Getting Started with LifeSaver: Setup Guide

Welcome to LifeSaver

You've made the decision to protect your focus. Now let's get you set up. This guide will walk you through installation and configuration in under 5 minutes.

Step 1: Download and Install

Download the installer for your platform:

• macOS: Download the .dmg file and drag LifeSaver to your Applications folder
• Windows: Download the .exe installer and follow the installation wizard

The app is under 50MB and installs in less than a minute.

Step 2: Grant Permissions

To track your app usage and block distractions, LifeSaver needs permission to monitor your screen time.

On macOS: Open System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Screen Recording, and check the box next to LifeSaver.

On Windows: The installer will request necessary permissions automatically.

Privacy note: All your usage data stays encrypted on your device. We never see what apps or websites you use.

Step 3: Choose Your Categories

LifeSaver comes with smart defaults. Select which categories of apps and websites you want to limit:

• Social Media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
• Video Streaming: YouTube, Netflix, Twitch
• Gaming: Steam, Epic Games, browser games
• News & Forums: Reddit, Hacker News, news sites
• Custom: Add your own time-wasting apps/sites

You can customize these lists anytime in settings.

Step 4: Set Your Daily Limits

For each category, set a daily time limit. Start with limits that feel achievable:

• Aggressive: 5-10 minutes per category
• Moderate: 15-20 minutes per category
• Gentle: 30-45 minutes per category

Don't go too strict initially. It's better to start moderate and tighten limits later than to set unrealistic goals and give up.

Step 5: Pick Your Blocking Mode

Choose between two blocking styles:

• Tough-Love Mode: Direct, no-nonsense reminders ("Stop wasting time. Get back to work.")
• Gentle Mode: Supportive, encouraging messages ("You've reached your limit. Ready to focus?")

Not sure? Try Gentle Mode first. You can switch anytime in settings.

Step 6: Configure Weekend Freedom (Optional)

Want to enforce limits only during workdays? Enable Weekend Freedom in settings. Your limits will only apply Monday through Friday, giving you complete freedom on weekends.

This is great for maintaining work-life balance while still protecting your focus during the week.

Step 7: Sync Across Devices (Optional)

If you use multiple computers, create a LifeSaver account to sync your settings and limits across devices. This prevents you from escaping to your laptop when you hit limits on your desktop.

Sign up takes 30 seconds with Google or email. Your usage data never syncs—only your configuration.

You're Ready to Go

That's it. LifeSaver is now running quietly in the background, tracking your time on distracting apps. When you hit your daily limit, you'll see a full-screen block instead of your feed.

Check your dashboard anytime to see:

• How much focus time you're reclaiming
• Your distraction patterns throughout the day
• Weekly trends and improvements
• The dollar value of your reclaimed time

Pro Tips

• Start moderate: Don't set limits too strict initially. Build the habit first, then tighten.
• Use overrides wisely: You get 3 one-minute overrides per day for emergencies. Don't waste them early.
• Check your dashboard: Review your progress weekly to stay motivated.
• Adjust as needed: If a limit feels too strict or too loose, change it. This is your tool.
• Celebrate wins: Every week you stick with it, you're reclaiming hours. That's huge.

Need Help?

Questions? Check our documentation or email support. We typically respond within 24 hours.

Now go build something great with all that reclaimed time.