Focus Lock Guide

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iOS - Guided Access

Perfect for parents who want to ensure their child stays focused during the session. The app includes guided breathing mode with 6-breaths-per-minute rhythm for enhanced focus.

1. Enable Guided Access
   Go to Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access → Turn on Guided Access
2. Set Passcode
   Tap "Passcode Settings" → Set a 4-digit code (remember this!)
3. Launch the App
   Open "10 Minutes of Nothing" and start a timer session
4. Activate Guided Access
   Triple-click the side button (or home button on older devices)
5. Configure Options
   Tap "Options" → Turn OFF "Touch" and "Motion" → Tap "Start"

🤖

Android - Screen Pinning

Android's built-in screen pinning feature to keep the app locked in place.

1. Enable Screen Pinning
   Go to Settings → Security → Screen Pinning → Turn on "Pin windows"
2. Launch the App
   Open "10 Minutes of Nothing" and start a timer session
3. Open Recent Apps
   Swipe up from the bottom (or use the recent apps button)
4. Pin the App
   Tap the app icon at the top of the recent apps screen → Select "Pin"
5. Confirm Pinning
   Tap "Got it" to confirm screen pinning is active

💻

Desktop Browsers

For desktop users who want to minimize distractions during their pause.

1. Enter Fullscreen
   Press F11 (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Ctrl+F (Mac) when the app is open
2. Close Other Tabs
   Close all other browser tabs and applications
3. Disable Notifications
   Turn on Do Not Disturb mode on your computer
4. Start Your Session
   Begin your timer and resist the urge to check other apps

Why lock your screen during a mindfulness pause?

A pause that you can interrupt yourself is not a pause — it's a countdown with an escape hatch. The urge to check a notification, respond to a message, or "just look something up" is strongest in the first two minutes of any break. Locking the screen removes the option entirely, so you're not spending mental energy resisting it.

This is especially important for mindfulness practices, where the goal is genuine disengagement from task-mode thinking. Partial availability — phone in hand, app open, just not actively using it — is not the same as full rest. The research on micro-break effectiveness consistently shows that intentional disengagement matters more than what you do during the break.

Which method to use

• iOS (Guided Access): Strongest lock — disables touch, buttons, and notifications. Best for deep sessions or when helping a child focus.
• Android (Screen Pinning): Keeps the app in the foreground and prevents navigation. Quick to enable, easy to exit.
• Desktop: Fullscreen + Do Not Disturb is sufficient for most people. The browser environment is less intrusive than a phone screen.

Do I need to lock every time?

No. If you can sit for 10 minutes without picking up your phone, you don't need to lock anything. Use these features when you notice you're unable to leave the screen alone, or when you want to make it structurally impossible — not just a matter of willpower.