Getting started
XiaoQi lives in the menu bar, counts active time, and starts a break at your limit.
XiaoQi help
Short answers about how the app works, its settings, data, and limits. If something is missing, email the support address below.
How breaks and meeting mode work
Active-time tracking, the full-screen overlay, SKIP, the watchdog, and meeting mode.
Settings and stats
Work, rest, and idle ranges, launch at login, and what the menu bar numbers mean.
Data, privacy, and limitations
Everything stays on your Mac; here is where it lives and what XiaoQi cannot do.
Frequently asked questions
Is XiaoQi available?
Not yet. The app is built and tested, but it has not been released or signed for distribution.
Is the app interface available in English?
Not yet. The current build uses Chinese labels; this site explains each label in English. Interface localization is planned.
Does it really lock my Mac?
No. It is a full-screen overlay with a deliberate SKIP step, not a system lock. Force Quit, restart, and power off can still bypass it.
Does it read what I type?
No. It asks macOS for the time since the last keyboard or mouse activity; it never reads key content.
Does it need accessibility or screen recording permission?
No. The current version uses neither. Launch at login is optional and uses the system login item mechanism.
What if the overlay gets stuck?
A watchdog closes all overlays at rest duration + 60 seconds. State changes and watchdog events are written to a local log.
Does it work with multiple displays?
It creates an overlay on every connected display. Hot-plugging external displays has not been fully verified in a real multi-display setup yet.
Which macOS versions are supported?
macOS 14 or later.