Support

Bird on Perch · answers to the common questions

Is it free?

Yes — the browser version is completely free. All twelve birds and every session length are unlocked, with no account, no trial, and no payment. Nothing is asked of you.

How do I install it on my phone?

It installs like an app without going through a store:

  1. Android / Chrome: open the app and tap Install when prompted, or use the browser menu → Install app.
  2. iPhone / Safari: tap the Share button, then Add to Home Screen. iOS has no install prompt, so this step is manual.
  3. Desktop: Chrome and Edge show an install icon in the address bar.

Once installed it opens fullscreen with no browser chrome, and works offline.

Does it work offline?

Yes. After the first visit the app is cached on your device, so sessions run with no connection. You only need the network to load it the first time or to pick up an update.

Where is my focus history stored?

On your device, in your browser's local storage. It is not uploaded, there is no account, and we have no way to read it. See the Privacy Policy.

Will I lose my streak if I clear my browser data?

Yes — and this is worth knowing before you build a long streak. Because everything lives on your device rather than in an account, clearing site data, using a different browser, or switching phones starts you from zero. There is no backup we can restore.

Optional cloud backup is being added to remove this limitation.

The timer stopped when I switched apps

Browsers throttle background tabs to save battery, so a tab in the background may not tick reliably. Installing the app to your home screen improves this considerably. For guaranteed background timing, the native Android app in development is the better answer.

Why can't I hear any ambient sound?

Ambient audio isn't in this build yet. Rather than ship a picker where every option is silent, the sound section is hidden until real audio ships.

Is there a dark mode?

This website follows your system light/dark setting. The app itself is light-only for now — a dark theme is a known gap and is planned.

Is this suitable for ADHD focus?

Plenty of people find a visible countdown plus a companion easier to begin than a bare timer, and the sessions are deliberately low-stakes — nothing is punished or lost if you stop early.

That said, Bird on Perch is a productivity timer, not a medical device. It isn't intended to diagnose, treat, or manage any condition. If you're seeking treatment, please speak to a qualified clinician.

Which platforms are supported?

Any modern browser — Android, iPhone, and desktop — and it installs to the home screen on all of them. A native Android app is in development.

Still stuck?

Get in touch and describe what you were doing and what happened: [your contact address]

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