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

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

An open source iOS app uses NFC tags as a physical “switch” to toggle distraction-blocking profiles, appealing to people who want a more deliberate, harder-to-bypass way to manage screen time than built-in software alone. Commenters explore use cases from personal focus and ADHD support to parental controls, while noting that similar functionality can be approximated with iOS Focus modes, Shortcuts, and existing NFC automations. Interest is high, but users raise practical concerns about NFC reliability, app bugs with large block lists, lack of Android support, and limited App Store availability in many countries.

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.