhone, sign in and allow Screen Time access. Then create a mode with the apps and websites you want to put aside for a while.
In Allow mode, you choose which apps stay available instead. Notifications are optional and can be enabled during setup.
Choose your mode on Home and tap the circle to start scanning. Hold the top of your iPhone near your freeself Tag and wait for confirmation.
Your mode is now active. Open a selected app to check that it is blocked.
Leave the Tag out of reach. Make room for studying, work, or an evening where you are truly present.
Your focus time counts towards your daily goal and Streak. Breaks do not count as focus time.
Open freeself and scan your Tag again to end your session. Your summary shows how long you stayed focused.
If a schedule or Place is also active, its restrictions may still apply.
Start sessions on your iPhone. Connect your iPad and Mac to follow the same session status.
A schedule starts your mode automatically on the days and at the times you choose.
Link a mode to a location, such as your library or workplace.
A break temporarily lifts restrictions while your session continues.
Your daily goal sets how much focus time you aim to complete each day.
Set your daily focus goal and follow your progress in the Streak tab. The path shows your next milestones. Breaks do not count as focus time.
Start with the situation that matches your issue. You can find more answers on the support page.
freeself needs Screen Time access to block apps. Reopen the app and follow the permission prompt. Check access for freeself under Screen Time in iPhone Settings. If you are stuck, contact support.
Start the scan in the app, hold the top of your iPhone close to the Tag and wait briefly. Try a slightly different angle and remove a thick or metallic case if necessary. Check for a scan or error message on screen.
Check which mode is active and whether the app is included. In Allow mode, selected apps remain available. Also check Screen Time access and whether a break is active.
Sign-in and Cross-Device syncing need internet. An offline following device can receive session starts, breaks and endings only after reconnecting. Reconnect your devices and check their session status.
A schedule, place or another session may still be active. Check the active sources in the app. Ending one does not remove restrictions from the others.
Check that freeself is allowed to send notifications in iPhone Settings. An iOS Focus or notification summary can affect delivery. Blocking works independently of notifications.
Manage and disable location rules in Places on your iPhone. If restrictions remain, also check schedules and Tag sessions. iPad and Mac are following devices.
Tell us which step you are stuck on. Your device and app version will help us answer.
Visit the support page →