Getting Started
macOS Permissions
Which permissions Focusmo asks for, what each one unlocks, and how to grant them.
Focusmo only requests a permission when you enable the feature that needs it. Here's the full map:
| Permission | Unlocks | When you're asked |
|---|---|---|
| Notifications | Session alerts, break reminders, "app was closed" notices, update alerts | Early on — worth allowing |
| Accessibility | Reading text you select (the capture shortcuts), activity tracking (reading the active app/window), and window arranging for Projects | In onboarding's Bring your tasks step, or when you turn on one of those features |
| Automation (per app) | Website blocking and browser activity tracking — macOS asks separately for each browser; also Things 3 and Music Sync | The first time Focusmo needs to talk to that app |
| Calendar | "Enable DND during meetings" and calendar features | When you turn those on |
| Reminders | The Apple Reminders task integration | When you connect it (in onboarding or Settings) |
Granting Accessibility
- When prompted, click through to System Settings (Focusmo deep-links you to the right page), or go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility manually.
- Enable the toggle next to Focusmo.
- If a feature still doesn't work, quit and relaunch Focusmo.
Granting Automation
macOS shows the Automation prompt — "Focusmo wants to control Safari" — the first time website blocking touches each browser. Click Allow for every browser you use. If you dismissed it, re-enable in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Automation → Focusmo.
Denied a permission by accident? Everything is recoverable from System Settings → Privacy & Security — find the relevant category and flip the Focusmo toggle back on.