Features Overview
NextDNS Blocker provides powerful features for managing domain access and building healthier digital habits.
Core Features
Section titled “Core Features”Schedule-Based Blocking
Section titled “Schedule-Based Blocking”Define when each domain is accessible:
- Per-domain schedules
- Multiple time ranges per day
- Different schedules for weekdays/weekends
- Overnight schedule support
Unblock Delays
Section titled “Unblock Delays”Add friction against impulsive unblocking:
- Configurable delays (30m, 4h, 24h)
- Protected domains (
never) - Pending action management
- Easy cancellation
Automation Features
Section titled “Automation Features”Automatic synchronization:
- Runs every 2 minutes
- Self-healing (restores if deleted)
- Platform-native schedulers
- Can be temporarily disabled
Queued operations:
- Delayed unblock requests
- View pending queue
- Cancel before execution
- Automatic cleanup
Safety Features
Section titled “Safety Features”Emergency lockdown:
- Instant blocking of all domains
- Hidden dangerous commands
- Cannot be disabled early
- Extendable duration
Security Features
Section titled “Security Features”Optional authentication layer:
- Protect sensitive commands
- Session-based verification
- Brute-force protection
- Delayed PIN removal (24h)
Addiction safety features:
- Locked items cannot be removed immediately
- Unlock requests require waiting period
- Pending unlock can be cancelled
- Auto-panic configuration
Communication Features
Section titled “Communication Features”Real-time alerts via multiple channels:
- Discord webhooks with rich embeds
- Telegram bot notifications
- Slack incoming webhooks
- Ntfy push notifications
- macOS native notifications
Productivity Features
Section titled “Productivity Features”Tab completion for:
- Commands and subcommands
- Domain names from config
- Pending action IDs
- Bash, Zsh, and Fish support
Preview without changes:
- See what sync would do
- Test schedule logic
- Validate configuration
- Debug issues safely
Track blocking patterns:
- Domain-level statistics
- Effectiveness scores
- Hourly activity patterns
- CSV export for analysis
Feature Matrix
Section titled “Feature Matrix”| Feature | Purpose | Command |
|---|---|---|
| Schedules | Automatic access control | config push |
| Delays | Impulse protection | unblock |
| Watchdog | Auto-sync | watchdog install |
| Panic Mode | Emergency lockdown | panic 60 |
| PIN Protection | Command authentication | protection pin set |
| Notifications | Real-time alerts | (automatic) |
| Analytics | Usage patterns | stats |
| Completion | Productivity | completion bash |
| Dry Run | Safe testing | config push --dry-run |
Feature Interactions
Section titled “Feature Interactions”Panic Mode + Everything
Section titled “Panic Mode + Everything”Panic mode overrides all other features:
- Schedules ignored
- Unblock delays irrelevant (
unblockhidden) - Allowlist sync skipped
- Pending actions paused
Watchdog + Pending Actions
Section titled “Watchdog + Pending Actions”Watchdog processes pending actions:
- Checks every 2 minutes
- Executes due actions
- Cleans up old actions
PIN + Protected Commands
Section titled “PIN + Protected Commands”When PIN is enabled:
- Sensitive commands require verification
- Session lasts 30 minutes
- Lockout after failed attempts
- Works alongside panic mode
Enabling Features
Section titled “Enabling Features”| Feature | How to Enable |
|---|---|
| Schedules | Add to config.json |
| Delays | Set unblock_delay in config |
| Watchdog | watchdog install |
| Panic Mode | panic DURATION |
| PIN Protection | protection pin set |
| Notifications | Add to config.json |
| Analytics | Automatic (uses audit log) |
| Completion | completion bash/zsh/fish |
| Dry Run | --dry-run flag |