Wake and unlock
Make sure the iPhone is awake and the Anchor app is ready for the requested scan.
Support
Get back to the simple part.
Start with the setup path below. If a scan or permission is not behaving as expected, the checks are ordered from quickest to most specific.
First setup
Pair once. Choose deliberately.
- 01
Install and open Anchor
Use a compatible iPhone running iOS 18.5 or later.
- 02
Approve Screen Time access
Apple's permission allows Anchor to shield the apps and websites you choose.
- 03
Pair the physical Anchor
Follow the in-app prompt and hold the top of the iPhone close to the centre of Anchor.
- 04
Create a Focus Mode
Select the distractions to shield, save the mode, then start it in the app or by scanning Anchor.
Emergency access
Lost Anchor? Here are your options.
Focus and Feet First include separate emergency-stop allowances. The app shows the remaining count before use so the decision is visible.
During Focus, look for Anchor unavailable? in the app. If your installed version does not show this option, contact support for help with your version.
- Use a replacement. Choose Scan Replacement Anchor and scan another genuine Anchor. This replaces the missing device and ends the current Focus session.
- Use an emergency unlock. If you have one remaining, it ends Focus without changing your paired Anchor.
- Recover without hardware. If no unlocks remain, Lost or damaged Anchor offers recovery after the safety delay shown in the app. Confirm with Face ID or your device passcode.
Successful recovery without hardware ends Focus, removes the pairing, and turns off automatic Focus and alarm schedules. You will need to complete setup again; your modes and statistics are kept.
These recovery steps are for Focus. An active Feet First alarm uses its own scan or emergency-stop flow. If you cannot finish it, contact support for help.
Scan help
Find the NFC reading point.
Use the top edge
Bring the top of the iPhone to the centre of Anchor and hold it there briefly.
Remove interference
Take off thick, metallic, magnetic, wallet-style, or battery accessories.
Check the pairing
Confirm you are scanning the Anchor paired to this iPhone.
Common checks
Quick answers.
Wake and unlock the iPhone, then hold its top edge close to the centre of Anchor for a moment. Move slowly rather than tapping quickly. Remove thick, metallic, magnetic, or wallet-style accessories and try again.
Open Anchor and confirm Screen Time authorization is still granted, that apps or categories are selected, and that the session shows as active. iOS permission changes can prevent shielding until authorization is restored.
Supported iOS 18 versions use notification alerts. On iOS 26 or later, Alarm permission is required to set up Feet First; notifications can provide fallback or follow-up alerts when enabled. If Alarm permission is off, enable it before scheduling Feet First.
An ordinary stop requires the Anchor paired with that iPhone. The current app stores one pairing per iPhone.
Contact support before mailing anything. For a return, include the order number, delivery postal code, item, and reason. For a warranty claim, also describe the fault and include photos or a short video if useful. Returns are available for 30 days after delivery; the physical Anchor has a one-year limited warranty.
Returns & warranty
Contact us before sending it back.
A return authorization keeps the parcel connected to the right order and confirms which shipping terms apply.
- 01
Include the order
Send the order number or receipt, delivery postal code, and the name used for the purchase.
- 02
Describe the request
For a standard return, tell us what is being returned. For a warranty claim, describe the fault and include a photo or short video when it helps show the issue.
- 03
Wait for instructions
We will confirm eligibility and provide the Canadian return address. Approved warranty claims receive a standard prepaid shipping arrangement.
Contact support
Tell us where it stopped working.
The right details help us respond with the right next step. For returns and warranty claims, include your order number. For app help, include the phone model and operating-system version when you know them.
Support is provided by email at info@bnsdevelopments.com.