Show HN: I made a app that uses NFC as a physical switch to block distractions

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Open source and implementation

  • App is open source; repository link was shared in the thread.
  • Built mainly around iOS Family Activity / Screen Time APIs and Focus/Profiles.
  • Some discussion about limitations: no direct public API to toggle Focus from Swift, so workarounds might involve Shortcuts integration.

NFC usage and user experience

  • NFC tags are used as physical switches to enable/disable distraction-blocking profiles.
  • Some users like the “physicality” and intentionality of tapping a tag versus navigating phone UI.
  • Others question why tags are needed when Focus/Shortcuts already exist, or why not just use on-screen or voice controls.
  • Reports of NFC friction: slow scans, “ghost scans,” and reliability varying by chip type.

Use cases and value proposition

  • Main appeal: a commitment device that’s harder to override than a simple tap (e.g., placing the “unblock” tag far away, giving it to a friend, or leaving it at home).
  • Attractive to people who get derailed as soon as they unlock their phone, including some with ADHD.
  • Seen as a way to quickly switch between “work,” “home,” “gym,” or “sleep” modes by location.

Platform support and alternatives

  • Several people want an Android version; author notes lack of time and Android device, but code is open for others to port.
  • Alternatives mentioned: Brick (commercial, similar concept), ScreenZen, Tasker automations, and native iOS Shortcuts with NFC.

Availability and regional issues

  • Many comments from users in Europe, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Spain, Netherlands, etc., saying the app is unavailable.
  • Author repeatedly acknowledges this as a listing misconfiguration and plans to open more regions.

Parental control angle

  • Some see strong potential as a parental-control tool, where the parent holds the NFC tag.
  • Discussion of iOS Screen Time being unreliable and easy for kids to bypass.

Limitations, bugs, and feature requests

  • Requests for:
    • Demos showing real-world NFC use.
    • macOS integration via synced Focus states.
    • QR code triggers and possibly Bluetooth beacons.
  • Reports of:
    • Only a subset of selected apps actually being blocked.
    • Problems with large app categories (e.g., trying to exclude one app re-enables many).
  • Some users note that all of this can be approximated with existing Focus/Shortcuts, but appreciate a friendlier UI.