FocusMe is a website and application blocker for Windows, macOS and Linux, with companion apps for Android and iPhone. Its desktop software offers a trial before a paid licence; mobile blocking is free, with Premium for synchronization.
Targets and exceptions
Each focus plan combines a target list, timing and protection rules. Users can build one in the wizard or start from a Plan Library template.
Website rules match addresses, paths, page titles or regular expressions. A path can block a site’s short-video section while leaving its other pages accessible. The browser extension reports page addresses and applies the chosen response: a block page, tab closure or redirect.
For applications, users pick an installed program or match its process, path or window title. FocusMe can minimize, close or terminate the matching app. Allow-only lists restrict access to specified sites or applications. On Mac, Accessibility permission enables window-title matching; Wayland detection depends on the Linux compositor.
Budgets, visits and goals
A plan’s rule mode determines what access its targets receive. Different schedule intervals can use different modes.
| Mode | Control and result |
|---|---|
| Block | FocusMe denies access to the target list during active intervals. |
| Time Limit | A budget counts down during active use; FocusMe blocks the targets until the chosen period resets. |
| Session Limit | Users set visit counts, visit duration and waiting periods; FocusMe blocks access between sessions. |
| Screen Break | Users choose work and break durations; a full-screen overlay prevents computer use during breaks. |
| Time Goal | Users set a productive Goal List, time threshold and reward period; FocusMe unlocks targets after the goal. |
Time Goal does not apply to whole-computer plans.
Running a timetable
Quick Timer runs a plan for a duration that the user chooses. Weekly Schedule repeats time intervals on particular weekdays. Pomodoro alternates focus periods with short breaks and longer breaks after sets. Multi-Day Plan advances through a sequence of daily timetables.
FocusMe can run several plans together. A floating timer shows progress, while the Today panel shows their overlapping schedules.
Stopping and changing plans
FocusMe separates blocking from permission to stop it. Unlocked plans stop immediately, while stronger presets add typing challenges, delays and pause restrictions. Customize assigns passwords or individual challenges to stopping, pausing, skipping breaks and adding exceptions.
Enforced protection removes the ordinary stop action until the plan ends, subject to partner approval and assisted-stop rules. Protected running plans normally accept stricter changes only. Users can enable partner approval for changes that loosen them.
Approval from another person
An accountability partner confirms an email invitation, then approves or denies requests through email links. Users can also enter a partner’s approval code. They choose which actions a partner may approve. Requests can cover a stop, pause or plan edit; approval can take effect after a delay.
Support-assisted stops follow commitment settings that the user defines in advance. These can add a fee, waiting period, stop limit or lock. A plan-fix request can instead correct mistaken blocking while keeping the plan active.
Usage alongside tasks
Activity separates active use from windows that merely remain visible. Users choose a period and device, filter apps or websites, and sort usage or launch counts. FocusMe also lists blocked attempts and exports activity as CSV. Time reclaimed is an estimate.
The Tasks list takes titles, priorities, categories, due dates and recurrence. Users move items between Not Started, In Progress and Completed. Recurring tasks reset after completion and track streaks.
Coach recommendations
FocusMe Coach compares recorded activity with optional goals, plans and tasks. After signing in and enabling Coach, users choose a period, add context and generate a report. The report identifies usage patterns and suggests plans or task changes. Apply opens a preview for confirmation; Decline rejects a suggestion. Users can ask follow-up questions about the report or export it as PDF.
Coach needs activity recording and at least two days of usage. Its controls can hide app, website and device names, disable collection or delete Coach data.
Across computers and phones
Signing into the same account synchronizes plans between chosen devices. Each plan’s device list determines where it appears, including whether future computers or phones receive it. Activity sync settings control daily totals independently of plans and tasks.
Android detects apps and sites through accessibility services. iPhone uses Apple’s Screen Time to keep blocking after FocusMe closes. On iPhone, time and session limits count selected apps; typed website limits apply on computers. Premium adds computer sync to the phone apps.
