1. Screen Time permission not working
PauseMate requires Screen Time (FamilyControls) permission to display pauses before you open selected apps. If the permission prompt didn't appear, or you denied it:
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Tap Screen Time
- Make sure Screen Time is turned on
- Go back to PauseMate and re-open the app — the permission prompt should appear again
If you previously denied the permission, you may need to go to Settings → General → PauseMate and re-enable Screen Time access, or uninstall and reinstall the app.
2. Apps not showing during setup
If the app picker is empty when you try to select apps to pause, Screen Time permission hasn't been granted yet. PauseMate needs this permission before it can see your installed apps.
- Go back to the permissions step in onboarding
- Grant Screen Time access when prompted
- Return to the app selection step — your apps will appear
If you skipped onboarding, go to Settings within PauseMate and tap Manage Paused Apps to add apps after granting permission.
3. Nudges not appearing
If you open a paused app and don't see a breathing exercise or reflection prompt:
- Check that the app is in your paused list (Settings → Manage Paused Apps)
- Make sure you haven't already unlocked the app with a recent intent-based unlock (the timer may still be active)
- Restart your iPhone — this refreshes the shield extension that displays nudges
PauseMate's nudges are powered by an iOS system extension. After an iOS update or if your phone has been off for a while, a restart ensures the extension is running.
4. Focus Sessions not blocking apps
Focus Sessions use hardware-enforced blocking via Apple's FamilyControls. If apps aren't being blocked during a session:
- Confirm the session is active (you'll see a countdown on the Home tab)
- Check that the apps you want blocked are selected for the session
- Ensure Screen Time permission is still granted (Settings → Screen Time)
- If you recently updated iOS, restart your device
5. Subscription & billing
PauseMate Premium is billed through Apple. We don't handle payments directly.
- Manage your subscription: Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions → PauseMate
- Cancel: Use the same path above. You'll keep Premium until the end of your billing period
- Restore purchases: Open PauseMate → Settings → Restore Purchases
- Refund: Request a refund through reportaproblem.apple.com
Free features (unlimited shield rules, escalating friction, quick focus sessions, streaks, weekly audit, intent-based unlock) are free forever. No trial, no expiry.
6. Deleting your data
All your data is stored on your device. You can delete everything in two ways:
- In-app: Settings → Delete All Data. This permanently removes all history, reflections, streaks, and preferences
- Uninstall: Removing PauseMate from your device deletes all associated data
We don't store any of your data on servers, so there's nothing else to clear. Deletion is immediate and permanent.
7. Battery usage
PauseMate uses minimal battery. The shield extension runs only when you open a paused app — it doesn't run in the background. Focus Sessions use Apple's system-level blocking, which is highly efficient.
If you notice unusual battery drain, check Settings → Battery on your iPhone. PauseMate should typically show less than 1% usage. If it's higher, please let us know with a screenshot so we can investigate.
8. Privacy & data
PauseMate is built on a simple principle: your data stays on your device. We have no servers, no analytics, no tracking. For full details, read our Privacy Policy.
- No account required
- No data leaves your device
- App selections use opaque tokens — we can't see which apps you chose
- Reflection responses are stored locally and never transmitted