Help & Support

How can we help?

Questions about the Slate card or app? Reach us directly — we reply within one business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does the Slate card work?

  Slate is a physical NFC card. Tap it to the top of your iPhone and the app activates your blocklist, shielding distracting apps via Screen Time. Tap again to release.

• Do I need an internet connection?

  No. Slate works entirely on-device. All blocking is handled locally via Apple's Screen Time framework — no account, no server, no internet required.

• Which iPhone models are compatible?

  Slate requires an iPhone with NFC background tag reading (iPhone XS or later) running iOS 18 or later. The card tap works from the lock screen — no need to unlock your phone.

• Why isn't my card tap being detected?

  Hold the card flat against the top-back of your iPhone for 1–2 seconds. Make sure the Slate app has been opened at least once since install. If taps still aren't detected, restart the app and try again. Some phone cases can interfere — try removing the case temporarily.

• How do I set up Screen Time permissions?

  The first time you create a Focus Mode in Slate, iOS will ask permission to use Screen Time. Tap "Approve" and follow the prompts. If you declined, go to Settings → Screen Time and enable it manually, then reopen Slate.

• Can I use Slate on multiple devices?

  Slate is currently single-device. Your modes and blocklist are stored locally. Cross-device sync is planned for a future update.

• I'm stuck in a focus session and can't get out.

  Tap your Slate card again to release the session. If you don't have your card, open the Slate app and end the session from the active session screen. As a last resort, go to Settings → Screen Time → [your name] → Turn Off Screen Time (you can turn it back on afterward).

• How do I delete my data?

  All data is stored on your device. Deleting the Slate app removes all data permanently. There is no account or server-side data to delete.