Browser extension
What the extension tracks
Specifically what data the Focus extension collects, what it doesn't, and how to pause tracking.
Quick answer
The extension's design principle is local-first: anything it can do without sending data to our servers, it does that way.
Data processed locally
| Data | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Domain | youtube.com | Match against block lists |
| Page title | YouTube – Home | Provide context in your own analytics |
| Time spent | 45 minutes | Aggregate session duration |
| Visit count | 12 today | Aggregate visit frequency |
| Timestamp | 2:30 PM | Show when blocks/visits happened |
All of this is processed in the extension's local storage, in your browser. None of it is sent to our servers in raw form.
Data NOT collected — ever
| Data | Collected? |
|---|---|
| Page content / text | No |
| Form inputs / passwords | No |
| Cookies | No |
| Downloads | No |
| Keystrokes | No |
| Screenshots | No |
| Incognito / private tabs | No |
| Other extensions' data | No |
| Microphone / camera | No |
| Geolocation | No |
What syncs to your account (optional)
If you enable analytics in the dashboard, only aggregate values sync — never raw URLs or content:
- Block counts — "12 blocks today across all categories".
- Time totals — "2h 15m of browsing across non-blocked domains".
- Top blocked categories — category names with counts (e.g. "social media: 7").
Specific URLs are never included in syncs. The data that powers the analytics page is computed from these aggregates.
If you don't enable analytics, nothing syncs from the extension at all (other than your block-list configuration, which you control).
How tracking works under the hood
The extension watches the active tab's URL
Standard browser API — the same one used to render the URL bar.
Every 10 seconds, it checks if you're still on the same page
Used to compute time-on-site without the user moving the cursor or scrolling.
When you switch tabs or close one, it records the session duration
The session record stays in local storage.
Aggregates are computed locally and (if analytics is on) synced every 10 minutes
The sync includes only counts and durations — never URLs.
Pause tracking
Click the Daybreak icon in your toolbar
The popup opens.
Toggle 'Pause tracking'
The icon dims to indicate paused state.
Toggle again to resume
Tracking resumes immediately.
Pausing tracking does not pause blocking. Blocking continues to fire even when tracking is paused. To pause both, switch to a focus mode with no rules (or create one).
Common pitfalls
Expecting incognito browsing to be tracked
By design, the extension does not run in incognito unless you explicitly enable it in your browser's extension settings. Even then, we recommend leaving it disabled — incognito exists for a reason.
Confusing local tracking with cloud sync
The extension tracks domain + time locally regardless of your analytics settings. Disabling analytics stops the sync, not the local tracking — your in-extension popup still shows today's block count and time. To stop tracking entirely, pause it.
Next steps
- Extension privacy — full data handling explainer.
- Analytics — what the synced aggregates become.
- Account privacy guide — broader picture of what we collect across the product.
Still need help?
Pick whichever way of getting help works best for you.
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