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Each permission powers a specific feature. Usage Access reads per-app screen time. Accessibility Service detects app launches so friction overlays appear at the right moment and monitors scroll for break detection. VPN creates a local DNS blocker — no traffic is routed externally. Draw Over Apps shows the friction countdown on top of guarded apps. All permissions are explained one by one in the onboarding screen before you grant them.

Check two things: (1) Accessibility Service must be enabled — go to Settings → Accessibility → Zeno → Enable. (2) Draw Over Other Apps must be enabled — go to Settings → Apps → Zeno → Display over other apps → Allow. Both are required for the friction overlay to appear.

Go to Settings → Apps → Special app access → Usage access and enable Zeno. On some devices this is under Digital Wellbeing & parental controls → Usage access. Without this permission, screen time data cannot be read.

Yes. Android shows a VPN key icon whenever a local VPN is active. Zeno's VPN is a local TUN interface only — DNS queries are resolved on your device and never routed to an external server. The icon is a mandatory Android indicator, not a sign that your traffic is being monitored externally.

No. All usage statistics, addiction scores, sessions, and settings are stored in an encrypted local database on your device. Nothing is transmitted to our servers. There is no account, no login, and no cloud sync. The only external data collection is from Google AdMob (advertising ID for ads) — detailed in the Privacy Policy.

Uninstalling the app deletes all local data automatically — Zeno does not store anything externally, so uninstall is a complete deletion. You can also clear app data without uninstalling via Settings → Apps → Zeno → Storage → Clear Data.

It sends randomized background HTTP requests to dilute the advertising profile that ad networks build from your traffic. If trackers see traffic to hundreds of random sites, they can't accurately infer your real interests. This makes ad targeting less precise. The noise is generated locally and runs with an exponential backoff to avoid draining your battery.

Go to Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization (Android 12 and below) or Settings → Privacy → Ads → Delete advertising ID (Android 13+). This removes AdMob's ability to serve personalized ads in all apps on your device.

Check that Boot permission is enabled and that your phone's battery optimization is not killing Zeno. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery optimization → All apps → Zeno → Don't optimize. This is especially important on OnePlus, Xiaomi (MIUI), Oppo (ColorOS), and Samsung devices which have aggressive background-app killers.

The score refreshes every 60 seconds. If it appears stuck, check that Usage Access is still enabled (some Android updates reset special permissions). Pull to refresh on the Home screen to force an immediate recalculation.

Focus mode blocking requires the Accessibility Service to be active. If it was disabled by the OS (common on MIUI and ColorOS), re-enable it in Settings → Accessibility → Zeno. Some manufacturers also have a separate "Accessibility shortcut" that must be enabled.

Email [email protected] with your device model, Android version, and a description of the bug. Screenshots or screen recordings are very helpful. You can also leave feedback directly on the Play Store listing.

Yes, completely free. There are no in-app purchases, no subscription, and no premium tier. All 25 features are available to every user at no cost. The app is supported by Google AdMob banner and interstitial ads.

We have no current plans for a paid version. If that changes, existing users will be given adequate notice and all current features will remain free.