Only active time counts
XiaoQi reads the system idle time, not what you type. After 120 seconds without keyboard or mouse activity it pauses; after 10 minutes away it treats the break as natural and resets the work timer.
Not released yet
XiaoQi
A screen-filling break lock for your Mac.
XiaoQi (小憩锁屏) is a menu bar app for macOS. It counts the time you are actually active and, after 55 minutes by default, covers every display with a rest screen, a countdown, and a cat. There is no notification to dismiss — the break stays on screen until the timer ends.
Key facts
| Platform | macOS 14+ |
|---|---|
| Price | Not released yet |
| Data | Stored on your device |
| Developer | [DEVELOPER_NAME] |
| Support | [SUPPORT_EMAIL] |
Features
A break you cannot swipe away
Every connected display is covered, and the Dock, menu bar, and other windows are hidden. If you switch away, XiaoQi brings the overlay back within about a second.
SKIP takes intent
To end a break early, click "End early" and type SKIP. Paste is disabled. You can still leave — the point is to make it a decision, not a reflex.
Meeting mode
Choose 30, 60, or 120 minutes without interruptions. Active time keeps counting, but no overlay appears. If you are already past the work limit when the meeting ends, the break starts immediately.
Breaks and streak
The menu bar shows active time and today's completed breaks. Completing a break extends your streak; skipping is recorded without punishment.
Local only
Settings, stats, and logs stay on your Mac. No account, no network requests, no analytics SDK.
Watchdog safety
If the countdown or overlay ever misbehaves, a watchdog closes every overlay at rest duration + 60 seconds. You are never trapped permanently.
Who it is for
- Programmers, writers, designers, and students who ignore break reminders
- People who sit at a Mac for long stretches
- Anyone who wants a break enforced at the screen, not in a notification
Who it is not for
- People who need a system-level screen lock or parental control
- Anyone expecting an unbypassable lock — Force Quit, restart, and power off still work
- Macs running macOS 13 or earlier
Related pages
Other apps
- BoxIt — The paper box that lives in your phone.