Do you know? A blank NFC tag can cost about $1, and some free phone apps can use it—or a QR code—as a physical trigger for blocking distracting apps.
That approach offers an alternative to dedicated devices such as Brick, a $59 product that uses a physical tap to enable or disable app blocking. The free options described by WIRED aim to create the same kind of friction without requiring a separate piece of hardware.
What changed
Instead of immediately opening an app such as Instagram, users can require themselves to find and scan a tag, QR code or barcode first. The extra step is intended to interrupt habitual scrolling and make access less automatic.
The apps can also support other ways to start and stop blocking, including schedules. On Android, one of the featured apps can block entire apps, specific URLs and, experimentally, particular features inside some apps.
Options for iPhone users
Foqos
Foqos is a free, open-source iOS app developed by Ali Waseem. It allows users to create profiles that block selected apps and choose a physical trigger, such as an NFC tag or QR code.
- Blocking can begin and end through an NFC tag or QR code.
- Users can also use a daily schedule or scan an ordinary barcode.
- A barcode on a book, beverage or another household item can serve as the trigger.
- The app can prevent app management while a profile is running, making it harder to delete the app to bypass a block.
- Users can allow a limited number of breaks.
According to the source article, Foqos says no data leaves the device in its privacy policy.
Options for Android users
Switchly
Switchly, developed by Vienna-based developer Saltyy, is available through Google Play. Its setup process guides users through permissions and the creation of a first profile, although the source describes the initial configuration as requiring some careful navigation.
Switchly can block apps and URLs, use NFC chips or QR codes as triggers, and apply scheduled blocks. Its free tier offers enough features for most people, while premium users can also trigger blocks based on a particular Wi-Fi network or a nearby Bluetooth device.
The app includes experimental support for blocking specific features inside some apps. The source notes that performance can depend partly on the Android phone model.
Lock
Lock is another Android option. The source describes it as more polished than Switchly, but says it supports NFC chips only.
How the physical barrier works
| Trigger | What it does |
|---|---|
| NFC tag | Requires the user to tap the phone against a physical tag. |
| QR code | Requires the user to find and scan a printed code. |
| Barcode | Lets some users scan an everyday object already nearby. |
| Schedule | Starts blocking at predetermined times. |
The underlying idea is simple: moving the trigger away from the phone adds a small amount of effort. That effort may be enough to steer someone away from an impulse to open a distracting app, although the source presents this as a practical experience rather than a measured scientific result.
Who is affected?
The options are aimed at people who want to reduce phone-based distractions on iOS or Android. iPhone users can try Foqos, while Android users have Switchly and Lock among the options discussed. The source also notes that free tools exist for blocking websites on computers, but focuses on phones as a particularly common source of distraction.
FAQ
Do these apps require dedicated hardware?
No. The featured apps can use NFC tags, QR codes, barcodes or schedules. A separate NFC tag or printer may be useful, but is not always required.
Is Foqos available for Android?
No. The source describes Foqos as iOS-exclusive.
Does Switchly require a paid plan?
No. The source says its free tier provides plenty of features for most people.
Can these apps block individual features?
Switchly has experimental support for blocking particular features inside some apps, in addition to blocking entire apps and URLs.
Bottom line: Users who want more distance from distracting apps do not necessarily need to buy a dedicated blocker. Free iPhone and Android apps can turn inexpensive NFC tags, printed QR codes, everyday barcodes or schedules into physical and digital barriers.
Source
This report is based on information published by WIRED.
