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Frequently asked questions
What is Aperture Protocol?
It's a 28-day guided wellness practice combining paced "coherence" breathwork, an optional heart-rate biofeedback signal, and focused visualization, with a short daily session and progress tracking.
It is a contemplative practice built on a speculative framework — not medical or psychological advice and not a substitute for professional care. See our disclaimer.
How do I get started?
Open the app, read the short intro, and pick how you'd like to measure your heart signal (or choose Demo to try it without any sensor). Then start Day 1. Each session is roughly 18–22 minutes and guides you step by step.
Which biofeedback sources can I use?
Camera — rest a fingertip over the rear camera; the app reads subtle color changes to estimate your pulse. No extra hardware needed.
Apple Watch — reads heart rate from your paired Watch via Apple Health (iOS).
Bluetooth monitor — connect a chest strap or HR monitor (Polar, Garmin, Wahoo, and similar) for the most accurate reading.
Demo — no sensor; shows an illustrative practice signal that is not a real measurement of you. You can switch sources anytime in Settings.
What do I need for the Apple Watch option?
An iPhone with a paired Apple Watch, and permission for the app to read heart rate in Apple Health (Settings → Privacy & Security → Health). The app reads heart rate only. If you decline, you can still use the camera, a Bluetooth monitor, or Demo mode.
The camera reading isn't working. Any tips?
Cover the rear camera and the flash fully but gently with the pad of your finger, hold still, and keep your hand warm. Very cold fingers, heavy pressure, or movement can prevent a clean reading. If it still struggles, try a Bluetooth monitor or the Apple Watch instead.
My Bluetooth heart-rate monitor won't connect.
Make sure the strap is awake and not connected to another app, that Bluetooth is on, and that you've allowed the app to use Bluetooth. Moisten a chest strap's contacts for a better signal. Then re-scan from Settings. Restarting the strap and re-pairing resolves most issues.
Where is my data stored? Is anything uploaded?
Everything stays on your device in a private local database. There are no accounts and no cloud. We don't collect, transmit, or share your data, and there's no analytics or tracking. See the Privacy Policy.
Can I export my data, or delete it?
Yes. Settings includes an export that lets you share a copy of your data via the standard share sheet (it excludes free-text notes from your intrusion log). To delete your data, use the in-app reset, or delete the app to remove all of its local data from your device.
How do I change or turn off the daily reminder?
In Settings, toggle the daily reminder and pick a time. Reminders are local to your device — we don't use push servers. You can also manage notification permission in your system settings.
I'm having distressing experiences. Can this app help?
Aperture Protocol is a wellness and reflection tool, not a medical or crisis service, and it isn't monitored. If you're experiencing distressing voices, visions, persistent fear, or any mental-health concern, please talk to a qualified professional. If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line in your area right away.
Which devices are supported?
iPhone and iPad (the Apple Watch heart-rate source is iOS-only). Some features — camera pulse reading, Bluetooth, haptics, and notifications — rely on device hardware and permissions.
How do refunds work?
Purchases are handled by the app store you downloaded from. Refund requests for App Store purchases are managed by Apple at reportaproblem.apple.com. We're glad to help with anything else by email.
Still stuck?
Email [email protected] with your device model, iOS version, and a short description of what happened (and a screenshot if you have one). It helps us help you faster.