Bloc: Apps sperren & Fokus

Bloc is an app blocker with a physical barrier: With a tap on the Bloc, you lock the apps that distract you. Unlocking is only possible at the Bloc itself. This way, you reduce your screen time without having to force yourself to stop every night.

Classic screen time limits can be lifted with a tap of your finger. With Bloc, the decision lies in the real world. You place the small Bloc in a fixed location—on your desk, a shelf, or in the kitchen. Anyone who wants to scroll further has to get up and go there, and that's usually when you realize you didn't really want to.

HOW IT WORKS

1. In the app, select which apps and categories to block, for example, social media, games, shopping, or streaming.

2. Briefly hold your phone against the Bloc. The apps are locked immediately.

3. Unlocking requires another tap on the Bloc.

MODES FOR WORK, STUDY, AND EVENING
Create your own modes and define which apps are blocked or which remain open for each one. One mode for focused work, one for studying during exam season, one for evenings without social media. Calls, messages, and emergency calls remain accessible in every mode.

SCHEDULES
Bloc automatically blocks your screen at your chosen times, for example, Monday through Friday starting at 9:00 AM. If desired, the block only ends when you tap your Bloc. This turns a good intention into a solid routine.

STATISTICS ON YOUR FOCATION TIME
See how long you've had your screen blocked, how much screen time you've saved, and what time of day you're most focused, by week, month, and year. If you wish, you can receive a weekly review by email every Monday.

WHO IS BLOC FOR?
For anyone who constantly reaches for their phone while working or studying. For everyone who spends an hour scrolling in bed at night and sleeps worse. For families who want to put their phones away at dinner. And for everyone who wants to try a digital detox without giving up their smartphone entirely.

USE OF THE ACCESSIBILITY SERVICE API

Bloc uses the Android Accessibility Service API for its core function: locking the apps you've selected.

• Purpose: The service detects which app is currently open. If you open a locked app while the device is locked, Bloc displays the lock screen instead.

• Optional (in the profile, disabled by default): With "Deep Flow," Bloc displays the lock screen over the uninstall dialog and the Play Store during a lock, preventing apps from being deleted during this time. "Block app installations" covers the installation dialog and the Play Store, and "Block in-app purchases" covers the Google Play purchase dialog.

• What data: Bloc only detects which app is in the foreground (packet name). Screen content, keystrokes, messages, or passwords are not read.

• This information is processed only on your device. It is not transferred to us or third parties and is not used for advertising.

• Bloc does not change any settings. Its only action: If you tap "Close" on the lock screen, Bloc returns to the home screen.

• Before activation, the app explains in a separate notification what the service is used for and asks for your consent. You can deactivate it at any time in the Android settings under "Accessibility."

THE BLOC
The Bloc is a small device measuring 40 × 40 mm that works without a battery via NFC. You never need to charge it. To use the app, you need a Bloc, available at thebloc.app. The app is free; there is no subscription and no in-app purchases.

Works with Android smartphones running Android 12 and later with NFC.


``` Privacy policy: https://thebloc.app/pages/datenschutzerklarung

Questions or feedback? Write to us at info@thebloc.app.