AVOW

AVOW Support

We answer every message. Email us any time: support@avowfocus.com.

Getting started

Set a target of real, focused minutes, place your phone where the front camera can see you, and start the session. AVOW counts time only while you are present. Get up and the countdown freezes until you return; with alarms on, an alarm also calls you back. At the end you get the honest number: how long you sat versus how long AVOW verified.

Why AVOW needs the camera

AVOW uses your device camera during verified work sessions to confirm you are present while the timer runs. Camera processing happens entirely on your device: frames are analyzed in memory and immediately discarded. Video is not recorded and not uploaded; no footage exists to send anywhere. Presence detection runs during a Verified Focus session you started. In app versions that support desk check-in, the rear camera runs only after you choose to scan. The operating system shows its camera indicator when the camera is active; the small AVOW brand dot is decorative and does not indicate recording.

Computer Work in your browser

On a supported computer browser, you can start with your laptop webcam and an entire-screen share; a phone is not required. AVOW checks for your presence and readable work locally and sends only the limited verification state needed for your session. Setup and uncertain intervals earn no Verified time. Losing the webcam, screen share or qualifying work pauses credit. You can also pair the iPhone or iPad app when you prefer that camera.

Presence detection tips

Phone distraction detection

During every Verified Focus session, AVOW checks on your device whether a phone is visible in the camera's view near your work area. A sustained detection pauses verified time and contributes to the distraction total. This verification rule cannot be turned off; Tracking & sound changes only whether AVOW plays a warning. AVOW cannot read a phone's screen or detect phone use outside the camera's view. Personal Focus does not use the camera check.

Why AVOW asks for location (optional)

AVOW asks for location permission only if you choose to join regional leaderboards from the Community tab. Your device location is read once, at the moment you verify, and our server keeps only the coarse region it resolves to: country, state or province, and county or city. Precise coordinates are never stored, there is no background tracking, and you can remove your verified region at any time in Account. Skipping location changes nothing about sessions, alarms, or any other core feature.

Alarms

With alarms on, leaving your desk pauses the timer and rings your chosen alarm until you return. Turn alarms off for quiet focus; Verified Focus still checks presence. Pick from the included library, a voice alarm, a personal recording, or imported audio, and set the volume in Settings.

Backup alarms on iOS 26+ (AlarmKit)

If you walk away and background the app, AVOW can schedule a system backup alarm so the away alert still reaches you. System backup alarms play a bundled AVOW alarm sound; iOS does not play personal recordings or voice alarms for system alarms; those play when AVOW itself is in the foreground. Returning to the session cancels the backup alarm.

Recording a personal alarm

AVOW uses the microphone only when you choose to record a personal alarm; permission is requested at the moment you tap record, never before. Recordings are stored locally on your device. AVOW does not upload them; an explicit export or share sends audio to the destination you select. Rename or delete them any time in the Alarm Library.

Imported alarm audio

You can import an audio file as an alarm. The copy stays in AVOW's private local storage and is never uploaded. Please only import audio you have the rights to use.

The three free sessions

AVOW includes three free sessions, shared between Verified Focus and Personal Focus. In the upcoming update, a legitimate start uses one shared session receipt. Previewing, retrying or continuing the same session never consumes another. Signed-in free starts check the account allowance online; the active timer can continue offline. Previously used allowance is preserved. Afterwards, either mode requires Passport or a $0.99 session purchase in the US, where available. In the upcoming update, these Space locks apply only to Verified Focus. Personal Focus allows every Space and destination with any valid session access; every Space can be previewed before starting.

AVOW Passport pricing

Passport is the current name for the membership previously called AVOW Pro. The name change does not change an existing subscription.

Prices may vary by region; the exact price is always shown in the app before you buy.

How the free trial works

The trial exists on the annual plan only, and Apple determines eligibility on iPhone and iPad (typically first-time subscribers). If you are eligible, the paywall says so before you confirm. Payment begins when the trial ends unless you cancel at least 24 hours earlier; if you are not eligible, the annual plan is charged immediately. AVOW never grants trial access on its own; the purchase provider applies the trial at checkout. Browser offers, when available, show the eligible trial and renewal terms before confirmation.

Restore Purchases

Already subscribed but Passport is not active (new phone, reinstall)? Open AVOW, go to the subscription screen, and select Restore Purchases. Restoring reloads your subscription from Apple; you are never charged again for an active subscription.

Managing or cancelling your subscription

Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Manage or cancel any time in your Apple ID settings (Settings → your name → Subscriptions). Browser subscriptions, when offered, are managed through the checkout provider’s Manage subscription link; their receipts identify the provider. App Store refunds are handled by Apple under App Store policies at reportaproblem.apple.com.

AVOW on your computer

Use AVOW in your browser for Computer Work with your webcam and an entire-screen share. Open the browser app and sign in with your AVOW account. Open Passport in the browser to see available checkout options. If online checkout is unavailable, get Passport or sessions in the iPhone and iPad app and use Restore Purchases there; sign in on your computer with the same AVOW account to use eligible access there.

Privacy questions

The full policy is at /privacy. Camera frames stay on your device and are not recorded or uploaded. Optional accounts sync profile details, verified summaries, tasks, schedules and preferences. Apple and RevenueCat process purchases; Clerk handles sign-in. Optional region verification sends coordinates briefly to resolve a coarse region. The full policy explains these flows and your choices.

Passport and Space progress in the upcoming update

Your AVOW Passport is included with the Passport membership. It displays verified accomplishments and one collectible stamp per eligible destination. Repeat visits remain in your history without creating duplicate destination stamps. In the upcoming update, new Personal Focus sessions have no saved accomplishments. One illustrated connection represents one qualifying focus minute. Virtual ascent is shown in feet and bridge distance in miles, not real-world movement. Onboarding and previews award nothing.

Scheduled focus availability

Expanded scheduled-focus controls depend on device support and permissions. Reminder sends a notification. Alarm uses an authorised Apple system alarm where available; Apple provides its Stop action. Desk check-in recognises a desk on your device to acknowledge the prompt, not to prove completed work. Protected sessions shield only selected distracting apps until the stated condition, deadline or safe cancellation. Emergency exit never records completed work. Browser sessions do not provide iPhone system alarms or app shields.

Reporting a technical problem

Email support@avowfocus.com and include:

What we will never ask for

We will never ask for your Apple ID password, verification codes, payment card numbers, camera footage, or your personal alarm recordings. Never send passwords or payment details by email.