
I made BarBlock, an app blocker that uses barcode scanning to block distractions.
I kept trying different iPhone screen-time blockers, but they were all way too easy to bypass. I also found options such as Brick and Bloom that offer a physical device to block and unblock apps, but they were expensive.
I built BarBlock to provide all the features of a physical app blocker at a much lower cost. BarBlock lets you block selected apps by scanning any barcode you already have.
It’s available on the App Store: BarBlock Barcode App Blocker
Here are the main differences from other blocker apps:
- Uses physical resistance (barcode scanning), not just software limits
- No physical device to buy, unlike other physical blocker apps
- No subscriptions, no accounts
- Unlimited app blocking
- Works fully offline (all data stays on your phone)
Happy to answer questions or get feedback, especially from people who’ve tried other blockers that didn’t stick.
