Start small
Don't block 20 apps on day one. Pick the 2-3 apps that waste most of your time — probably social media and short-form video. You can always add more later.
Tips & best practices
Small habits. More focus.
A few ideas to help you get the most out of TezBlock — from your first profile to advanced features like Strict Mode, breaks, and schedules.
Setting up your first profile
Pick the right blocking method
Manual is the simplest — start and stop from the app. Timer locks apps for a set duration (included free; no hardware needed). Base NFC tag and QR code blocking are free too: use them when you want to physically walk somewhere to unblock. QR codes can be printed, so they need no special hardware.
Use multiple profiles
Create separate profiles for different situations. A "Work" profile that blocks social media, a "Sleep" profile that blocks everything except calls, a "Study" profile for school.
NFC tags & QR codes
Place tags where they matter
Stick an NFC tag on your desk to start a work session when you sit down. Put one by your front door so you unblock when you leave. The physical location becomes the habit trigger.
Use multiple tags
TezBlock lets you assign multiple NFC tags or QR codes to the same profile. Put one at home, one at the office, one on your keychain — unblock from wherever you are.
Make it inconvenient on purpose
The whole point is friction. Don't put the tag next to your bed or on your phone case. Put it in another room. The harder it is to reach, the more effective it is.
Where to buy NFC tags
Any NTAG213 NFC tag works with TezBlock. You can find them for a few dollars on Amazon, AliExpress, or Temu. They come as stickers, cards, or keychains.
Getting more from your sessions
Block websites too
TezBlock doesn't just block apps — it blocks Safari websites too. Toggle "Block Safari Websites" in your profile settings and add distracting domains. Great for blocking news sites or Reddit in the browser.
Use Strict Mode
Strict Mode is a Pro feature that prevents you from deleting TezBlock (or any blocked app) while a session is active. If you're the type to delete the app when willpower runs low, this is for you. Enable it per profile in the profile settings.
Enable breaks
Long focus session? Enable breaks in your profile settings to allow one timed break per session — 5, 10, 15, or 30 minutes. Apps unblock during the break and re-block automatically when time's up. Strict Mode stays active so you can't delete anything during the break.
Schedule recurring sessions
Set up a schedule so blocking starts and stops automatically. Pick the days and hours — like weekdays 9am–5pm for a "Work" profile. No need to remember to tap anything.
Turn on Live Activities
Enable Live Activities in your profile to see your session timer on the Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island. It's a constant reminder that you're in focus mode — and you don't need to open the app to check how much time is left. Live Activities are included in the free tier.
Tracking your progress
Start with your streak
The redesigned Stats tab puts your current and best focus streak first, so you can see your consistency without digging through charts.
Compare your totals
Review this week's focus time, your daily average, and your all-time total at a glance. Week-over-week changes make it easier to see whether your routine is moving in the right direction.
Focus with friends
Sign in and connect by invite code. Live session strips show who's blocking right now; the weekly comparison, friend detail views, activity feed, and reactions make accountability visible.
Building the habit
Check your streaks
TezBlock tracks consecutive days of focus sessions. Open the app to see your streak on the home screen — don't break the chain.
Review your stats
Use the Stats activity heatmap to scan your history, then tap into a day for its session and profile breakdown. The summary above it keeps your streak and weekly totals in view.
Get accountability
Open a friend's detail view to understand their week, or react to a completed session in the activity feed. A little encouragement can make showing up tomorrow easier.
Don't aim for perfection
You'll slip up. You'll stop a session early. That's fine. The goal isn't zero screen time — it's intentional screen time. Every session you complete is a win.