Setting up Blok takes less than 60 seconds. Seriously. If you just got your NFC device or you're thinking about trying the Blok app, here's exactly how to use Blok from download to your first blocking session.
Tired of app blockers you can just turn off? Blok uses a physical NFC card to make blocking harder to bypass. See the Blok Card →
Table of contents
- Step 1: Download the Blok app
- Step 2: Create your account
- Step 3: Set up your 3 modes
- Step 4: Pair your NFC device
- Step 5: Start your first block
- Tips for getting the most out of Blok
Step 1: Download the Blok app
First things first: grab the app.
- iPhone: Search "Blok" in the App Store or visit blok.so for a direct link
- Android: Search "Blok" in Google Play or visit blok.so
The download is small and takes a few seconds on most connections.
When you first open the app, it will ask for a couple of permissions. On iOS, you'll need to grant Screen Time access so Blok can use Apple's Family Controls framework to block apps at the system level. This is the same API that powers parental controls, which is why blocking through Blok is so effective.
On Android, you'll grant device administration permissions that allow Blok to restrict app access. Approve these, as they're what make the blocking actually work.
Step 2: Create your account and choose your plan
Tap "Get Started" and create your account with an email address or sign in with Apple/Google.
The Blok setup process will walk you through choosing your subscription:
- Annual: $59.99/yr (works out to ~$5/mo)
- Monthly: $9.99/mo
The annual plan saves you about 50% compared to monthly. If you're committing to better phone habits, the yearly plan is the way to go.
Step 3: Set up your 3 modes
This is where Blok gets interesting. You get 3 customizable blocking modes, each with its own block list and allow list:
Work mode
Block the apps that kill your productivity. A good starting point:
- Block: Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, YouTube, Reddit, Snapchat, Facebook
- Allow: Email, Slack, Calendar, Notes, your project management tools
Sleep mode
The strictest mode. Block almost everything so you're not scrolling at midnight. According to the Sleep Foundation, phone use before bed significantly impacts sleep quality.
- Block: All social media, email, news, YouTube, games
- Allow: Phone, Messages, alarm clock, meditation apps
Focus mode
A flexible middle ground for when you need some apps but not others:
- Block: Social media, news
- Allow: Everything else
Don't overthink it. You can adjust these anytime. Start with something reasonable and refine as you learn what works for you.
Step 4: Pair your NFC device
Grab your Blok NFC device (card, keychain, or magnet) and pair it with the app:
Real friction beats willpower every time
The Blok Card adds a physical step between you and your distractions.
- In the app, go to device settings
- Tap "Pair new device"
- Hold your phone near the NFC device (within a few centimeters)
- The app will detect and pair it automatically
That's it. The pairing takes about 2 seconds. Your Blok device is now linked to your account and ready to activate blocking sessions.
Pro tip: Decide where your NFC device will "live." The whole point of Blok is physical friction. If your card is always in your pocket, it's too easy to unblock. Consider keeping it:
- In a drawer at your desk (for work blocks)
- On your nightstand (for sleep blocks, paired with a magnet)
- In your bag or wallet (accessible but not right at hand)
Step 5: Start your first block
You're set up. Time to try it.
- Choose which mode you want to activate (Work, Sleep, or Focus)
- Tap your phone to your Blok NFC device
- Done. Your blocked apps are now inaccessible at the system level.
Try opening one of your blocked apps. It won't work. That's the point.
When you're ready to end the session, tap your phone to the NFC device again. Blocking deactivates and your apps are back.
Setting up scheduled blocking (optional but recommended)
Once you've got the basics down, set up scheduled blocking so you don't even have to think about it:
- Go to Settings > Schedules in the Blok app
- Create a schedule (e.g., Sleep mode from 10pm to 7am on weekdays)
- The app will automatically activate the mode at the scheduled time
Scheduled blocking is powerful because it removes the daily decision. You're not choosing to block your phone every night. It just happens. Behavioral scientists call this a "commitment device" (learn more about why physical friction beats software): a decision you make once that locks in future behavior.
Tips for getting the most out of your Blok setup
Start easy, then tighten
Don't go from unlimited phone use to blocking everything on day one. Start with Work mode during your most productive hours. Add Sleep mode after a few days. Gradually increase the challenge as you build the habit.
Use streaks as motivation
Blok tracks consecutive days where you hit your blocking goals. Once you build a 7-day streak, you won't want to break it. Check your streaks in the app's main dashboard.
Try Blok World
The social leaderboard shows how your focus time compares to other Blok users. A little competition can go a long way if you're motivated by seeing others doing the work too.
Use the break feature wisely
Need to check something quickly? Use the 1, 5, or 15-minute break feature instead of ending your whole session. The break expires automatically, so you don't have to remember to re-activate blocking.
Keep your emergency unblocks for emergencies
You get 3 emergency unblocks. These are for genuine situations where you need an app right now. Don't waste them on "I just want to check Instagram real quick." That's the impulse talking.
You're ready to go
That's the entire Blok setup: download, create account, set up modes, pair device, tap to block. Under 60 seconds if you're quick about it.
The hard part isn't setting up Blok. The hard part is the first few days when your brain is used to unlimited phone access and suddenly hits a wall. Push through it. After a week, the blocked apps stop being the default and you start actually noticing how much time you have.
Don't have Blok yet? Get started at blok.so and set it up in 60 seconds.
Ready to actually put your phone down?
See the Blok Card and how the physical NFC setup works on iPhone and Android.