TapBlok requires a real-world action to end a focus session. Scan an NFC tag or QR code — no digital bypass, no “just this once.”
How it works
All you need is a cheap NFC tag or a printed QR code to get started.
Select any apps on your device to block. A built-in safety list ensures you can never lock yourself out of your dialer, settings, or launcher.
TapBlok writes a unique token to any NFC tag in seconds. Prefer QR? Generate one in-app and print it or stash it somewhere inconvenient.
Tap Start and put the tag somewhere out of reach. When you need to stop, you have to physically scan it — that friction is the whole point.
Features
Free, private, and open source. No subscriptions, no tracking, no cloud sync.
Write TapBlok's token to any NTAG213 tag. Tags cost under $1 online and work instantly.
Generate a unique QR code and print it. Hide it anywhere that adds real-world friction.
Select any launchable app on your device. Critical system apps are permanently excluded so you can never brick your phone.
Take up to 3 five-minute breaks per session without ending it. Perfect for quick checks that won't derail your focus.
If your device restarts during an active session, TapBlok picks right back up where it left off.
Lost your tag? A 90-second hold button lets you stop a session as a last resort — intentionally slow to prevent impulse bypassing.
See how many times you tried to open a blocked app during a session. Accountability you can't ignore.
Long-press the TapBlok icon to start a session instantly without even opening the app.
Every line of code is on GitHub. Inspect it, fork it, contribute to it — no black boxes, ever.
Compare
A free, open-source Android app blocker with real physical enforcement.
| Feature | TapBlok | Brick | Opal | Freedom | One Sec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $99/device | $59.99/yr | $3.99/mo | $19.99/yr |
| Android Support | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| NFC Physical Unlock | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| QR Code Unlock | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| No Subscription | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Open Source | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| No Cloud / No Tracking | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Break System | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Boot Persistence | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
Comparison based on publicly listed product details as of March 2026. Prices may vary.
FAQ
Yes, 100% free with no in-app purchases, no subscriptions, and no hidden costs. The source code is on GitHub and always will be.
Any NDEF-compatible NFC tag works. NTAG213 tags are the most common and cost under $1 each on Amazon — a pack of 10 runs just a few dollars.
There is a 90-second emergency override for situations where a tag is genuinely lost. The intentionally slow hold makes impulse bypassing hard. A QR code backup is always available too.
No. A built-in safety list permanently excludes your dialer, SMS, settings, camera, launcher, and other critical apps. You cannot accidentally make your phone unusable.
TapBlok requires Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher. It uses standard Android foreground service and usage stats APIs available on all modern devices.
Completely. TapBlok stores everything locally on your device. There is no account, no cloud sync, no analytics, and no ads — ever. Verify it yourself in the source code.
Free, open source, and on your phone in under a minute.