← Back to Home

Help & FAQ

Find answers to common questions about FocusGuard

Need help or want to share feedback?

Leave a review or report issues on the Chrome Web Store page. Your feedback helps us improve FocusGuard for everyone!

🚀 Quick Start Guide

Get Started in 3 Steps:

  1. Install the Extension:
    Go to Chrome Web Store and click "Add to Chrome". The extension will be installed immediately.
  2. Configure Your Settings:
    Click the FocusGuard icon in your toolbar, then click "⚙️ Settings". Set your work hours (default: 10 AM - 6 PM) and add websites to block (e.g., facebook.com, twitter.com, youtube.com).
  3. Start Focusing:
    During your work hours, FocusGuard will automatically block the websites on your list. Click "Save Settings" and you're ready to be productive!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add websites to block?
  1. Click the FocusGuard icon in your Chrome toolbar
  2. Click "⚙️ Settings" to open the options page
  3. In the "Blocked Websites" section, enter the domain (e.g., facebook.com)
  4. Click "Add Website"
  5. Click "Save Settings" at the bottom
Note: Only enter the domain name, not the full URL (no http:// or https://).
How do I change my work hours?
Go to Settings → Adjust "Work Start Time" and "Work End Time" → Select your work days → Click "Save Settings". Blocking will only happen during the hours and days you specify.
What is the Snooze feature?
When you try to visit a blocked site, you'll see a "Snooze" button. This temporarily disables blocking for 1, 5, or 10 minutes, allowing quick access when needed. Use it sparingly for best results!
Can I temporarily disable blocking?
Yes! Two ways:
  • Popup Method: Click the extension icon → Toggle "Enable Blocking" off
  • Settings Method: Go to Settings → Uncheck "Enable website blocking"
Remember to turn it back on when you're ready to focus again!
How do I see my productivity stats?
Click the extension icon → Click "📊 Stats". You'll see:
  • Total blocks (today, this week, all time)
  • Time saved (estimated at 3 minutes per block)
  • Your current streak
  • Daily breakdown graph
Will FocusGuard work in Incognito mode?
By default, Chrome extensions don't work in Incognito mode. To enable:
  1. Go to chrome://extensions/
  2. Find FocusGuard
  3. Click "Details"
  4. Enable "Allow in Incognito"
Does FocusGuard collect my browsing history?
No! FocusGuard only tracks:
  • The number of sites you blocked (not which sites)
  • Anonymous usage patterns (to improve the extension)
Your browsing history, specific URLs, and personal information are never collected. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Is FocusGuard really free?
Yes! FocusGuard is 100% free with all features included. No hidden costs, no premium tiers, no credit card required. Our mission is to help people be more productive.

🔧 Troubleshooting

❌ Websites aren't being blocked

Solutions:

  • Verify you're within work hours
  • Check today is a selected work day
  • Ensure "Enable Blocking" is ON
  • Confirm the site is in your block list
  • Try refreshing the page

❌ Extension icon not showing

Solution:

Click the puzzle piece icon in Chrome toolbar → Find FocusGuard → Click the pin icon to keep it visible

❌ Settings aren't saving

Solutions:

  • Click "Save Settings" button
  • Check Chrome sync is enabled
  • Try restarting Chrome
  • Check for error messages

❌ Snooze isn't working

Solution:

Make sure you clicked one of the snooze duration buttons (1, 5, or 10 min). Check the extension popup to see remaining snooze time.

✅ How to reset everything

Fresh Start:

  1. Go to chrome://extensions/
  2. Find FocusGuard
  3. Click "Remove"
  4. Reinstall from Chrome Web Store

✅ Export your settings

Backup:

Your settings automatically sync via Chrome Sync. To backup manually, note down your work hours and blocked sites list.

📥 Installation Guide

Installing from Chrome Web Store
  1. Visit the FocusGuard page on Chrome Web Store
  2. Click the "Add to Chrome" button
  3. Confirm by clicking "Add extension" in the popup
  4. The extension icon will appear in your toolbar
  5. Click the icon to start configuring!
System Requirements
  • Browser: Google Chrome (latest version recommended)
  • OS: Windows, Mac, Linux, or ChromeOS
  • Permissions: Storage, declarativeNetRequest, tabs
  • Disk Space: Less than 1 MB

💪 Tips for Best Results

1. Start with Major Distractions
Begin by blocking your top 3-5 most distracting sites. Common ones: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Reddit, Instagram. You can always add more later.
2. Set Realistic Work Hours
Don't block 24/7! Set your actual work hours so you have guilt-free browsing time. Most people find 8-10 hour work blocks effective.
3. Use Snooze Sparingly
The snooze feature is for emergencies, not regular use. If you're snoozing constantly, consider adjusting your blocked sites list or work hours.
4. Check Your Stats Weekly
Review your productivity stats to see progress and identify patterns. Celebrate your streaks and adjust your strategy based on the data.
5. Disable on Weekends (Optional)
In Settings, uncheck Saturday and Sunday if you want full internet freedom on weekends. Find your own work-life balance!

Still Have Questions?

Check the Chrome Web Store page for more information and community discussions.

You can also review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service