How can we help?

Get FORBEAR and check compatibility

FORBEAR is an iPhone app and requires iOS 18.5 or later. Open the App Store listing for the latest version, current compatibility, and the developer’s App Support contact.

Protection is not starting

1. Open FORBEAR and go to the Shield tab, then check Daily allowance and Schedules.
2. Confirm that you selected at least one app, website, or category and that your allowance or schedule is active.
3. Check FORBEAR’s Screen Time authorization. If iOS removed access, grant it again when FORBEAR asks.
4. Make sure the device date, time, and time zone are set correctly.
5. Open FORBEAR once after restarting your iPhone or changing Screen Time settings so protection can refresh.

Apple controls the underlying Screen Time frameworks. iOS updates, revoked authorization, background limits, or conflicting Screen Time settings can delay or prevent shielding.

An app is blocked unexpectedly

Open FORBEAR and review your active Focus session, daily allowance, and schedules. If the daily allowance is what is blocking and you need a little longer, More time offers up to three grants per day, each after a one minute wait or a key scan. For real emergencies, the Emergency pause at the bottom of the Shield tab lifts protection for 60 minutes once per week, resetting on Monday. The button appears only while something is blocking. If the protection requires a physical key, use a saved NFC tag or scan a FORBEAR QR key. Avoid selecting apps you may need for emergencies, authentication, travel, work, or healthcare.

NFC key help

• On the Shield tab, open Physical keys, choose Add NFC tag, and follow the scan prompt.
• Use a compatible physical NFC tag. Payment cards, transit cards, and Apple Wallet items are not supported recovery keys.
• Hold the top of the iPhone close to the tag and keep it still until the scan completes.
• Adding or testing a key does not start protection or use up the emergency pause.

FORBEAR does not pair with, write to, or store the contents or unique identifier of a tag. It remembers only the name you choose and when you added it.

QR key help

Create a FORBEAR QR key under Shield → Physical keys → Create QR key, then print it or store it somewhere outside easy reach. To use it, choose the QR recovery option and allow camera access. FORBEAR does not save or upload camera images.

Treat the QR image like a key: anyone who can present a working copy may be able to release key-protected time. Ordinary QR codes will not work.

Notifications are missing

1. In FORBEAR, open Settings → Notifications and enable the reminder type you want.
2. If permission is off, tap Open Settings and allow notifications for FORBEAR in iPhone Settings.
3. Check Focus modes, Scheduled Summary, and Lock Screen preview settings in iOS.
4. Open FORBEAR after time-zone or schedule changes so upcoming reminders can refresh.

Schedule reminders are prepared up to 14 days ahead and remain subject to iOS notification limits.

Widgets or a Live Activity are stale

Open FORBEAR to refresh current state, then return to the Home or Lock Screen. For widgets, long-press the Home Screen, remove the FORBEAR widget, and add it again if needed. Check that Live Activities are allowed for FORBEAR in iPhone Settings. Low Power Mode and iOS background scheduling can delay updates.

Purchase or restore is not working

1. Confirm that you are signed in to the Apple Account used for the purchase.
2. Check your internet connection and Apple’s System Status.
3. Open the Forbear Plus plan screen from Settings → Subscription → Choose a plan and tap Restore.
4. If status still cannot be verified, wait briefly and try again. FORBEAR may show the last verified entitlement while offline, but an expired cached entitlement cannot confirm access.

Manage or cancel through Apple Subscriptions. Cancellation takes effect after the paid period. Deleting FORBEAR does not cancel billing. Refund eligibility is decided by Apple. Request one at Report a Problem.

Have an offer code? Tap Redeem code at the bottom of the plans screen or in Settings → Subscription, or use the redemption link you were given. Apple’s sheet opens and the subscription unlocks when it completes. If it doesn’t, tap Restore.

Delete local data

Open Settings → Privacy & data.

• Delete all local data releases FORBEAR’s restrictions and removes local history, habits, protection setup, saved NFC keys, and preferences. A minimal safety record remains long enough to finish cleanup and preserve this week’s emergency pause and today’s more-time count.

This is irreversible. It does not cancel your Apple subscription or delete Apple or RevenueCat purchase records.

Privacy questions

FORBEAR has no user account. Everyday activity stays on your device, detailed Screen Time reports remain inside the report extension, and Apple plus RevenueCat handle the limited information needed for subscriptions. Read the full Privacy Policy for data, deletion, and rights details.

Send feedback or report a bug

In FORBEAR, open Settings and tap Have ideas? Found a bug?. Choose Bug, Idea or Other, write your message, and add your email if you’d like a reply. If it doesn’t send, email support@theforbearapp.com.

Contact support and feedback

Email support@theforbearapp.com. You can also use the App Support contact on FORBEAR’s App Store listing. Include your iPhone model, iOS version, FORBEAR version, what you expected, what happened, and the steps that reproduce the issue.

Please do not send passwords, full purchase receipts, Screen Time details, NFC data, or QR recovery keys. If a screenshot is useful, remove personal information first.