Help Center
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Most CadenceAI issues come down to a permission or a setting. This guide walks through the fixes for timer and notification problems, audio, sync, the app blocker, and restoring purchases.
If something in CadenceAI is not behaving, the fix is usually quick. Work through the section that matches your problem below. A good first step is to fully close and reopen the app, and make sure you are on the latest version.
Timer or notifications not firing
If your timer finishes but you get no alert, the most common cause is a disabled notification permission. CadenceAI needs permission to post notifications so it can tell you when a session or break ends.
- Open your device settings and find CadenceAI in your list of apps.
- Open its notifications settings and make sure notifications are allowed.
- Check that a Focus mode or Do Not Disturb is not silencing the app.
- Confirm your device volume is up if you expect a sound.
If you rely on planned focus blocks and reminders, the same notification permission is what powers those nudges, so enabling it fixes both.
Audio issues
If you cannot hear timer chimes or the sound mixer, start with the basics before assuming a bug:
- Make sure your device is not on silent or muted, and raise the media volume.
- In the sound mixer, confirm at least one of the built-in sounds is actually selected and its level is turned up.
- If you were mixing multiple sounds, check that the mix has not muted the track you expect.
- For Spotify audio, confirm you have Cadence Pro, are signed in to Spotify, and the connection is active.
Sync problems
CadenceAI stores your data in the cloud, and guest data merges into your account when you sign up. If your sessions, stats, or settings are not appearing on another device:
- Confirm you are signed in to the same account (email, Apple, Google, or GitHub) on both devices.
- Check that each device has a working internet connection.
- Give sync a moment after signing in, then reopen the app to let it refresh.
For a deeper look at guest mode, cloud sync, and sign-in options, see Accounts, Sync & Sign-in.
App blocker not activating
The app blocker works differently on each platform, and each relies on a system permission:
- iOS uses the Screen Time shield. CadenceAI needs Screen Time permission to block distracting apps, so grant that permission if the blocker does nothing.
- Android uses an overlay. This needs the display-over-other-apps permission enabled for CadenceAI.
Re-grant the relevant permission in your device settings, then start a session again. Full setup steps are in Setting Up the App Blocker.
Restore purchases
If you paid for Cadence Pro but the features are locked, for example after reinstalling or switching devices, use Restore Purchases in the app. Make sure you are signed in to the same App Store or Google Play account you bought Pro with, then tap Restore Purchases so the app can re-check your entitlement. Billing and subscription details are covered in Cadence Pro, Billing & the Free Trial.
Key takeaways
- Timer alerts not appearing almost always mean the notification permission is off.
- For audio, check silent mode, media volume, and that a sound is selected in the mixer.
- Sync issues usually mean you are not signed in to the same account on both devices.
- The blocker needs Screen Time permission on iOS or the overlay permission on Android.
- Use Restore Purchases, signed in to the correct store account, to re-unlock Pro.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't my timer notification firing?
The most common cause is a disabled notification permission. Open your device settings, find CadenceAI, and make sure notifications are allowed. Also check that the app is not muted by a Focus or Do Not Disturb mode.
Why can't I hear timer sounds or the sound mixer?
Check that your device is not silenced or muted, raise the media volume, and confirm any sound is selected in the mixer. If you were using Spotify audio, make sure you are signed in with Pro and Spotify is connected.
My sessions aren't syncing across devices. What should I check?
Confirm you are signed in to the same account on both devices and that each has a working internet connection. Guest data syncs to the cloud and merges when you sign up, so signing in on both devices is the key step.
The app blocker isn't activating. How do I fix it?
On iOS the blocker uses the Screen Time shield, which needs Screen Time permission granted to CadenceAI. On Android it uses an overlay, which needs the display-over-other-apps permission. Re-grant the relevant permission in your device settings.
How do I restore my Pro purchase?
Use Restore Purchases in the app while signed in to the same App Store or Google Play account you bought Pro with. This re-checks your entitlement and unlocks Pro features again.
Get back to focusing
Make sure you are on the latest version of CadenceAI for the smoothest experience and the newest fixes.