Blocks aren't enforcing

Symptoms

You started a block. The block shows as Active in the app. But the sites you blocked still load, or the apps you blocked still launch. This guide walks through the four layers in order — fix the first thing that's wrong and stop.

Likely causes

• Browser extension not installed or disabled (most common — extension does the in-tab blocking)
• Background daemon not loaded or missing Full Disk Access (handles /etc/hosts and app blocking)
• Permissions denied or revoked after a macOS update
• You're not signed in (blocks require an authenticated session to start)

Diagnostic steps

• 1. Open the app sidebar — confirm the auth pill shows your name, not "Sign in". Blocks won't enforce when signed out.
• 2. Settings → Blocking → Background Service should say "Running". If not, click Start.
• 3. System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access — the FocusDragon daemon must be checked. This is what lets the daemon edit /etc/hosts.
• 4. Safari: Safari → Settings → Extensions → check FocusDragon → Edit Websites → All Websites set to Allow. Chrome: chrome://extensions → FocusDragon → Site access → On all sites.
• 5. Toggle the block Off and back On to re-apply rules. The daemon polls its config.json every 2 seconds; toggling forces a rewrite.

Verify the daemon is actually loaded

launchctl list | grep focusdragon
# Should print a line containing com.focusdragon.daemon
# If it prints nothing, the daemon isn't loaded — reinstall from focusdragon.app

Still stuck? Contact support at hi@focusdragon.app with the output of the launchctl command above.