🚀 Getting Started
What is Cortex Lantern?
Cortex Lantern is a brain training app that helps you build focus and attention span through structured 15-minute focus sessions. Think of it as a gym for your mind—you train different cognitive "pathways" to strengthen your ability to concentrate, learn, create, and organize.
How do I start my first session?
- Download the app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
- Create an account using your email address
- Choose a cognitive pathway (Deep Work, Creative Work, Learning, Systems & Clarity, or Social & Connection)
- Prepare your session by setting a task or intention
- Start the timer and focus for 15 minutes
- Complete the session to earn Neural Points and build your streak!
💡 Pro Tip
Start with just one 15-minute session per day. Consistency beats intensity when building a new habit. Even a single session daily will build your focus muscle over time.
Why 15 minutes?
Research shows that 15-minute focused sessions are:
- Short enough to avoid mental fatigue and overwhelm
- Long enough to enter a flow state and make meaningful progress
- Easy to schedule into even the busiest day
- Repeatable—you can do multiple sessions throughout the day
By breaking your work into 15-minute chunks, you reduce procrastination, maintain energy, and build sustainable focus habits.
🧠 Understanding Cognitive Pathways
Cortex Lantern uses five cognitive pathways based on neuroscience research. Each pathway trains a different mental skill:
⚡ Deep Work
Focused work, admin tasks, studying, and analytical thinking
✨ Creative Work
Writing, brainstorming, art, cooking, and creative projects
📚 Learning
Reading, courses, language learning, and skill development
🔍 Systems & Clarity
Planning, organizing, life admin, and strategic thinking
💬 Social & Connection
Calls, messages, relationship building, and networking
Q: How do I choose the right pathway?
Choose the pathway that matches your current task or intention. For example:
- Writing a report? → Deep Work
- Sketching ideas? → Creative Work
- Reading a book? → Learning
- Planning your week? → Systems & Clarity
- Having a meaningful conversation? → Social & Connection
Q: Can I use multiple pathways in one day?
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it. Using different pathways throughout the day trains your brain's flexibility and helps you match the right mental mode to each task.
💎 Free vs Pro
What's included in the Free plan?
- Unlimited 15-minute focus sessions
- One active cognitive pathway at a time
- Live brain visualization during sessions
- Level progression and Neural Points
- Today's summary and 3-day progress graph
What does Pro unlock?
- All 5 pathways unlocked - switch between pathways anytime
- Extended history - 30/60/90-day trends and insights
- AI-powered insights - personalized recommendations based on your patterns
- Train multiple regions - combine pathways in one session
- Complete brain map dashboard - see all your cognitive strengths
- Advanced achievements - unlock special milestones
- Data export - download your complete focus history
- Priority support - faster response from our team
💡 Recommendation
Start with the Free plan to build your focus habit. Upgrade to Pro when you're ready to unlock deeper insights and train multiple pathways simultaneously.
🔧 Troubleshooting
Q: My session isn't starting. What should I do?
Try these steps:
- Check your internet connection
- Force quit and restart the app
- Update to the latest version
- Clear the app cache (Settings → Storage)
If the problem persists, contact support at
support@cortexlantern.app
Q: How do I reset my progress?
Currently, progress cannot be reset. This is by design—building focus is about long-term consistency, and we want to preserve your complete journey. If you have a specific reason for needing a reset, please contact us.
Q: Can I pause a session?
Sessions cannot be paused. The 15-minute timer is designed to train sustained attention. If you need to stop, you can end the session early (though you won't earn full Neural Points).
Q: My brain visualization isn't animating. Help!
The brain visualization requires a stable connection and sufficient device resources. Try:
- Closing other apps running in the background
- Checking your device's battery mode (some power-saving modes limit animations)
- Updating to the latest app version
💳 Account & Billing
Q: How do I manage my subscription?
Pro subscriptions are managed through your App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) account:
- iOS: Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions
- Android: Play Store → Menu → Subscriptions
Q: Can I get a refund?
Refund requests are handled by Apple/Google according to their policies. Contact them through your App Store or Play Store account. For special circumstances, you can also reach out to us at
support@cortexlantern.app.
Q: How do I delete my account?
To delete your account and all associated data:
- Open the app and go to Settings
- Scroll to "Account & Privacy"
- Tap "Delete Account"
- Confirm your decision
Note: This action is permanent and cannot be undone.