Legal
Terms of Service
Last updated: June 1, 2026
Agreement
By downloading, installing, or using ColdWork ("the App"), you agree to these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree, do not use the App. These Terms apply to the ColdWork desktop application, Android mobile application, browser extension, and website.
What ColdWork Is
ColdWork is a focus tool that blocks distracting websites and applications during self-directed focus sessions. It is designed for coders, students, and anyone who wants to reduce digital distractions while working or studying. ColdWork is available as a free tier with core functionality, and paid subscription tiers that unlock additional features and capabilities.
ColdWork is distributed as:
- Windows desktop application — a downloadable
.exeinstaller - Android mobile application — a direct APK download (not distributed through the Google Play Store). Installing it requires enabling "Install from unknown sources" in your Android device settings, which is standard for apps distributed outside the Play Store.
- Website — the marketing and web dashboard at cold-work.vercel.app
The Windows app modifies your system's hosts file and may terminate processes you have explicitly added to your blocklist. The Android app uses device permissions to detect and block distracting apps and websites. These actions are temporary, reversible, and only occur during active focus sessions.
Eligibility
There are no age restrictions for using ColdWork. However, if you are under 18, we recommend informing a parent or guardian that the App modifies system-level settings (the hosts file) during focus sessions.
License
ColdWork is provided under a personal use license. The free tier is available at no cost, while paid subscription tiers require a valid subscription. You may not copy, modify, redistribute, or create derivative works from the App without prior written permission from caparim. Your use of ColdWork must comply with your subscription tier and its terms.
Acceptable Use
You agree to use ColdWork only for its intended purpose. You may not:
- Use the App to interfere with other users' devices or networks
- Redistribute a modified version of the App under the ColdWork name without permission
- Use the App in any way that violates applicable local, state, national, or international law
- Attempt to reverse-engineer the background service for purposes other than security research
System Modifications
Windows desktop app — ColdWork makes the following temporary, reversible changes to your system during focus sessions:
- Hosts file — adds entries to redirect blocked domains to
127.0.0.1. These entries are clearly marked between# ColdWork-STARTand# ColdWork-ENDcomments and are removed when the session ends or the App quits. - Process termination — closes applications you have explicitly added to your blocklist using the standard Windows
taskkillcommand. - Background service — an optional elevated service that handles hosts file writes. It listens only on
127.0.0.1and accepts commands exclusively from the ColdWork app.
Android mobile app — ColdWork requests the following Android permissions to enable blocking during focus sessions:
- Usage Access — detects which app is currently in the foreground so ColdWork can show a blocking overlay when a restricted app is opened.
- Display Over Other Apps — displays a blocking screen over restricted apps while a session is active.
- Internet — intercepts network requests to blocked websites during an active session.
By using the App, you acknowledge and consent to these system-level modifications. All changes are fully reversible by ending your session or uninstalling the App.
Android APK Installation
The ColdWork Android app is distributed as a direct APK download and is not available through the Google Play Store. To install it, you must enable "Install from unknown sources" (or "Install unknown apps") in your Android device settings. This is a standard Android security setting for apps distributed outside the Play Store.
By installing the APK, you acknowledge that:
- You are installing software that has not been reviewed or verified by Google
- You take responsibility for enabling sideloading on your device
- caparim is not responsible for any issues arising from your device's security settings or Android version compatibility
The APK is built from the same source code that will be submitted to the Play Store in the future. It is not modified, unsigned, or otherwise different from a Play Store release.
Strict Mode
ColdWork includes a Strict Mode feature that prevents you from ending a focus session early. When Strict Mode is active:
- You cannot end the session until the timer reaches zero
- You cannot quit the App or modify your blocklist
- Blocked websites and apps remain blocked for the full duration
By activating Strict Mode, you acknowledge that you are voluntarily restricting your own access to certain applications and websites for the duration you selected. This is by design and is not a malfunction.
Browser Extension
The ColdWork browser extension is an optional companion to the desktop app. It communicates exclusively with the local desktop app via localhostand does not transmit data to external servers. The extension is subject to the additional terms of your browser's extension platform (e.g., Chrome Web Store policies).
Payments and Subscriptions
ColdWork offers a free tier and optional paid subscription tiers (Pro and Lifetime). All payments are processed by Paddle (Paddle.com Market Ltd / Paddle.com, Inc.), which acts as the Merchant of Record for all ColdWork transactions. By making a purchase, you also agree to Paddle's Buyer Terms.
Subscriptions renew automatically at the end of each billing period unless cancelled before the renewal date. You may cancel at any time through your account settings or by contacting us.
All purchases are subject to the Refund Policy. All sales are final. Refunds are not issued except where required by applicable law.
No Warranty
ColdWork is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to:
- Fitness for a particular purpose
- Uninterrupted or error-free operation
- Compatibility with all systems or configurations
- That blocked content will be inaccessible under all circumstances
caparim does not guarantee that the App will successfully block all distractions in every scenario. Technically savvy users may be able to circumvent blocking — this is expected and not a defect.
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, caparim shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:
- Loss of data or productivity
- System configuration issues caused by improper use
- Inability to access websites or applications during or after a session
- Any damages arising from the use or inability to use the App
Regardless of whether you are using the free tier or a paid subscription, the total liability of caparim is limited to zero dollars ($0.00).
Updates and Changes
caparim may update the App, website, or these Terms at any time. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. Major changes will be noted with an updated "Last updated" date on this page.
Termination
You may stop using ColdWork at any time by uninstalling the App and removing the browser extension. Upon uninstallation, all locally stored data is removed and no residual system modifications remain.
Transparency
ColdWork is built with transparency in mind. If you have questions about how the App works or want to report a security concern, contact caparim directly.
Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which caparim resides, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms will be resolved informally by contacting caparim before pursuing legal action.
Contact
If you have questions about these Terms, contact caparim at:
business694200969@gmail.com