Troubleshooting

Solutions to common issues and problems you might encounter while using Focusly.

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

Before diving into specific issues, try these general fixes:

1. ✅ Refresh the page (F5 or Ctrl+R / Cmd+R)
2. ✅ Clear browser cache and cookies
3. ✅ Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
4. ✅ Check internet connection
5. ✅ Log out and log back in
6. ✅ Try incognito/private mode
7. ✅ Disable browser extensions temporarily
8. ✅ Check if maintenance mode is active

If these don't work, see specific issues below.

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Account & Login Issues

Can't Log In

Symptoms: Login fails, "Invalid credentials" error

Solutions:

1. Check email and password:

   • Verify email spelling
   • Check Caps Lock is off
   • Ensure correct password

2. Reset password:

   • Click "Forgot Password"
   • Follow password reset process

3. Account locked:

   • Too many failed attempts locks account temporarily
   • Wait 15-30 minutes
   • Use password reset instead

4. Email not verified:

   • Check if verification required
   • Follow email verification guide

Email Verification Not Working

Symptoms: Can't access modules, verification link expired or broken

Solutions:

1. Resend verification email:

   • Log in to account
   • Click "Resend verification email"
   • Check inbox and spam folder

2. Check spam folder:

   • Look for emails from noreply@focusly.one
   • Mark as "Not Spam"
   • Add to contacts

3. Link expired (24 hours):

   • Request new verification link
   • Click new link within 24 hours

4. Link broken:

   • Copy full URL from email
   • Paste into browser manually
   • Ensure no line breaks

See: Full email verification troubleshooting

Password Reset Email Not Arriving

Symptoms: No reset email received after requesting

Solutions:

1. Check spam/junk folder
2. Wait 5 minutes for delivery
3. Verify email address is correct
4. Request again from forgot password page
5. Try different email if using restricted domain (school/work)
6. Add sender to contacts: noreply@focusly.one

See: Full password reset troubleshooting

Logged Out Unexpectedly

Symptoms: Session ends, need to log in again

Solutions:

1. Session timeout: Normal after period of inactivity
2. Cookie issues: Clear cookies and log in again
3. Multiple tabs: Logging out in one tab logs out all tabs
4. Browser settings: Ensure cookies are enabled

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Module & Feature Issues

Modules Not Loading

Symptoms: Module interface won't appear, blank screen

Solutions:

1. Refresh page: F5 or reload button
2. Check email verification: Unverified accounts can't access modules
3. Clear cache: Browser cache may be corrupted
4. Try different module: Check if issue is module-specific
5. Check browser console: Look for JavaScript errors (F12)

AI Generation Fails or Times Out

Symptoms: "Error generating content", timeout, blank output

Solutions:

1. Check internet connection: Ensure stable connection

2. Reduce input size: Very large inputs may timeout

   • Break into smaller chunks
   • Summarize before using
   • Reduce to under 10,000 words

3. Simplify request: Complex requests take longer

   • Reduce number of questions
   • Simplify focus areas
   • Try easier difficulty

4. Try again: Temporary server issues

   • Wait 30 seconds
   • Retry the generation
   • Try different time if consistent

5. Check maintenance mode: Backend may be down for maintenance

Generated Output is Low Quality

Symptoms: Output doesn't meet expectations, irrelevant content

Solutions:

1. Improve input quality:

   • Use well-structured content
   • Provide sufficient material (500+ words)
   • Include clear context

2. Be more specific:

   • Add focus instructions
   • Specify what you want
   • Give examples if possible

3. Adjust difficulty:

   • Match difficulty to content level
   • Try medium before hard
   • Ensure content supports difficulty level

4. Choose right module:

   • Use appropriate module for task
   • Some content better suited to specific modules

5. Add more context:

   • Include background information
   • Provide definitions
   • Add examples

File Upload Not Working

Symptoms: PDF or file won't upload, upload fails

Solutions:

1. Check file format:

   • Supported: PDF, TXT, MD, JSON
   • Not supported: Images of text, DOCX, other formats

2. Check file size:

   • Very large files may fail
   • Try files under 10MB
   • Compress if needed

3. PDF issues:

   • Ensure PDF contains actual text (not scanned image)
   • Try converting to TXT first
   • Use simpler PDF

