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Helm Quickstart Guide
Helm Quick Start product Guide
Welcome to Your Focus Transformation
Your journey from distraction to direction starts here.
STEP 1 : Download our companion app below:
STEP 2:
Create Your Account & Follow the Onboarding Process
When you open the app for the first time, you'll be guided through account creation and initial setup. The onboarding will walk you through configuring the app's ability to allow or block apps on your device.
STEP 3:
Set Up Your First Focus Mode
Now you'll create your first focus mode:
Select your mode - Choose from our default modes or create a custom name like "Deep Work" or "Family Time"
Choose your mode type:
- Allow Mode - Select only the apps you want to use (everything else gets blocked)
- Block Mode - Select apps to block (everything else stays accessible)
Select your apps - Choose which apps to allow or block
You can create up to 5 focus modes for different situations (work, study, sleep, etc.)
Pro Tip: Start with one profile and master it before adding more.
STEP 4:
Scan Your Helm & Start Your Session
When you're ready to start a focus session, the app will prompt you to tap your Helm to activate.
How to Scan your Helm
You'll need to scan the NFC chip inside your Helm. Simply position your phone as shown below and and hold steady for 1-2 seconds. The app will confirm when your Helm is successfully connected.
iPhone Users:
Position your Helm near the top of your phone (around the camera area).
Android Users:
Position your Helm against the center back of your phone.
STEP 5:
Set Your Automatic Schedules
Make Focus Effortless with Smart Scheduling
Key Feature: You can create fully customizable focus schedules that start and end automatically.
These are examples:
Morning Deep Work
9-11 AM | Mon-Fri
Blocks: Social media, news, entertainment
Auto-starts on weekdays
Wind Down Mode
8-10 PM | Daily
Blocks: Work emails, notifications
Enables calm, peaceful evening
Sleep Protection
10 PM - 7 AM | Daily
Blocks: Everything except emergencies
Ensures restful, uninterrupted sleep
"The physical ending is everything. I can't just swipe away a notification and break my focus. I have to make a conscious choice to tap the Helm. That moment of intentionality changed my entire relationship with my phone." - Marcus T.
Other Ways to Start Sessions
Remote Start (From Anywhere):
- Hold the button on your Helm device for 3 seconds
- Your default focus mode activates instantly
- To end, you must tap your Helm to your phone (remote start = physical end required)
Manual Start:
- Select a focus mode
- Optionally add breaks (each break is exactly 15 minutes)
- Tap "Start" in the app then Tap Helm to activate it
- To exit focus mode, click on END FOCUS and tap your Helm to your phone to end the session.
Important: About Your 5 Lifelines
Every account includes 5 one-time lifelines that let you exit a session without your Helm device. Access them via Settings during an active session.
⚠️ Use wisely - once they're gone, they're gone! You'll need your Helm device for all future sessions.
Need More Help?
- View Complete FAQ - Detailed answers to every question
- Contact Support - We're here to help you succeed
- Join the Community - Connect with other Helm users
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the Helm device to use the app?
Yes, for long-term use you need your Helm device. While you start with 5 lifelines to try the app, once those are used, you'll need your Helm to end sessions. This physical commitment is what makes Helm work - creating a moment of conscious choice rather than impulsive override.
What if I need my phone for emergencies?
You have three options:
- Use one of your 5 lifelines (Settings during session)
- End the session by tapping your Helm
- For scheduled sessions with auto-end, wait for the scheduled end time
Pro tip: Create a "Light Focus" mode that blocks only social media but leaves calls, texts, and essential apps available.
Can I use Helm with my computer too?
Currently, Helm focuses on smartphone distractions as they're the primary source of interruption. However, many users find that reducing phone distractions naturally improves their computer focus as well. A desktop companion app is in development.
What makes this different from app blockers?
Three key differences:
- Physical Commitment - Requires tapping your Helm device to end sessions, not just clicking "disable"
- Can't Be Deleted - Unlike apps you can uninstall when tempted, your Helm stays put
- Schedules Run Automatically - Sessions start without you needing to remember or decide
The physical component creates friction exactly when your willpower is weakest.
Is this just for people with phone addiction?
Not at all! Helm is for anyone who wants to be more intentional with their technology use. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent wanting to be more present, or someone pursuing creative goals, Helm helps you align your digital habits with your values and priorities.
What are the different ways to use Helm?
Personal Focus: Create your own focus modes for work, creativity, or digital wellness
Family Use: Use Guardian Mode to help children build healthy focus habits
Accountability Partner: Enable Guardian Mode and have someone else set the code so you can't change your own restrictions
Device Lending: Activate Guardian Mode before lending your phone to ensure only approved apps are accessible
Can I share my Helm device?
Yes! You can share your Helm with up to 2 other people (3 total including yourself). Each person:
- Downloads the Helm app on their own device
- Creates their own account
- Uses the same physical Helm device
- Has completely private focus modes and statistics
Go to Settings → Device Sharing to add people by email.
What if I lose my Helm device?
Contact Helm support through the app. You can order a replacement device, and we'll help you transfer your account to the new device.
Will this work with my phone?
Helm works with:
- iPhone: iOS 16.0 or later with NFC capability (iPhone 7 and newer)
- Android: Android 9.0 or later with NFC capability
Most modern smartphones have NFC. Check your phone's settings under "Connections" or "Wireless & Networks" to confirm.
