Support

Why aren't my apps actually being blocked?

FlossGate uses Apple's Family Controls framework to block apps. On first launch, iOS asks you to authorize "Screen Time" access — tap Allow when that prompt appears. Without this authorization, the app shields won't apply.

If you dismissed that prompt, you can re-trigger it by going to Settings → Screen Time, turning Screen Time off and back on, then re-opening FlossGate.

How do I select which apps get blocked?

During onboarding, tap "Select Apps" to open Apple's app picker. You can also change your selection anytime by opening the gear icon → Select Apps to Block.

Can I change what time my apps re-lock each day?

Yes. Go to Settings → Daily Reset and use the wheel picker to select any hour. By default, apps re-lock at midnight.

The camera isn't detecting my flossing — what do I do?

A few things to check:

Lighting: Make sure you're in a well-lit area. The camera needs to clearly see your hand near your face.

Distance: Hold your phone at roughly arm's length so both your hand and face are in frame.

Motion: Use clear, deliberate up-and-down strokes — the detector looks for consistent vertical movement. Slow or circular motion may not register.

Camera permission: Confirm FlossGate has camera access in Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera → FlossGate.

Why does it take 45 seconds?

Dentists recommend flossing for at least 1–2 minutes. 45 seconds is the minimum threshold to ensure a meaningful session while staying practical for daily use. Both the time requirement and the stroke count (15 strokes) must be met simultaneously.

Is my video being recorded or sent anywhere?

No. Camera frames are analyzed in real time by Apple's Vision framework entirely on your device and immediately discarded. No video, images, or data of any kind are stored or transmitted. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

My streak reset — can I get it back?

Streak data is stored locally on your device and resets automatically if you miss a day. Unfortunately there's no way to restore a lost streak — but you can start a new one right now.

How do I reset my streak manually?

Go to Settings → Streak → Reset Streak. You'll be asked to confirm since this can't be undone. If a parent passcode is set, you'll need to enter it first.

How do I set a parent passcode?

Go to Settings → Parent Controls → Set Parent Passcode. Once set, the passcode is required before anyone can access settings. Minimum 4 digits.

I forgot the parent passcode.

The passcode is stored as a one-way hash on your device — there's no way to recover it. To reset it, you'll need to delete and reinstall the app. Note: this will also clear your streak and app selection.

Does FlossGate work on iPad?

FlossGate is designed and optimized for iPhone. It may run on iPad but the layout is not optimized for larger screens.

Does FlossGate require a subscription or account?

No. FlossGate is free with no subscription, no account, and no server. Everything runs locally on your device.