Q: What’s the difference between “Block” and “Focus” in DigitalZen?

At DigitalZen, we believe productivity has two layers: Blocking distractions Laser-sharp focus That’s why we offer two powerful tools: 1. Block Distractions Schedule blocking for apps or websites during specific times and days (or altogether). It’s perfect for creating structure and reducing daily interruptions. You can also set a whitelist of allowed websites/apps — effectively creating a scheduled focus session . 2. Focus Session Start a deep focus mode where everything is blocked , except for the apps and websites you specifically allow . It’s your digital do-not-disturb zone. Use “Block” for routine control, and “Focus” when you want full concentration, on demand.

Q: Do I need to be tech-savvy to install and configure DigitalZen?

Not at all. DigitalZen is built to be super simple to install and use - we even tested it on our parents and only launched it when they could do it without help. In the rare cases when you run into trouble, we’re always here to help you out quickly and kindly.

Q: Which operating systems does DigitalZen support for app blocking?

DigitalZen is compatible with Windows , Mac , and Linux to help you stay focused across all your devices: Windows : Officially supports: Windows 10 and 11 (with plans to support Windows 12 after release) Also works on : Windows 7 and 8 Mac : Officially supports : macOS 11+ (Big Sur and newer) Also works on : macOS El Capitan through Catalina (unofficial support) Linux : Debian-based : Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, Zorin OS, Kali Linux, and more Red Hat-based : Fedora, CentOS Stream, RHEL, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, and more Arch-based : Arch Linux, Manjaro, and more

Q: Can I block a website without an extension/addon?

Short answer: No. Long answer: We ask you to install the extension because browsers act like black boxes – we can’t see what site you’re on or display a blocking page. Only after installing the extension does the browser allow us to interact with it.

Q: Can I block websites by wildcard?

Yes! DigitalZen lets you block websites using wildcards. For example: * .facebook.com – blocks all of Facebook subdomains. facebook.com/groups/ * – blocks any group (and allows the rest) facebook.com/profile.php?id= * – blocks any profile (and allows the rest)

Question 1

What’s the difference between “Block” and “Focus” in DigitalZen?

Accepted Answer

At DigitalZen, we believe productivity has two layers:

Blocking distractions
Laser-sharp focus

That’s why we offer two powerful tools:
1. Block Distractions

Schedule blocking for apps or websites during specific times and days (or altogether). It’s perfect for creating structure and reducing daily interruptions.
You can also set a whitelist of allowed websites/apps — effectively creating a scheduled focus session.

2. Focus Session

Start a deep focus mode where everything is blocked, except for the apps and websites you specifically allow. It’s your digital do-not-disturb zone.

Use “Block” for routine control, and “Focus” when you want full concentration, on demand.

Question 2

Do I need to be tech-savvy to install and configure DigitalZen?

Accepted Answer

Not at all.

DigitalZen is built to be super simple to install and use - we even tested it on our parents and only launched it when they could do it without help.

In the rare cases when you run into trouble, we’re always here to help you out quickly and kindly.

Question 3

Which operating systems does DigitalZen support for app blocking?

Accepted Answer

DigitalZen is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux to help you stay focused across all your devices:

Windows:

Officially supports: Windows 10 and 11 (with plans to support Windows 12 after release)
Also works on: Windows 7 and 8

Mac:

Officially supports: macOS 11+ (Big Sur and newer)
Also works on: macOS El Capitan through Catalina (unofficial support)

Linux:

Debian-based: Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, Zorin OS, Kali Linux, and more
Red Hat-based: Fedora, CentOS Stream, RHEL, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, and more
Arch-based: Arch Linux, Manjaro, and more

Question 4

Can I block a website without an extension/addon?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: No.
Long answer: We ask you to install the extension because browsers act like black boxes – we can’t see what site you’re on or display a blocking page. Only after installing the extension does the browser allow us to interact with it.

Question 5

Is app blocking supported on Linux by DigitalZen?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is! And we’re the only commercial app blocker that supports Linux!

We love Linux, and several of our developers use it daily, so they made sure we added support.

Currently, we support any desktop distro using X11 or Wayland (the popular compositors - and more to come).

DigitalZen has been tested and works on:

Ubuntu
Debian
Fedora
Red Hat
Arch
Mint
Zorin O
Pop!_OS

…and more!

If you don’t see your distro listed, let us know, we’re committed to supporting as many as possible.

We currently support any Debian-based, Red Hat-based, or Arch-based distribution.

Question 6

Can I get a discount (or have it for free)?

Accepted Answer

We understand that the world is a big place and a one-size-fits-all price doesn't work for everyone. To make DigitalZen as accessible as possible, we offer a few different paths:

Student Discounts: We offer special pricing for current students.
Regional Discounts: We provide adjusted community pricing based on local purchasing power in various regions.
Share & Earn (Free): If the discounts above still don't fit your budget, you can get DigitalZen completely for free by participating in our Share & Earn program.

Bottom line:
there are humans behind this app, and we will always do our best to find a solution for any respectful request for help.
Just reach out!

