Foqos

Physically block distracting apps

The powerful, privacy-first, free and open source alternative to Brick, Bloom, Unpluq, Blok and more!

4.9/5 1000+ Reviews

Everything you need to stay focused

Free, private, and open source forever. No subscriptions, no tracking, no data collection.

Custom Profiles

Custom Profiles

Create blocking profiles for work, studying, or bedtime

NFC & QR Integration

NFC & QR Blocking

Start or stop sessions with a quick tag tap or QR scan

Mix & Match Strategies

Mix & Match Strategies

Manual, NFC, QR, NFC + Manual, QR + Manual, NFC + Timer, QR + Timer

Timer-Based Blocking

Block for a set duration, then unblock with NFC or QR

Physical Unblock

Optionally require a specific tag or code to stop sessions

Habit Tracking

See your focus streaks and session history at a glance

Smart Breaks

Take a breather without stopping your session

Website Blocking

Website Blocking

Block distracting websites in addition to apps

Live Activities

Real-time status on your Lock Screen and Dynamic Island

Privacy First

Privacy First

Your data stays on your device. No cloud sync or tracking

Easy Setup

Easy Setup

Simple interface with intuitive controls and quick configuration

Open Source

Open Source

Transparent code that you can inspect, modify, and contribute to

How it works

Get started in just 3 simple steps

1

Get a NFC tag or print a QR code

Use any NFC tag or print any QR code. You can get NFC tags online for under $1 each, or simply print any QR code from your computer.

2

Select the apps/websites you want to block

Create custom profiles in Foqos and choose which apps and websites to block. Set up different profiles for work, study, or bedtime.

3

Block distractions

Hide that tag or QR code, focus on your life and block those distractions. When your done, scan the QR code or tap the NFC tag to get back to your phone.

Why Choose Foqos Over Other App Blockers?

The only free, open-source app blocker for iPhone with physical blocking

Feature Foqos Brick Bloom Unpluq Blok
Price 100% Free $99/device $39/device $29.99/device $59.99/device
Open Source
NFC Support
QR Code Support
Timer + Physical Unlock
Habit Tracking
Website Blocking
Privacy (No Cloud Sync)

What people are saying

Join over 10,000 users who've transformed their digital habits

Better than any other blocking app I have tried

"Love this app. The many options for how to enable/disable blocking modes is exactly what I was looking for. I have one NFC tag that I scan on the way into my home office on work days and having to physically get up and go scan the tag again to access social media has helped me so much with distractions."

R
rahuggins

Amazing for ADHD and anxiety

"I struggle with answering messages sometimes (ADHD and anxiety) and Foqos is a big help by allowing me to schedule in a time each week to answer messages with Foqos on to keep me on track."

U
Anonymous User

Love this app and I'm glad it exists

"I really love the Foqos app and I've found that it's helped me stay productive and happier in the last two weeks of using it. I'd like to help support its development by sending y'all $10/buying you a coffee. I love the app and I'm glad it exists and is open source."

A
App Store User

Please never get rid of this app

"I just got it and I love it. If you're having trouble funding it and want to keep it running and want to keep it more-or-less 'free,' I'm sure you could easily charge $5 or even $10 one time charge for the app."

R
Reddit User

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a free alternative to Brick, Bloom, Unpluq, and Blok on iPhone?

Yes. Foqos is a 100% free, open‑source iPhone app blocker that uses NFC and QR codes to physically block distracting apps. Unlike Brick ($99), Bloom ($4.99/mo), Unpluq ($7.99/mo), or Blok ($4.99/mo), Foqos never charges for any features and includes more blocking strategies including timer-based blocking with physical unlock.

What's the best free app blocker for iPhone?

Foqos is the best free app blocker for iPhone. It's the only app that offers both NFC and QR code blocking, timer-based sessions with physical unlock, habit tracking, smart breaks, and Live Activities—all for free with no subscription or in-app purchases required. Rated 4.9/5 stars with over 1000 reviews.

Does Foqos have better features than Brick?

Yes. While Brick requires a $99 hardware device and only supports NFC, Foqos is completely free and supports both NFC tags (which cost under $1) and QR codes (free to print). Foqos also includes timer-based blocking, habit tracking, smart breaks, and Live Activities—features Brick doesn't offer.

How does Foqos compare to Bloom and Unpluq?

Foqos offers everything Bloom and Unpluq provide, but completely free. While those apps charge monthly subscriptions ($4.99-$7.99/mo) and don't support physical blocking via NFC or QR codes, Foqos gives you both digital and physical blocking strategies at no cost. Plus, Foqos is open-source, so you can verify it respects your privacy.

How does Foqos block apps and websites on iOS?

Foqos uses Apple's Screen Time API to block apps and websites. Create custom profiles, select which apps/sites to block, then activate them manually, via NFC tag tap, QR code scan, or with a timer. You can require a physical tag or code to unlock, making it harder to bypass than pure software solutions.

Is Foqos private?

Yes. Foqos is privacy‑first and open-source. Your data stays on your device. There is no tracking, no ads, no analytics, and no cloud syncing. You can review the source code on GitHub to verify this yourself.

Does Foqos require a subscription?

No. Foqos is 100% free forever—no subscription, no in-app purchases, no hidden costs. It's open‑source and supported by the community. Unlike competitors that charge $5-$8/month or $99 for hardware, every feature in Foqos is completely free.

Can I use cheap NFC tags with Foqos?

Yes! Foqos works with any NFC tag (NTAG213 or similar), which cost under $1 each online. You don't need expensive hardware like Brick's $99 device. You can also use completely free QR codes instead—just print them from your computer or display them on another device.