ZenLock is a productivity Android application designed to help you maintain focus by blocking distracting applications during dedicated focus sessions. With an innovative SMS-based accountability system, ZenLock ensures you stay committed to your goals by requiring an accountability partner's verification for early session termination.
Status: Production Approved, Closed Alpha testing complete, Under final review for public release
Most productivity apps on the market lock essential features behind premium paywalls, yet still lack the critical functionality users actually need. ZenLock was built to solve this problem by offering a comprehensive, completely free solution with all features available to everyone.
Unlike other apps that charge for basic features like app blocking or focus timers, ZenLock includes advanced capabilities such as:
- SMS-based accountability system with OTP verification
- Comprehensive usage analytics and focus tracking
- Scheduled recurring focus sessions
- Customizable app whitelisting, no more paying for whitelisting! :)
This project is open source to ensure transparency, encourage community contributions, and keep focus tools accessible to everyone who needs them.
- Timed Focus Sessions: Set custom focus durations with hour and minute precision
- App Blocking: Automatically blocks selected applications during focus sessions using Android Accessibility Service
- Accountability System: SMS-based OTP verification system requiring an accountability partner to unlock early
- App Whitelist Management: Configure which applications remain accessible during focus sessions
- Scheduled Sessions: Create recurring focus schedules with customizable timing
- Usage Statistics: Track your focus patterns and productivity metrics
- Long-press activation (3-second hold) to prevent accidental session starts
- Robust permission management system
- Support for Android 9 (API 28) to latest Android 16 and above
Get it on Google Play
UPDATE[2026-01-19]: App is now launched and available on Google Play! Please rate and review the app to help us improve and continue providing free, open-source productivity tools to the community.
- Android device running Android 9.0 (Pie) or higher
- Java Development Kit (JDK) 17 or higher
- Android Studio (latest stable version recommended)
- Gradle 8.0+
-
Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/HumbleBee14/ZenLock.git cd ZenLock -
Open in Android Studio
- Launch Android Studio
- Select "Open an Existing Project"
- Navigate to the cloned repository directory
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Build the project
# Debug build ./gradlew assembleDebug # Release build (requires signing configuration) ./gradlew assembleRelease
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Install on device
# Via ADB adb install app/build/outputs/apk/debug/app-debug.apk
-
Grant Required Permissions:
- Accessibility Service (for app blocking)
- SMS permissions (for accountability partner notifications)
- Notification permissions
- Usage statistics access
-
Configure Accountability Partner:
- Navigate to Partner Contact settings
- Add your accountability partner's phone number
- Verify SMS delivery
-
Set Up App Whitelist:
- Select apps that should remain accessible during focus sessions
- Essential apps (Phone, Messages, Clock) are recommended
- Set your desired focus duration using the timer interface
- Long-press the "ENTER ZEN MODE" button for 3 seconds
- Selected apps will be blocked until the timer expires
- Attempt to exit the session early
- Your accountability partner receives an SMS with a verification code
- Enter the received code to unlock the session
- Session statistics are saved
app/src/main/
├── java/com/grepguru/zenlock/
│ ├── MainActivity.java # Main entry point
│ ├── LockScreenActivity.java # Lock screen overlay
│ ├── AppBlockerService.java # Accessibility service
│ ├── PartnerContactActivity.java # Partner management
│ ├── WhitelistActivity.java # Whitelist configuration
│ ├── PermissionsOnboardingActivity.java # Permission flow
│ ├── fragments/
│ │ ├── HomeFragment.java # Timer setup UI
│ │ └── SettingsFragment.java # App settings
│ └── utils/
│ ├── OTPManager.java # SMS/OTP handling
│ ├── ScheduleManager.java # Session scheduling
│ ├── ScheduleActivator.java # AlarmManager integration
│ └── EnhancedUnlockManager.java # Unlock flow logic
└── res/ # Resources (layouts, drawables, etc.)
We welcome contributions from the community! Please see our CONTRIBUTING.md file for detailed guidelines on:
- Code style and conventions
- Submitting pull requests
- Reporting issues
- Development workflow
- Testing requirements
- Fork the repository
- Create a feature branch:
git checkout -b feature/your-feature-name - Make your changes and commit:
git commit -am 'Add new feature' - Push to your fork:
git push origin feature/your-feature-name - Submit a pull request
- Language: Java
- Minimum SDK: 28 (Android 9.0 Pie)
- Target SDK: 35 (Android 15)
- Build System: Gradle with Kotlin DSL
- Key Libraries:
- AndroidX AppCompat
- Material Design Components
- Navigation Component
- MPAndroidChart (usage statistics)
ZenLock implements several security measures:
- ProGuard code obfuscation in release builds
- Secure logging (no sensitive data in production logs/or anything sent remote, no telemetry either)
- SMS verification system with OTP generation
- Permission-based access control
For security concerns or vulnerability reports, please open a private security advisory or contact the maintainers directly.
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
- Issues: GitHub Issues
- Discussions: GitHub Discussions
Built with focus and dedication. Lock your Zen, Lock your focus.
