Before you begin
- Make sure your device runs iOS 18 or later.
- Allow FocusPause to use Screen Time when iOS asks.
- Add the apps you want to protect and create your purposes in FocusPause first.
Create an “App Is Opened” automation
- Open Apple Shortcuts and go to Automation.
- Create a personal automation and select App.
- Choose the distracting app, select Is Opened, and set it to run immediately.
- Add the FocusPause start action, then save.
- Open the distracting app from your Home Screen to confirm that the pause appears.
Why did nothing happen when the app opened?
- Check that the automation targets the correct app and uses Is Opened.
- Make sure the automation is set to run immediately.
- Confirm that FocusPause still has Screen Time permission.
- After a system update, open Shortcuts and save the automation again.
Free and Premium
The free version protects up to 2 apps and includes the core pause, purpose, and intended time flow. Premium adds more protected apps, custom purposes, per-app breathing settings, and deeper review insights. Products and prices shown by the App Store are authoritative.
Data and privacy
Focus records are stored locally on your device, and the developer does not collect or upload personal data. Subscriptions and purchases are handled by Apple through the App Store.