We answer like humans
The guides below fix the most common issues in under a minute. For anything else, email ran.gray.james@gmail.com — a human reads every message.
Fix it yourself in a minute
Apps aren't actually being blocked
Time Debt needs Apple's Screen Time permission for real enforcement. Open Time Debt → Settings → Screen Time Access and grant it. Without permission the app runs in clearly-labelled Preview Mode: plans and math work, blocking waits.
A shield is stuck after a session
Open the app once — it reconciles shields on every launch. If something still feels wrong, Emergency Access (Today screen) clears every shield until tomorrow, free.
My subscription isn't recognized
Settings → Subscription → Restore Purchases with the same Apple Account that bought it. Purchases are re-verified with the App Store; no account or password is needed from us.
Notifications aren't arriving
Check iPhone Settings → Notifications → Time Debt, and that Focus modes aren't silencing them. Reminders are optional and can be re-enabled in the app's Settings.
Tomorrow's allowance looks wrong
Tap Preview Tomorrow on the Today screen — it itemizes base allowance, debt due and floors. Every day's ledger is inspectable, so the math is never a mystery.
Child mode won't exit
Exiting child mode requires the guardian's authentication (Face ID / passcode of the guardian setup). This is by design so children can't undo family rules.
Reporting a bug
Email ran.gray.james@gmail.com with what you expected, what happened, and your iOS version. If you're comfortable, attach the reliability log from Time Debt → Settings → System Health → Export Redacted Diagnostics — it contains component events only (e.g. "shield applied", "rollover ok"), never app names, usage content or personal data.
Billing note: payments, refunds and family purchase sharing are operated by Apple. For refunds, use reportaproblem.apple.com — we genuinely cannot see or process payments.
Also see the FAQ, privacy policy and terms of use.