Block, limit, or schedule
Each configured domain can use a hard block, a daily allowance, or scheduled unavailable hours.
What Shield does
Quick Focus sessions
A timed session can temporarily apply a protected focus state from the extension popup.
Deliberate emergency unlock
Supported unlock methods add friction with a hold, written commitment, or short math challenge. They are not an unbreakable lock.
Explainable overlays
The blocked page can show the reason for the decision and available recovery context instead of only a generic denial.
What works offline
Blocking decisions, timers, overlays, configured usage counting, and cached schedules run in the extension. The extension does not need an AI response to decide whether a rule applies. Signing in, obtaining the initial account configuration, updating remote settings, and syncing activity need a network connection.
What data Shield uses
Shield uses the rules a user configures, local usage for configured domains, active focus sessions, temporary overrides, and a recovery snapshot synchronized from the account. The repository does not grant blanket host access at install time; site access is requested as an optional permission when needed.
How Shield differs from Synapse itself
Shield enforces browser rules. The Synapse web platform handles onboarding, plans, check-ins, urges, coaching, progress, and reports. Learn how overall recovery mechanics operate on the How It Works page or explore Recovery Score formulas.