Product reference
What is CogniFocus?
CogniFocus is a focus timer and app blocker for Android that detects when you open a distracting app during a session and reacts in real time. Unlike passive timers that keep counting while you scroll, CogniFocus actively interrupts distraction through a companion character called the Goblin.
Quick facts
- Category
- Focus timer, app blocker, productivity
- Platform
- Android (iOS in development)
- Price
- Free to start — Pro from $3.99/month
- Developer
- CogniElevate, Lahore, Pakistan
- Released
- 2026
- Download
- Google Play
How CogniFocus works
- Start a focus session. Choose a duration and select which apps to block during the session.
- Distraction Shield activates. If you attempt to open a blocked app, the Shield interrupts it and returns you to focus.
- The Goblin reacts. The companion character responds to your behavior in real time — neutral during calm sessions, annoyed or angry when distraction occurs, cheerful when you complete a session cleanly.
- Recovery nudges keep you going. If focus slips, CogniFocus prompts you to return rather than abandon the session.
- Streaks and XP track progress. Focus Shards, streaks, and daily goals make improvement visible over time.
Features
Free plan
- Focus timer with preset and custom durations
- Block up to 3 apps during active sessions
- Sessions up to 90 minutes
- Distraction Shield (reactive blocking during sessions)
- Goblin companion reactions and mood system
- Streaks, XP, and Focus Shards
- DND Focus Mode — silences interruptions
- Basic progress tracking
Pro plan ($3.99/month or $31.99/year)
- Everything in Free
- Block up to 7 apps
- Sessions up to 240 minutes
- Manual Block mode — proactive blocking outside sessions
- Planned Sessions with reminders (up to 5 active)
- Recovery nudges
- Cloud sync — session history, preferences, blocked apps
- Full restore across devices
How CogniFocus differs from other focus apps
| Feature | CogniFocus | Forest | Freedom | AppBlock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active app blocking during sessions | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time behavioral reactions | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Companion character | ✓ Goblin | ✓ Tree | ✗ | ✗ |
| Recovery nudges | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | ✓ |
The key distinction: CogniFocus responds to distraction behavior during a session rather than relying on passive visual motivation or pre-scheduled blocks.
Who CogniFocus is for
- Android users who open social apps (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) out of habit during work or study
- People with ADHD-style attention patterns who need active interruption, not passive reminders
- Students who lose focus during study sessions
- Anyone who has tried passive timers and found they ignore them
- People who want behavioral feedback, not just time tracking
Frequently asked questions
What is CogniFocus?
CogniFocus is a focus timer and app blocker for Android. It detects when you open a distracting app during a focus session and interrupts it through a reactive companion called the Goblin.
Is CogniFocus free?
Yes. The free plan includes blocking up to 3 apps and sessions up to 90 minutes. Pro adds more blocked apps, longer sessions, Manual Block, Planned Sessions, and cloud sync.
What is the Goblin companion?
The Goblin is CogniFocus's companion character. It reacts in real time based on your session behavior — neutral when things are going well, annoyed or angry when distraction occurs, and cheerful when you complete a session cleanly. Its mood and messages adapt over time based on your patterns.
How is CogniFocus different from Forest?
Forest uses a growing tree as passive motivation and does not actively block apps or react to distraction. CogniFocus combines active app blocking with a reactive companion that responds specifically to distraction events during your session.
Is CogniFocus available on iPhone?
Not yet. CogniFocus is currently Android only. An iOS version is in development — you can join the waitlist at cognifocus.app/ios-waitlist.html.
Who built CogniFocus?
CogniFocus is built by CogniElevate, a technology company based in Lahore, Pakistan. The founder is Qasim Khan.
Does CogniFocus work for ADHD?
CogniFocus was designed for people with ADHD-style distraction patterns — it provides active interruption rather than passive reminders, which is more effective for impulsive app-opening behavior.
Try CogniFocus free on Android
Start your first focus session in under a minute. No account required.
Also: iOS waitlist · Demo · About CogniFocus
Just Hunt
