Furlough
App blocker with an NFC lock
About
This app helps you regain control of your digital life by blocking distracting apps and websites. It offers two powerful methods: timed rules with daily budgets and NFC-based locking for instant access removal. Designed for focused productivity, it ensures you stay on track without easy bypasses.
What's New in Furlough
1.3.0
September 29, 2026
The week is edited where it's drawn now, on the phone and the Mac. Drag a window to move it, drag an edge to resize, tap empty track to add one. The Anchor can drop itself on a schedule on the Mac, the way it always has on the phone. Furlough now runs on iPad. Two fixes to the shield that covers a closed app: the black square it used to draw around itself in the App Switcher is gone, and its Close button now shows Furlough's own color instead of the system's blue.
MoreFAQ
Does Furlough have ads?
No, Furlough is completely ad-free, allowing for an uninterrupted focus experience.
How does Furlough's NFC lock work?
The Anchor feature locks selected apps or the entire phone. Access is only restored when you tap your phone to a pre-paired NFC tag.
Can I set different app usage times for weekdays and weekends in Furlough?
Yes, Furlough's Rules feature allows you to set specific hours for app access, which can be different for weekdays and weekends.
What happens if I try to change a Furlough rule that is currently active?
Changes to active rules are subject to a delay, defaulting to 24 hours, giving you time to reconsider before they take effect.
How does Furlough handle essential apps that might be blocked?
Furlough warns you by name if blocking an app might prevent critical functions, like receiving texted codes from an authenticator app.
Is Furlough available on other platforms besides iPhone?
Furlough is available on iPhone and also syncs with Furlough for Mac, with your phone's NFC tag being the key to unlock it.
What is the update frequency for Furlough?
Furlough was last updated on 2026-09-15, indicating active development and support.
How can I disable Furlough if I need full access?
You can disable Furlough by going to Settings > Screen Time > Apps with Screen Time Access > Furlough, and turning it off. This will lift all shields.
