I made a app that uses NFC as a physical switch to block distractions
Hi HN! Super proud to showcase Foqos! I wanted to create a way to physically block apps on my phone, always had a bunch of NFC tags, combined the 2 together over the holiday break and Foqos was born. You can create profiles, write them to NFC tags and track your weekly focus. Its completely open source and will always be free! There is an affiliate link in the app for nfc tags and donations are completely optional Link here: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/foqos/id6736793117
I made a app that uses NFC as a physical switch to block distractions launched on January 21, 2025 with 225 votes, #168 of 6,141 launches that month and more than 95% of that year's launches. The site was still online in September 2026, 1 year on.
In plain words
Foqos is an open-source iOS app that uses NFC tags as physical switches to block distracting apps on smartphones. Users create focus profiles and write them to NFC tags, then tap a tag to activate app restrictions. The app tracks weekly focus metrics to help users monitor their progress. It is free to use, with optional donations and an affiliate link for purchasing NFC tags.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
We listened to so much feedback and improved and re-designed the full app. Foqos is a free an and open source way to block apps and websites behind the tap of NFC tag or QR code. Its an alternative to Brick, Unpluq and more!
Free, open-source iPhone app blocker with NFC, QR, timers, and smart breaks. No subscriptions or tracking—your focus data stays on your iPhone and is never sold.
A free, privacy-first, open-source alternative to Brick, Opal, ScreenZen, Unpluq, Blok, and more. Foqos is currently made for iPhone. If you use Android, these independent apps may offer a similar way to put more friction between you and distracting apps. Foqos is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Switchly or Lock. Their features, pricing, availability, and privacy practices are managed by their respective creators. Start or end a session with a physical tag placed away from your phone. Print a code or keep one somewhere that makes distraction inconvenient. Take intentional, timed pauses without ending your whole session. Use Apple Screen Time APIs to block the distractions…from foqos.app
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