Question 7

How can I lock myself from just stopping the block?

Accepted Answer

DigitalZen offers adaptive lock options to prevent you from stopping a block or changing settings too easily. You can enable locks for sessions or the entire system, and choose different lock types based on how much friction you need to stay disciplined.

Whether you need a gentle nudge or serious accountability, there’s a lock type that fits your focus style.

Question 8

Can I show reminders during a scheduled block?

Accepted Answer

Yes! When creating a scheduled block, you can add blocking reminders.

These will appear as a checklist on the blocking screen, helping you stay mindful and focused during your session.

Question 9

Can I block websites by wildcard?

Accepted Answer

Yes! DigitalZen lets you block websites using wildcards.

For example:

*.facebook.com – blocks all of Facebook subdomains.

facebook.com/groups/* – blocks any group (and allows the rest)

facebook.com/profile.php?id=* – blocks any profile (and allows the rest)

Question 10

What is allowance?

Accepted Answer

An allowance lets you set a daily time limit for using apps or websites you usually block.
For example, if you block social media but allow yourself 30 minutes per day, DigitalZen will track your usage and stop access once your time is up. The timer resets automatically at midnight, giving you a fresh allowance every day

Question 11

Can I rotate between “block” and “allowance” to give myself a break after working?

Accepted Answer

Use the "Rotate allowance and block" option under the Allowance settings. This lets you set cycles of focused work and short breaks. For example, you can configure it to allow 10 minutes of break time after every 50 minutes of focused work. It’s a great way to balance productivity and recovery.

Question 12

Can I schedule a focus session?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can schedule a focus session by creating a scheduled block and setting its type to Focus instead of Block.
During that time, only the apps and websites you’ve chosen to allow will be accessible, everything else will be blocked.

Question 13

How can I allow Gmail but block Google during a focus session?

Accepted Answer

Your browser often hides subdomains, so google.com appears simple, but behind the scenes, services use specific subdomains:

www.google.com for search

mail.google.com for Gmail (docs.google.com, drive.google.com, calendar.google.com, etc.)

If you block just google.com, you might unintentionally block all of them.

To block only Google Search, use: www.google.com

To keep Gmail accessible, allow: mail.google.com

This method gives you fine control over which Google services stay open during focus time.

Question 14

Can I focus on a Youtube list and block the rest? (i.e. lecture/podcast/music)

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can!

To whitelist a specific YouTube playlist and allow all its videos, replace the video ID with an asterisk (*). This tells DigitalZen to allow any video from that playlist.

YouTube playlist links typically look like this (when played):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=[VIDEO_ID]&list=[PLAYLIST_ID]&…

Let’s take this playlist as an example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCOF9LN_Zxs&list=PLQ_PIlf6OzqIEvjMOCAZsD21T6xn9QUP6&index=1

To allow all videos in it, use:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=*&list=PLQ_PIlf6OzqIEvjMOCAZsD21T6xn9QUP6*

The first asterisk allows any video in the list, the second allows any extra parameters.

Or a shorter version that will achieve the same result:
https://www.youtube.com/watch*list=PLQ_PIlf6OzqIEvjMOCAZsD21T6xn9QUP6*

Perfect for focused listening!

Question 15

What data are you collecting?

Accepted Answer

We want to know as little as possible about you, so we collect only what is needed to operate and improve DigitalZen.

This may include:

Your name and email address (you are welcome to use a fake name and a separate email address)
App settings, rules and other data synchronized between your devices
Limited usage analytics
Your purchase or subscription status, provided by our payment processor
Information and diagnostics you choose to send us when contacting support

DigitalZen stores synchronized data on our servers to keep your devices up to date.

We do not sell your personal data, and we do not receive or store your full payment-card details.

Question 16

Why don’t you collect more data?

Accepted Answer

Because we don’t want it.

Your personal data is not our business. Collecting more data means more security risks, more legal paperwork, more compliance bureaucracy, and more chances for something to go wrong. We would rather spend that time building a better product.

We collect only what we need to make DigitalZen work, keep your devices synchronized, provide support and improve the product.

The less we know about you, the better.

Question 17

Do you share data with third parties?

Accepted Answer

We don’t sell your personal data to anyone. Period.

We use a few third-party services, such as hosting, payments and analytics, only to operate and improve DigitalZen.

Your data is not our business model.

Question 18

I’m paranoid about privacy, what can I do to stay anonymous?

Accepted Answer

Use a VPN, a separate email, a fake name, and a virtual card.

Don’t send us personal details in support messages.

That’s basically it. DigitalZen doesn’t need to know who you are - and we prefer it that way.

Question 19

What do you do to keep my data and activity secure?

Accepted Answer

We take your security seriously. DigitalZen releases are digitally signed, and our code and dependencies are regularly scanned for known vulnerabilities.

We follow security-focused development practices, test our systems, and monitor our infrastructure for suspicious activity.

Most importantly, we keep as little personal data as possible. No system is invincible—but the less data we hold, the less there is to expose.

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