4. Try different method:

   • Copy text and paste instead
   • Use plain text file instead of PDF
   • Type or paste manually

5. Browser issues:

   • Try different browser
   • Clear cache
   • Check file permissions

Download Not Working

Symptoms: Download button doesn't work, file doesn't download

Solutions:

1. Check browser settings:

   • Allow downloads
   • Check download location
   • Disable download blocking

2. Popup blocker:

   • Allow popups for focusly.one
   • Try again after allowing

3. Try different format:

   • If PDF fails, try TXT
   • Try alternative export formats

4. Clear cache:

   • Clear browser cache
   • Try download again

5. Storage space:

   • Check device has free space
   • Free up space if needed

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Performance Issues

Slow Loading

Symptoms: Page loads slowly, features lag

Solutions:

1. Check internet speed: Run speed test
2. Close other tabs: Free up browser memory
3. Clear cache: Old cached files may slow things down
4. Try different time: Server may be busy
5. Disable extensions: Some extensions slow page loading

Page Freezing or Crashing

Symptoms: Page becomes unresponsive, browser crashes

Solutions:

1. Close other tabs: Reduce memory usage
2. Restart browser: Fresh start
3. Clear cache and cookies: Remove corrupted data
4. Update browser: Use latest version
5. Check device resources: Close other programs
6. Try different browser: Rule out browser-specific issue

Features Not Responding

Symptoms: Buttons don't work, forms won't submit

Solutions:

1. Wait a moment: May be processing
2. Refresh page: Reload and try again
3. Check JavaScript: Ensure enabled in browser
4. Disable extensions: Extensions may interfere
5. Try incognito mode: Rule out cache/extension issues

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Content & Output Issues

Can't Find Saved Output

Symptoms: Output missing, can't locate in folders

Solutions:

1. Check all folders:

   • Look in subject folders
   • Check default/unsorted folder
   • Expand all folders

2. Refresh page: Reload outputs list

3. Check account: Ensure logged into correct account

4. Look by date: Sort by creation date

5. Use search: If available, search by keyword or label

Output Deleted Accidentally

Symptoms: Deleted output by mistake

Solutions:

Unfortunately, deletion is permanent in Focusly:

• ❌ No undo function
• ❌ No trash/recycle bin
• ❌ Cannot be recovered

Prevention:

• Download important outputs regularly
• Double-check before deleting
• Create backups of critical materials

Workaround:

• Regenerate the output with same input
• May not be identical but similar

Can't Delete Output or Folder

Symptoms: Delete button doesn't work, deletion fails

Solutions:

1. Close output: Ensure not currently viewing it
2. Refresh page: Reload and try again
3. Empty folder first: Remove contents before deleting folder
4. Check permissions: Ensure you own the output
5. Try different browser: Browser issue may prevent deletion

Outputs Not Syncing Across Devices

Symptoms: Output on one device not showing on another

Solutions:

1. Refresh page: Reload on both devices
2. Log out and in: Force sync
3. Check account: Ensure same account on both devices
4. Clear cache: Remove old cached data
5. Wait a moment: Sync may take a few seconds

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Browser-Specific Issues

Safari Issues

Common problems:

• Cookies blocked in private mode
• Strict tracking prevention

Solutions:

1. Enable cookies for focusly.one
2. Disable tracking prevention for site
3. Don't use private browsing

Firefox Issues

Common problems:

• Enhanced tracking protection
• Strict cookie settings

Solutions:

1. Add focusly.one to exceptions
2. Allow third-party cookies for site
3. Disable tracking protection for site

Chrome/Edge Issues

Common problems:

• Extensions interfering
• Aggressive ad blockers

Solutions:

1. Disable extensions temporarily
2. Add site to ad blocker whitelist
3. Clear Chrome cache specifically

Mobile Browser Issues

Common problems:

• Limited functionality
• Touch interface issues
• File upload problems

Solutions:

1. Use desktop mode if available
2. Try desktop/laptop if possible
3. Some features may be desktop-only
4. Ensure mobile browser is updated

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Connection & Network Issues

"Server Error" or 500 Error

Symptoms: Error message, can't connect to server

Solutions:

