How to use a focus timer on the Dynamic Island and Lock Screen
Yes. FocusFlow shows a running session on the Dynamic Island and Lock Screen as a Live Activity. The Dynamic Island view needs an iPhone 14 Pro or later, the Lock Screen pause button needs iOS 17.2, and Control Center controls need iOS 18.
You can watch and pause a focus session without opening the app. Here is what works on which iPhone.
What you see during a session
While a session runs, FocusFlow uses a Live Activity. On the Dynamic Island, the expanded view shows the task name, the countdown, a progress bar and a pause button. The Lock Screen shows the same session. The progress bar is driven by the system, so it keeps moving even if the app is not in the foreground.
What you need
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| FocusFlow itself | iPhone with iOS 17 or later |
| Dynamic Island display | An iPhone with a Dynamic Island, starting with iPhone 14 Pro |
| Pause button on the Lock Screen | iOS 17.2 or later |
| Control Center controls (start focus, 2 minutes) | iOS 18 or later |
On an iPhone without a Dynamic Island, the in-app ring timer and the Lock Screen display still work.
Ways to start a session
- From the app. Open the Focus tab and tap play.
- With Siri or Spotlight. FocusFlow provides shortcuts for starting a focus session and a 2-minute one, so you can start without opening the app.
- From Control Center. On iOS 18 you can add FocusFlow's controls to Control Center.
- With Back Tap. You can bind Back Tap to the 2-minute shortcut yourself in iOS Accessibility settings. It is not on by default.
The countdown
Inside the app, the timer is a progress ring with the remaining time in the middle. Choose 15, 25, 45 or 60 minutes, or use the 2-minute mode for a low-pressure start.
Frequently asked questions
Does FocusFlow work without a Dynamic Island?
Yes. The in-app timer and the Lock Screen display work on iPhones without a Dynamic Island. Only the Dynamic Island view needs an iPhone 14 Pro or later.
Can I pause from the Lock Screen?
Yes, on iOS 17.2 or later there is a pause button on the Lock Screen display.
Does it work on iPad?
FocusFlow is an iPhone app. On iPad it runs in compatibility mode.
If starting is the hard part, try a focus app built around the first step.
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