Question 1

Can I customize sessions?

Accepted Answer

Timer or stopwatch. In timer mode you can pick your session length. Hold-to-unlock is adjustable (1–10s) in Settings.

Question 2

How do ads work in Lock In?

Accepted Answer

Free Version: Stopwatch mode shows an ad when you lock out. Timer mode shows an ad if you lock out early, but no ad if you complete the timer. Help Dev button lets you watch an ad for 10 bonus minutes. Lock In Premium ($2.99) lets you toggle ads on or off.

Question 3

How are streaks calculated?

Accepted Answer

Consecutive days with completed focus time; missing a day resets the streak.

Question 4

What is Lock In Premium?

Accepted Answer

Lock In Premium is available as a one-time purchase for $2.99, which allows you to toggle ads on or off in the app. No subscription required—pay once and enjoy ad-free focus sessions forever.

Question 5

Is anything paywalled?

Accepted Answer

No core features are paywalled. All blocking, timers, stats, and customization are completely free. Premium only removes ads and interstitials.

Question 6

How does blocking work without root/jailbreak?

Accepted Answer

Lock In leverages native OS APIs: Screen Time on iOS and Usage Access on Android. When you try to open a blocked app, Lock In shows an alert and requires hold-to-unlock. No root or jailbreak needed.

Question 7

Is my data private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lock In follows iOS App Tracking Transparency (ATT) guidelines and includes in-app consent reset options. We don't sell or share your information.

Question 8

How do I delete my account and data?

Accepted Answer

You can delete your account directly in the app by going to Settings > Danger Zone > Delete Account. This will permanently remove your account and all associated data. If you need manual assistance or have further questions about data deletion, please visit our Contact page.

Question 9

Does iOS support whitelisting?

Accepted Answer

No, due to iOS API limitations. Apple's Screen Time framework only supports blacklisting (blocking specific apps), not whitelisting (allowing only specific apps). Android users get both whitelist and blacklist modes.

Question 10

Will ads interrupt my focus?

Accepted Answer

Optional rewarded ads give you +10 bonus minutes when you choose to watch them. Interstitials may appear on early unlock if enabled, but you can remove all ads with Premium. Ads are designed to be non-intrusive to your focus sessions.

Question 11

Can I bypass the blocking?

Accepted Answer

Yes—Lock In uses friction, not force. The hold-to-unlock delay creates a conscious pause, but you can still exit if truly needed. This is intentional: the goal is to help you make better choices, not trap you. Self-control beats strict locks.

Question 12

What's the difference between stopwatch and timer modes?

Accepted Answer

Stopwatch mode is open-ended—great for tasks without deadlines (like Tim Urban's long-term procrastination). Timer mode sets a specific duration (HH:MM:SS) and rewards you with bonus time after completion. Both block distractions during the session.

Question 13

Are streaks preserved across devices?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you're signed in with an account. Your stats, streaks, and minutes sync across iOS and Android devices so you never lose progress when switching phones.

Question 14

Can I change between dark and light mode?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can toggle between dark and light mode in the app Settings. Dark mode is great for low-light environments and reduces eye strain, while light mode works well in bright conditions. See dark mode in action on the How It Works page (iOS section shows dark mode screenshots).

Question 15

Why does the timer keep locking me even after it's done? (iOS only)

Accepted Answer

This is a known iOS-specific bug where the timer doesn't go into negative time and continues to lock you out even after the session ends. Workaround: Lock in again, then immediately lock out. This will reset the timer state and resolve the issue. We're actively working on fixing this bug in an upcoming iOS update. This issue does not affect Android users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize sessions?

How do ads work in Lock In?

How are streaks calculated?

What privacy and data controls do I have?

What permissions are required and why?

How can I get in contact?

What is Lock In Premium?

How do I delete my account and data?

Is anything paywalled?

Does iOS support whitelisting?

Will ads interrupt my focus?

How does blocking work without root/jailbreak?

Is my data private?

Can I bypass the blocking?

What's the difference between stopwatch and timer modes?

Are streaks preserved across devices?

Can I change between dark and light mode?

Why does the timer keep locking me even after it's done? (iOS only)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize sessions?

How do ads work in Lock In?

How are streaks calculated?

What privacy and data controls do I have?

What permissions are required and why?

How can I get in contact?

What is Lock In Premium?

How do I delete my account and data?

Is anything paywalled?

Does iOS support whitelisting?

Will ads interrupt my focus?

How does blocking work without root/jailbreak?

Is my data private?

Can I bypass the blocking?

What's the difference between stopwatch and timer modes?

Are streaks preserved across devices?

Can I change between dark and light mode?

Why does the timer keep locking me even after it's done? (iOS only)