> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.focusme.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Break Screen

> The full-screen overlay that appears during screen breaks and Pomodoro break periods.

The Break Screen is a full-screen overlay that appears when a Screen Break or Pomodoro break period starts. It covers your entire display to enforce the break.

<Frame caption="The Break Screen during an active break">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/focusme/_hubRzAOL_4F9ibi/images/screen-break-active.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=_hubRzAOL_4F9ibi&q=85&s=19a9da9fba7b05158b33796301a04893" width="1144" height="641" data-path="images/screen-break-active.png" />
</Frame>

## What's Displayed

The Break Screen shows:

* **Plan name** — which plan triggered the break
* **Countdown timer** — time remaining until the break ends
* **Current date and time** — so you stay oriented

## Controls

<Frame caption="Break Screen controls">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/focusme/ZHKPNH8bCf9-sfJm/images/break-screen-controls.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=ZHKPNH8bCf9-sfJm&q=85&s=900dbd959d730c53cdc40395302a44c7" width="620" height="304" data-path="images/break-screen-controls.png" />
</Frame>

Depending on your plan's protection settings, the Break Screen may show these controls:

| Control               | Description                                                                                                                                                              |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Skip Break**        | End the break early and return to work. Only available if the plan's skip break challenge allows it.                                                                     |
| **Stop Plan**         | Stop the plan entirely from the break screen. If the plan has stop protection, you'll see a confirmation dialog with the appropriate challenge (password, random chars). |
| **Extend Time**       | Add more time to the break if you want a longer rest.                                                                                                                    |
| **Request Stop Code** | Request an emergency stop code to end the break or stop the plan entirely. See [Emergency Stop Codes](/concepts/plan-protection#emergency-stop-codes).                   |

### Pause and Postpone

If your plan allows pausing, you can **pause** the break to temporarily dismiss the Break Screen. The break timer pauses and resumes when you unpause.

Some plans also allow you to **postpone** a break — delaying it by a set number of minutes before it starts.

## Minimum Break Time

Screen Break plans can enforce a **minimum break time**. When set, the Skip Break button is disabled until the minimum time has elapsed. This ensures you take at least a short rest even if you're allowed to skip the full break.

<Frame caption="Break screen with minimum break time countdown">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/focusme/LfI7SMzWqID0FOrl/images/break-screen-minimum-time.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=LfI7SMzWqID0FOrl&q=85&s=a23cd49a5842ce917e8dcf272982bbba" width="800" height="600" data-path="images/break-screen-minimum-time.png" />
</Frame>

## Skip Break Challenge

Skipping a break can have its own protection challenge, separate from the stop plan challenge. This is configured in the plan's [Protection settings](/concepts/plan-protection) under **Skip break challenge**.

If the plan has skip break protection enabled, attempting to skip triggers a challenge:

* **Random Characters** — you must type a string of random characters
* **Password** — you must enter the plan's password

This prevents impulsive break-skipping. The harder the challenge, the more likely you are to just take the break.

## Stop Plan from Break Screen

If your protection settings allow it, the **Stop Plan** button lets you stop the plan directly from the break screen. If the plan has stop protection, you'll see a confirmation dialog with the appropriate challenge (password or random characters).

## Enforced Mode

When a plan uses **Enforced** protection, the Break Screen has no skip or stop option. The break must complete fully before you can return to your computer. The only controls available are:

* **Request Stop Code** — for genuine emergencies only
* **Extend Time** — if you want a longer break

<Warning>In Enforced mode, you cannot dismiss the Break Screen until the countdown reaches zero. Make sure your break durations are configured correctly before enabling Enforced protection.</Warning>

## Emergency Stop Code

If you genuinely need to end an enforced break (e.g., an urgent work situation), you can request an emergency stop code:

1. Click **Request Stop Code** on the Break Screen
2. Note the **Device ID** displayed
3. Contact FocusMe support with your Device ID
4. Enter the stop code you receive

Stop codes are single-use and time-limited. See [Plan Protection](/concepts/plan-protection#emergency-stop-codes) for full details.

<Info>The Break Screen is designed to be a positive experience — a reminder to rest your eyes, stretch, and recharge. Treat breaks as part of your productivity system, not an interruption.</Info>