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Stay Focused with Any.do’s Focus Mode

Set a timer, block distractions, and grow your productivity - one tree at a time.

Updated over a week ago

If distractions get in the way of your productivity, Focus Mode is your new best friend. This feature helps you work in timed sessions with a visual motivator: every time you stay focused, your tree grows. It's simple, effective, and designed to help you stay on-task—whether you're studying, working, or just powering through a to-do list.


🔓 Who Can Use This Feature?

Focus Mode is available to:

  • Premium users

  • Family members (for personal tasks only)

  • Workspace members (for personal tasks only)

📱 Available on: Android, iOS

❌ Focus mode is not available on Web or Desktop at this time. Only personal tasks have the Focus Mode feature currently. Board tasks do not have this option.


⏰ How to Start a Focus Session

You can launch Focus Mode directly from the mobile app to begin a distraction-free session.

📱 On Android & iOS:

  • Tap the My Day tab

  • Tap the tree icon in the top-right corner

  • Set your desired timer duration (in minutes)

  • Tap Start Focus Session

📊 Once you start, a tree will begin growing on your screen, just don’t leave the app!

 To launch Focus Mode on Android/ iOS


⌚ How Focus Mode Works

While your session is running:

  • You'll see a timer counting down

  • A tree or forest visual will appear and grow

  • Leaving the app will kill the session and stop the tree

At the end of a successful session:

  • Your tree will be fully grown

  • Your forest will have a new addition

You can also end a session early:

  • Tap “I'm Done” to finish and save your progress (even if the timer hasn't ended)

  • Tap “Give Up” to end the session without saving your progress

🌳 Your progress is motivational - the more sessions you complete, the more trees you grow.

To view your forest on Android/ iOS


🎧 Using White Noise with Focus Mode

To deepen your concentration, you can choose from several ambient sounds to play during your session.

How to enable white noise:

  • Tap the music note icon before starting a session

  • Select your preferred ambient sound

  • Volume is adjustable during the session

Note: White noise is available with headphones only.

To activate white-noise on Android/ iOS


⚠️ Common Issues and Battery Notes

⚡ Focus Mode suddenly stops?

Check your device's battery settings. Some Android models automatically shut down background sessions to save power.

To avoid this:

  • Exclude Any.do from battery optimization settings

  • Keep your screen on during a session

🚫 Can’t hear white noise?

  • Make sure your media volume is up

  • Make sure that you have headphones/earphones connected to your device

  • Reopen the session and re-select the audio

✨ iOS devices generally offer smoother playback for white noise.


🙋 FAQs

💳 Is Focus Mode available on all Any.do plans?

No. It's only available to users on Premium, Family, and Workspace plans. Focus Mode is currently available for personal tasks only.

📱 Which platforms support Focus Mode?

Focus Mode is available on Android and iOS. It's not available on Web or Desktop.

⏱️ Can I customize the timer duration?

Yes! You can set your own session length before starting Focus Mode.

🚫 What happens if I leave the app during a Focus Mode session?

Leaving the app ends the session, and your tree will stop growing. It acts as a soft blocker to keep you focused.

🔇 Why can't I hear white noise?

Make sure you're using headphones and your media volume is on. If it still doesn't work, reselect the sound before starting the session.

🌲 What’s the deal with the trees?

Every session you complete grows a tree. These trees are visual motivators and reminders of your focus streak.

✅ How do I end a session early?

Tap "I'm Done" to finish and save your progress early, or "Give Up" to quit without saving your tree.

🔌 Can I lock or turn off my screen?

Yes, but make sure your device allows Any.do to run in the background. On Android, disable battery optimization for best results.

🧩 Does it integrate with My Day or Calendar?

Yes! You can launch Focus Mode from My Day or your task list with a quick tap on the tree icon.

🧠 Can I focus on more than one task?

Focus Mode encourages focusing on one task at a time for maximum effectiveness.

📈 How does Focus Mode help productivity?

By creating a focused environment with a timer, white noise, and visual incentives, Focus Mode helps users stay present and on-task.

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