Short Description

Blocking Schedule lets you automatically apply a block list at specific times and days.

What This Feature Does

• Automatically blocks selected apps and websites based on a schedule
• Runs without manual activation
• Uses a selected Block List during the scheduled time
• Applies a chosen strictness level to control how easily blocking can be paused

Supported Devices

• Windows
• Mac
• Android
• iOS

What It Can Block

• Apps and websites added to your Block List
• Blocking behavior depends on the selected Focus Mode / Block List

How to Set Up Blocking Schedule

On Mac or Windows

1. Open the app menu from the System Tray (Windows) or Menu Bar (Mac)
   
   
2. Click Preferences
   
3. Go to the Blocking section
   
4. Open Blocking Schedule and click the ‘Add a new Block’ button.
   
5. Enter a Block Name
   
6. Select the days when the schedule will run
   
7. Set the start and end time.
   
8. Select the Block List to use
   
9. Choose a strictness level:
   

• Chill Mode
  You can pause the schedule immediately
  
• Wait for It
  You must wait 15 minutes before pausing
  
• Iron Focus

• You cannot switch to another block list
• You cannot start another focus session with a different block list
  
• If Partner Password is enabled, a password is required to pause
  
• If Partner Password is not enabled, the schedule cannot be paused until a password is set
  

10. (Optional) Enable additional options:
    

• Skip microbreaks
• Use AI to decide if a website should be allowed
  

11. Click:

• Save changes to apply
• Delete to remove the schedule
• Cancel to discard changes

On Android or iOS

1. Open the Focus Bear app
2. Go to the Settings tab
   
   
3. Tap Blocking Schedule
   
4. Tap Add a block to create a new schedule, or select an existing one to edit
   
   
5. Enter a Block Name

• You can also change the icon
  
  

6. Set the start and end time
   
   
7. Select the days when the schedule will run
   
   
8. Add apps to block:

• Tap Choose apps
  
• Select the apps
  
• Tap Save changes
  
  

9. Add websites to block:
   

• Tap Enable accessibility if not already enabled
  
  
• Tap Allow
  
  
• Find Focus Bear and enable it
  
  
  
• Return to the app
• Enter or paste URLs, or select from suggested sites
  
• Tap Save
  
  

10. Choose blocking level:

• Gentle Block
  Allows immediate pause with a short mindfulness prompt
  
• Strict Blocking
  Blocks apps immediately
  Requires Partner Password (if enabled) to pause
  

11. Tap Save

Common Questions

Can I choose which sites to block?
Yes. You can customize your Block List in settings.

Does the app read the content of websites I visit?
No. The app only checks the URL.
If AI blocking is enabled, it only checks limited metadata such as the page title and a short preview of the content.

Does the app store the websites I visit?
No. Focus Bear does not store your browsing history.

Troubleshooting

Problem
Blocking Schedule did not start

Possible cause
Schedule time or days are not set correctly

Solution
Check the selected days and time range

Problem
Cannot pause blocking

Possible cause
Strict mode or Iron Focus is enabled

Solution

• Wait if using "Wait for It"
• Enter Partner Password if required
• Adjust strictness settings if needed

Problem
Cannot use other Focus Modes

Possible cause
The Blocking Schedule is set to a strictness level such as Iron Focus, which prevents switching to other block lists or Focus Modes

Solution
Check the strictness level of your Blocking Schedule

• If set to Iron Focus, you will not be able to switch Focus Modes
• Change the strictness level to a less restrictive option if you need flexibility

Related Features

• Partner Password
• Block List
• Website Blocking