1. Wait and retry: Temporary server issue
2. Check status: Maintenance mode may be active
3. Different time: Try later if server busy
4. Different network: Try different WiFi or mobile data

Maintenance Mode

Symptoms: Maintenance page displayed, can't access app

Information:

• Scheduled maintenance for updates
• Usually brief (15-60 minutes)
• Page auto-refreshes when back online

What to do:

1. Wait for maintenance to complete
2. Page will reload automatically
3. Check back in 30 minutes if extended
4. Don't repeatedly refresh (won't help)

"Network Error" or Can't Connect

Symptoms: Can't reach focusly.one, connection failed

Solutions:

1. Check internet: Verify connection working
2. Try different network: Switch WiFi/mobile data
3. Firewall/VPN: Disable temporarily to test
4. DNS issues: Try 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
5. Site status: Check if site is down for everyone

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Data & Privacy Issues

Account Security Concerns

Symptoms: Suspicious activity, unauthorized access

Immediate actions:

1. Change password immediately:

   • Use strong, unique password
   • Follow password reset guide

2. Check recent activity:

   • Review recent outputs
   • Look for unfamiliar content

3. Log out all devices:

   • Change password logs out other sessions

4. Secure email account:

   • Ensure email account is secure
   • Enable 2FA on email if available

Privacy Questions

Is my data private?

• ✅ Your outputs are private to your account
• ✅ Data is encrypted in transit (HTTPS)
• ✅ Not shared with third parties
• ✅ See privacy policy for details

Can others see my work?

• ❌ No, outputs are private
• ❌ No public profiles
• ❌ Sharing only via download/export

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Mobile & Device Issues

Using on Tablet/Mobile

Current support:

• Focusly is optimized for desktop
• Mobile may have limited functionality
• Some features may not work on small screens

Best practices:

1. Use desktop/laptop when possible
2. Rotate to landscape on tablet
3. Use desktop mode in mobile browser
4. Some modules work better than others

Multiple Devices

Syncing:

• Outputs sync across devices automatically
• May need to refresh to see updates
• Use same account on all devices

Recommendations:

• Primary work on desktop
• Mobile for viewing/reviewing
• Download outputs for offline mobile access

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Advanced Troubleshooting

Browser Console Errors

For tech-savvy users:

1. Open browser console (F12)
2. Look for red error messages
3. Check Network tab for failed requests
4. Note specific errors for support requests

Clearing All Data

Complete reset (last resort):

1. Log out of Focusly
2. Clear all browser data:
   • Cookies
   • Cache
   • Local storage
3. Restart browser
4. Log in again
5. Try feature again

Warning: May lose some temporary data

Checking System Status

1. Visit focusly.one from different device
2. Ask others if they can access
3. Check social media for status updates
4. Look for maintenance notifications

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When to Contact Support

Contact support if:

• ❌ Issue persists after trying all solutions
• ❌ Experiencing unique/unusual problems
• ❌ Account security concerns
• ❌ Billing/subscription issues
• ❌ Feature requests or bugs

Before contacting support, have ready:

1. Account email
2. Description of issue
3. Steps you've already tried
4. Browser and OS information
5. Screenshots if applicable
6. Error messages received

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Getting Help

Self-Help Resources

1. This troubleshooting guide - Common issues
2. FAQ - Frequently asked questions
3. Feature guides - Specific module help
4. Tips & Best Practices - Optimize usage

Community Help

• User forums (if available)
• Study groups using Focusly
• Classmates or friends

Official Support

• Email support (if available)
• Contact form on website
• Social media channels
• GitHub issues (if open source)

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Prevention Tips

Avoiding Common Issues

✅ Keep browser updated: Latest version prevents bugs

✅ Regular backups: Download important outputs

✅ Clear cache monthly: Prevents corrupted data

✅ Use supported browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge

✅ Stable internet: Avoid using on unstable connections

✅ Don't rush: Let pages load fully before clicking

✅ Log out when done: Especially on shared devices

✅ Check email regularly: For important notifications

Best Practices

✅ Test before important use: Ensure everything works before exam prep

✅ Have backup plan: Download materials in case of issues

✅ Report bugs: Help improve the platform

✅ Stay informed: Read update notifications

✅ Use desktop primarily: Better experience than mobile

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