Question 1

How does the app detect my ad breaks?

Accepted Answer

BreakMoves uses your phone's microphone to learn what your show sounds like versus what commercials sound like, right on your device. The very first break, you tap Spud to teach him; after that he watches for breaks on his own. It's not listening to your conversations or recording anything — it only recognizes the audio pattern of a commercial break. Nothing is ever recorded, stored, or sent anywhere.

Question 2

When do I tap Spud?

Accepted Answer

Start listening while your show is playing, then tap Spud (or the "Did I miss one?" button) the moment the first commercial break begins. That one tap teaches Spud what your commercials sound like. From then on he tries to catch breaks automatically — but you can always tap to start a break yourself if you spot the ads first or if he misses one.

Question 3

Does the app work with streaming services?

Accepted Answer

Yes — BreakMoves works with any ad-supported streaming service including Hulu, Peacock, Amazon Prime, and others, as well as traditional cable and broadcast TV. It doesn't work with ad-free tiers since those have no commercial breaks to detect — but Nudge mode works perfectly no matter what you're watching.

Question 4

What is Nudge mode?

Accepted Answer

Nudge mode is for when you're not watching TV. Set a break interval — every 10, 20, 30, or 60 minutes — and BreakMoves nudges you with a short movement break, then fades away so you can get right back to reading, working, gaming, or whatever you're doing. The timer resets after each break so the nudges keep coming until you're done for the day.

Question 5

Why didn't Spud catch my ad break?

Accepted Answer

Spud is still learning, and detection isn't perfect yet. If he misses a break, just tap Spud or the "Did I miss one?" button on the home screen to start your workout right away — and that tap also helps him learn. You can also switch to Nudge mode, which doesn't rely on detection at all.

Question 6

Does the app work if my TV is muted?

Accepted Answer

Detection needs audio, so a muted TV won't trigger workouts on its own. You can still tap Spud or the "Did I miss one?" button any time for an instant break, or switch to Nudge mode, which uses a simple timer and needs no audio at all.

Question 7

What happens when my show comes back on during a workout?

Accepted Answer

When BreakMoves notices your show returning, it lets your current move finish and shows a "Show's back — last one!" message, then wraps up. You get a clean ending and never miss your show.

Question 8

How long are the workouts?

Accepted Answer

In TV mode, workouts run for the length of your commercial break — usually 1 to 3 minutes — looping through short moves until your show returns. In Nudge mode each session is about 90 seconds. A break you start yourself by tapping Move now loops through fresh exercises until you tap End.

Question 9

Do I need any equipment?

Accepted Answer

No equipment needed — ever. Every exercise uses only your bodyweight and can be done in the space in front of your couch or desk. No dumbbells, bands, or gym gear required.

Question 10

What if an exercise doesn't work for my body?

Accepted Answer

Tap Skip during any exercise and BreakMoves moves to the next one. If you skip the same exercise repeatedly, it learns and stops serving it, eventually swapping in a gentler option. Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

Question 11

Can I change my movement level after onboarding?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the intensity chips right on the home screen (Seated, Gentle, Energizing) let you change your level any time, for any break. Just tap the one you want before or between breaks. There's no menu to dig through — pick whatever feels right that day.

Question 12

Will I see the same exercises every time?

Accepted Answer

Exercises are shuffled each session, so your breaks stay varied — though favorites will naturally come around again, especially during a longer break. You're always in control of intensity with the chips on the home screen.

Question 13

Is the app recording my conversations?

Accepted Answer

No — BreakMoves never records audio. The microphone is used only to recognize the sound pattern of a commercial break, and all of that happens on your phone. No audio is ever stored, transmitted, or shared. Your listening stays private.

Question 14

Why does the app need microphone access?

Accepted Answer

Microphone access lets TV mode hear when your commercial break starts and ends — all processed on your device, never recorded. If you'd rather not grant it, you can use Nudge mode or start breaks yourself by tapping Spud; neither needs the microphone.

Question 15

Does the app work in the background?

Accepted Answer

BreakMoves listens while the app is open on your screen. Keep it open while you watch, and Spud watches for breaks and pops up a workout right in the app. To save your spot, the screen stays awake on its own while listening.

Question 16

Does the app affect my battery life?

Accepted Answer

BreakMoves keeps your screen on while listening, which uses some battery — similar to watching a video. For longer viewing sessions we recommend keeping your phone plugged in. Nudge mode uses much less battery, since it's just a simple timer with no audio detection.

Question 17

Do I need to create an account?

Accepted Answer

No account is needed during your free trial. When you subscribe to Premium you'll sign in with your Apple ID — no separate username or password required.

Question 18

Is the app free?

Accepted Answer

BreakMoves includes a 5-day usage trial — that's 5 days you actually open and use the app, not 5 calendar days. After the trial you can continue with Premium, or stay on a free tier with basic movements and 2 breaks per day.

Question 19

How many breaks do I get on the free plan?

Accepted Answer

The free plan includes 2 movement breaks per day, combined across TV mode, Nudge mode, and breaks you start yourself. Your breaks reset each day. Upgrade to Premium for unlimited breaks and the full exercise library.

Question 20

How do I cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

Subscriptions are managed through the App Store. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, find BreakMoves, and tap Cancel Subscription. You'll keep access until the end of your current billing period.

Question 21

How do I restore my purchase if something goes wrong?

Accepted Answer

Open the app, go to Settings, and tap Restore purchases. Make sure you're signed into the same Apple ID you used to subscribe, and your Premium access will restore automatically.

Question 22

Spud isn't catching my ad breaks — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

First make sure your TV volume is on and your phone is within a few feet of the TV. Check that microphone permission is enabled — in your phone's Settings, find BreakMoves and make sure Microphone is on. And remember you can always tap Spud or the "Did I miss one?" button to begin a break yourself, or switch to Nudge mode.

Question 23

A workout popped up but my show was still on.

Accepted Answer

Spud is still learning and occasionally mistakes a loud or musical moment for ads. Just tap "Not ads" on the workout screen — that dismisses it and helps him learn so it happens less over time.

Question 24

I'm on the free plan and ran out of breaks — what now?

Accepted Answer

Your 2 free breaks reset each day. Come back tomorrow and you're good to go, or upgrade to Premium any time for unlimited breaks.

Frequently asked questions

How it works

Workouts

Privacy and microphone

Account and subscription

Troubleshooting

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