TapBlok

Block distracting apps — the physical way.

TapBlok makes you earn your screen time back. Start a focus session and your chosen apps are locked — the only way out is scanning an NFC tag or QR code you've placed somewhere inconvenient. No digital bypass. No "just this once."

Android 7.0+  ·  Apache 2.0  ·  Free, no subscription

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✨ Features

• 🏷️ NFC Tag Support — Write TapBlok's token to any NDEF-compatible tag (NTAG213/215/216, under $1 each). Tap to toggle a session.
• 📷 QR Code Support — Generate a QR code in-app and print it. Hide it somewhere that requires real effort to reach. Every install gets its own unique code.
• 🔐 Strict Mode — Sessions can only be stopped by scanning with TapBlok open. Scanning on a block screen grants a short timed unlock for that one app instead of ending the session.
• 🔒 Block Any App — Choose any launchable app on your device. Critical system apps (dialer, camera, settings, launcher) are permanently excluded so you can't lock yourself out.
• ☕ Smart Breaks — Take five-minute breaks without ending the session. Choose how many per session (0–5) in Settings.
• 🔁 Boot Persistence — If your device restarts mid-session, TapBlok picks right back up.
• 🚨 Emergency Override — Lost your tag? A hold-to-stop last resort. Set the hold anywhere from 30 seconds to 15 minutes, or disable it entirely for strict sessions.
• ⏰ Scheduled Blocking — Sessions start (and optionally stop) automatically on the days and times you choose.
• 🤖 Automation Ready — Opt-in broadcast actions let Tasker, MacroDroid, or Samsung Routines start and stop sessions.
• 📊 Attempt Counter — See how many times you tried to open a blocked app. Accountability you can't ignore.
• ⚡ App Shortcut — Long-press the TapBlok icon to start a session instantly.
• 🔓 Open Source — Every line of code is on GitHub. No black boxes, ever.
• 🆓 Completely Free — No subscription, no in-app purchases, no tracking, no cloud.

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🚀 Getting Started

1. Install — Download the APK from the latest release and install it.
2. Grant permissions — Usage Access and Display Over Other Apps are required. TapBlok will prompt you.
3. Pick your apps — Tap "Manage Blocked Apps" and select the apps you want to block.
4. Set up your unlock method — Write an NFC tag in-app, or generate a QR code and print it.
5. Start a session — Tap "Start Monitoring" and put the tag somewhere out of arm's reach.

NFC Tags

Any NDEF-compatible NFC tag works. Personally, I use and recommend these NTAG215 NFC sticker tags (black, adhesive) — they're low-profile, stick well, and the black color blends in wherever you put them. A pack of 10 is a few dollars.

1. Tap Write NFC Tag in the app
2. Hold your tag to the back of your phone
3. Done — place the tag somewhere that adds friction (not next to your phone)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

QR Code

1. Tap Show QR Code in the app
2. Screenshot or print it
3. Put it somewhere that requires getting up — another room, your wallet, your desk drawer

Upgrading from before v1.5.0? QR codes are now unique per install. Print a new one — codes from older versions (or other phones) no longer work.

Strict Mode

Enable Settings → Strict Mode and a running session can only be stopped by opening TapBlok first, then scanning your tag or QR code. Scanning on a block screen doesn't end the session — it unlocks just that one app for a limited time (1–30 minutes, your choice). Combine with zero breaks and a disabled emergency override for maximum friction.

Scheduled Blocking

Open Settings → Scheduled Blocking to start sessions automatically — pick a start time, an optional auto-stop time, and the days of the week. Overnight windows (e.g. 22:00–07:00) work, and schedules survive reboots.

Automation (Tasker, MacroDroid, Samsung Routines)

Enable Settings → Allow automation apps, then have your automation app send a broadcast:

# Start a session
am broadcast -n com.cj.tapblok/.ScheduleReceiver -a com.cj.tapblok.SCHEDULE_START

# Stop a session
am broadcast -n com.cj.tapblok/.ScheduleReceiver -a com.cj.tapblok.SCHEDULE_STOP

In Tasker: System → Send Intent with Action com.cj.tapblok.SCHEDULE_START (or SCHEDULE_STOP), Package com.cj.tapblok, Class com.cj.tapblok.ScheduleReceiver, Target Broadcast Receiver. This opens up location-based blocking, calendar-triggered sessions, and similar automations. External triggers are ignored unless the toggle is on.

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🏗️ Architecture

Built entirely in Kotlin using modern Android development practices.

Component	Purpose
AppMonitoringService	Foreground service — polls the foreground app every second, launches BlockingActivity on a match
BlockingActivity	Full-screen overlay shown when a blocked app is detected
AppSelectionActivity	Lets users pick which apps to block
NfcHandlerActivity	Toggles the service when a TapBlok NFC tag is scanned
NfcWriteActivity	Writes TapBlok's NDEF record to an NFC tag
QrCodeActivity	Generates and displays the unlock QR code
BootCompletedReceiver	Restarts the service after device reboot if a session was active

Stack: Jetpack Compose · Material 3 · Room · Kotlin Coroutines · ZXing · Coil

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🤝 Contributing

Contributions are welcome.

1. Fork the repo
2. Create a feature branch
3. Commit your changes
4. Open a Pull Request

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📄 License

Apache 2.0 — see LICENSE for details.

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Made in Denver, CO 🏔️