Skip to main content

NFC-Controlled App Lock/Unlock Mode

Feature Request

Add the ability to trigger a strict app lock via NFC using Shortcuts — without needing to set a timer.

Scanning one NFC tag would instantly lock specific apps.

Scanning a second (different) NFC tag would unlock access again.

Perfect for creating distraction-free zones or productivity triggers with physical tags.

Platform
♾️ All Platforms, 🍏 iOS
Posted by Enes Basar ·
Status: In Progress17 comments

Log in to comment and vote

Comments17

  • Lucas

    Team•

    Jun 26

    Pinned

    Hi everyone,

    We are right now working on the implementation of this!

    Our goal is to make it work with every NFC tag/QR code, so you don’t need to buy any overpriced tag from us (as much as we would love to have some cute one-sec tags!).

    • Sally

      •

      Jun 26

      It’s looking good already, I’m excited for it to be released!

      • Lucas

        Team•

        Jun 30

        Thanks so much, we are too very excited!

  • default altos

    •

    Dec 13, 2025

    I’d love for this to be scan a barcode instead of just NFC. I use the alarmy app to make sure I’ve woken up by scanning the barcode of my facewash every morning at a certain time. I’d love to have strict app be on by default via shortcuts, then if I want to turn it off I have to scan a barcode. This would help me get off the couch in the evenings (eg I have to scan a barcode in my kitchen) to scroll. Then I would have automations turn on strict block every 30 mins.

    • exazettabit

      •

      Apr 24

      That sounds amazing. Tbh I don’t want to get an expensive NFC tag. You would have to buy one through One Sec at probably €50 a piece or something. (Or at least that’s what comparable companies have).
      But the barcode is a little bit more risky. If you lose the thing with the barcode or you forgot to bring the item with the barcode with you, there would need to be a rescue feature that you can use that would say take 10 minutes of waiting to unlock.

      • Dennis

        •

        Jun 17

        I personally use onesec premium in combination with a foqos, which lets you scan ANY nfc. the app is free and works the same way as those apps charging you €50

  • TheMainey

    •

    May 26, 2025

    This would be a great addition. I’ve been tempted by “Brick” a few times now, this would be a great OneSec solution.

    • MD

      •

      May 29, 2025

      Same here. Would be great if it works with yubi keys as „brick“ or NFC substitute

  • [Deleted User]

    •

    Jul 18, 2025

    maybe make this so, that one can set a time the apps are unlocked after scanning the nfc tag, so one can’t just leave the apps unlocked due laziness (prob me if this features is implemented)

  • connormcdavid

    •

    Jun 7, 2025

    Huge +1 to this. Basically makes this app worth $60 instantly (ie the price of the brick)

  • tofit

    •

    Aug 16, 2025

    Would be awesome to also lock specific settings like removing custom websites from the blacklist in Adult Filtering. That we can add sites every time but to remove them you would need to scan a nfc tag.

  • Sally

    •

    Jun 18

    Oh, it would be great if we could lock the apps with multiple locking options: QR codes, barcodes, or NFC tags. Lots of options to choose from! We can print out our own QR codes or buy whatever cheap NFC tags, or scan the barcode of any product we have at home to lock or unlock the app. You guys can look at the Foqos app for this, they do a great job with the NFC/QR code blocking but the only drawback with it is that the target app gets locked and notifications can’t come through..

  • Linea Brink Andersen

    •

    Jul 6

    Is there any way you could add tapping an NFC tag as an intervention? Basically, I’d like to set time-suck apps to be blocked by default, and then if I need to access them, I would need to tap a linked NFC as the intervention (increased inconvenience compared to the waiting screen) and select the time I’d like the app to stay available. I would place this NFC in an inconvenient location in my house, so I would need to get up and walk there to use the app. That way I won’t get stuck accidentally scrolling on my couch or my desk.

  • Ishaan

    •

    Jul 22

    You can easily do it by enabling shortcut automations and turning on specific focus modes

    • Lucas

      Team•

      Jul 22

      Yes, but also: You can always deactivate focus modes manually from your device.