LockIn MCP

LockIn MCP is a system-level distraction blocker for macOS, Linux, and Windows. Use MCP to block sites, start focus sessions, and manage temporary unblocks with AI assistants.

AI Productivity Tools Personal Assistant

Visit Website

What LockIn MCP does

LockIn MCP is a system-level distraction blocker that lets an AI assistant help manage focus on macOS, Linux, and Windows. It uses MCP so tools like Poke, Claude, and ChatGPT can issue blocking and focus commands instead of relying on a browser extension or manual site-by-site setup.

The product works by editing the hosts file to block selected domains, then keeping those blocks active through a background service. It also supports temporary unblocks with expiry, focus sessions, and status checks, which makes it fit better into a terminal-driven or assistant-driven workflow than a traditional standalone blocker.

Features

System-level domain blocking

LockIn edits your hosts file so selected domains stay blocked at the system level, including when you open a new browser tab.

Native MCP integration

You can connect the product to Poke, Claude, ChatGPT, and other MCP clients so an assistant can trigger blocking actions for you.

Assistant-controlled focus actions

The available tools include blocking a site, starting a focus session, checking status, and setting a temporary unblock with an expiry.

Background service

A cross-platform daemon keeps blocks synced, manages temporary unblocks on a timer, and keeps MCP tools available in the background.

One-command installation

The installer runs from the terminal with a single command and guides you through license verification, site selection, MCP server setup, and relay connection.

Lifetime license and relay access

The pricing page describes a lifetime Pro license with no subscription and a stable relay URL for remote MCP use.

Common use cases

AI-led focus sessions
Use LockIn MCP when you want an assistant to block distracting sites for a defined work period, rather than opening a separate app and configuring each domain manually.
Cross-browser distraction blocking
Use the product to keep specific domains blocked at the system level while you work in multiple browsers or switch tabs, since the hosts-file approach applies outside a single browser window.
Timed access with accountability
Use the temporary unblock flow when you need a short, accountable break from a blocked site but want the block to return automatically afterward.
Terminal-based setup
Use the installer and MCP server if you prefer a terminal-first setup that gets you from license verification to active blocks in one guided flow.
Assistant-driven remote control
Use the relay and MCP integration when you want your AI client to interact with LockIn from a remote or assistant-driven workflow rather than a purely local GUI.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Blocks happen at the system level through the hosts file, so they are harder to bypass in a new browser tab.
Works with multiple AI clients through MCP, including Poke, Claude, and ChatGPT.
Supports temporary unblocks with an expiry, which fits time-boxed focus sessions.
The installer is a single terminal command and the setup flow is guided.
The product is sold as a lifetime license with no subscription according to the pricing page.

Cons

The public FAQ text is partial, so several practical details such as broader setup edge cases and team usage are not fully documented on the source pages.
The product depends on a hosts-file and background-service approach, which may not suit users who want a browser-only blocker or a fully cloud-based workflow.

FAQ

Does LockIn MCP work after restart?

Yes. The FAQ states that blocks persist in the hosts file, and the background service keeps MCP running and temporary-unblock timers active after restart.

Which platforms and AI tools does LockIn MCP support?

The source confirms support for macOS, Linux, and Windows, and the site says it works with AI tools such as Poke, Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini via MCP.

Is LockIn MCP a subscription?

LockIn MCP is sold as a lifetime Pro license with no subscription. The pricing page describes a one-time payment and the FAQ describes lifetime licensing.

How do you install LockIn MCP?

The install page says to run `npx -y lockin-mcp install` in a terminal with Node.js 18+ required. The installer walks through license verification, site selection, starting the MCP server, and relay setup.

What makes LockIn MCP different from other distraction blockers?

The compare page says LockIn MCP is the only distraction blocker with native MCP and AI assistant integration. It positions the product around AI-assisted blocking workflows rather than manual-only focus tools.