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If you are using macOS Sequoia version 15.2 or older and Focus Firewall stopped working for some browsers, you might be affected by a known macOS bug. We have reported it to Apple and last we heard it may be fixed on macOS 15.3 (to be released around late January 2025).
Here's how to tell if you're affected by the issue:
Temporary fix: if you tried all of the above and it still doesn't work, the current workaround suggested by Apple is to disable the macOS firewall on System Settings > Network > Firewall. If this solves the issue, then you are affected by the bug and should wait for the next macOS update. You can pause your Focus Firewall subscription while you wait for the fix.
Disclaimer: we do not recommend disabling the macOS firewall as it may expose your computer to security risks, especially when using public networks. If you disable it, do it at your own risk and discretion and make sure to enable it back as soon as possible.
During onboarding, you are asked to grant permissions to our network extension. On the newest macOS version, Apple moved the "allow" to a different place. Here's how to find it:
It should look like this:
In the next version we'll be updating the app screenshots to better guide Sequoia users.
Sometimes your Mac may need to be restarted to complete the network extension installation. We typically automatically detect this scenario and show you a message if that's the case, but sometimes restarting can fix other issues.
Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and select Reset onboarding, open Focus Firewall main window and do the onboarding from scratch again.
In the Network Setup step, make sure to follow the instructions and grant permissions when asked by the system.
Focus Firewall uses a network extension in order to filter distracting websites and you need to grant it permissions in your Mac for it to work properly.
This is typically done during onboarding – you are asked to start Focus Firewall for the first time. Your Mac should show the following popup, which you should click on Open System Settings.
Once you are in the system settings, you must click on "Allow" as shown below:
Once that's done, your Mac presents you with yet another popup to grant the network extension permission to filter network content. We need this permission in order to identify which websites are being accessed and block them in case they are distractions. Please click "Allow" to continue.
PS: Focus Firewall needs these permissions in order to identify which websites are being visited and decide whether they should be blocked. This happens entirely in your computer and data is never sent to the cloud. Please check our Privacy Policy for a complete overview.
In rare scenarios, the network extension installation gets to a stuck state and stops working. If you tried everything else, this is the last resort and should be able to fix any issues.
Report bugs, request features, offer feedback and ask questions.
Contact us via email at support@focusfirewall.com. We're happy to help.