How can Milo help?

How does Milo Buddy actually work?

You start a focus session by naming a task and picking a length. While you work, Milo (a 3D Westie dog) checks in at random intervals asking "Are you on task?" You answer honestly. After the session ends, you get a score, badges if earned, and Milo celebrates. The unpredictable check-ins build self-awareness and the celebration creates positive reinforcement. Together they're called variable-interval reinforcement, the same algorithm Milo Buddy has used since 2008.

I'm an adult. Is this for me?

Yes. The app supports three setup paths: adult self-setup, parent setting up for a child, and teen self-setup. During onboarding tap "Myself" on the path-selection screen. Milo's tone, work-type options, reward suggestions, and check-in messages all adapt to the path you pick.

I'm setting it up for my kid. What do I do?

On the first screen tap "My kid." You'll go through setup screens that ask for your kid's first name, age, the kind of work they do, where focus tends to break down, what they love, and a reward activity that unlocks when they hit their goal. After the final screen the app says "Hand the phone to [kid name]" and the kid takes over from there.

Can I change my settings later?

Yes. Open the app and tap the Settings tab. You can edit your name, age, session duration, check-in interval, goal percentage, sound and haptic preferences, and reward app. Settings access is gated behind a math problem so kids can't accidentally change them.

Milo isn't checking in. What's wrong?

Three things to verify in order:

• Notifications permission is granted. Go to iOS Settings, find Milo Buddy, and check that Notifications are on.
• The app is allowed to deliver notifications during Focus modes (iOS Settings, then Focus, then check Allowed Apps).
• The session is actually running. Check that the home screen shows an active session with the task name and timer.

I tapped "On task" but I really wasn't. Does it matter?

Milo doesn't know whether you were actually on task. The whole system depends on honest self-reporting. If you fudge, the score is meaningless and the algorithm can't help you build real self-awareness. The app is for you, not against you. Honest answers, even unflattering ones, are how it works.

The reward app didn't open.

Make sure the reward app is installed on your device. Some apps don't support deep linking from other apps; in that case Milo will just say "Time for [reward]" and you open the app yourself. If a specific app is reliably broken, email us at hello@getmilobuddy.com with the app name and we'll look into it.

What data does the app collect?

Most data lives on your device. A small bundle (age or age range, interests, current task name, on-task or off-task) goes to our AI partner about a third of the time so Milo's responses feel personal. We never send your name, location, contacts, photos, or what you actually wrote. Full details on the privacy policy.

How do I delete all my data?

Open the app, tap Settings, scroll to "Reset All Data" and confirm. This wipes everything immediately, no recovery. Deleting the app from your iPhone also clears all stored data.

Can I see my child's session history as a parent?

Yes. The Stats screen shows session history, on-task percentages, streaks, and badges. Settings access is parent-gated so the kid can't reset the data without you.

Do I need an account?

No. There are no accounts, no logins, no passwords. The app works offline (the AI feature falls back to pre-written responses when offline). All your data lives on your device.

Is the app free?

Milo Buddy is currently planned as a one-time purchase, not a subscription. Pricing and any free trial details will be confirmed at App Store launch.

How do refunds work?

Refunds for Milo Buddy are handled by Apple, not us. To request one, go to reportaproblem.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, find the purchase, and click "Report a Problem." Apple decides on refunds.

I have a problem not listed here.

Email hello@getmilobuddy.com with what's happening, what you've tried, and your iPhone model and iOS version (Settings, then General, then About). We respond within one business day.

I have a feature request.

We want to hear it. Email the same address with "Feature request" in the subject. Real user requests directly shape what we build next.