QR and barcode alarm

A QR code alarm works for one simple reason: you can't scan a code in the kitchen while you're still in bed. Beyond Alarm's Scan a code mission keeps the alarm going until your camera reads a QR code or barcode. Put one in another room and getting up stops being optional. There's nothing to register, and it works offline.

What it does

Add Scan a code to an alarm and the stop button is replaced by your phone's back camera. When the alarm rings you start the mission, walk to a code and point the camera at it. The alarm stops after the number of scans you set.

• Any QR code or barcode works: a product barcode, a printed QR code, a label on a box.
• 1 to 5 scans per mission (1 by default).
• Offline: the scanning runs on the phone and needs no internet.
• Stack it: up to five missions on one alarm, say a scan in the bathroom and then 10 squats.

While you're making progress the alarm can stay quiet. If you stall for 20 seconds it starts ringing again, and the screen says "Alarm's back — point at a QR or barcode".

How it works

1. You choose where the code lives. Because any code is accepted, the setup that matters is yours: one code in a room you have to walk to, and nothing scannable next to the bed.
2. The alarm rings, and you start the mission. The camera opens with "Point at any QR code or barcode".
3. The camera reads the code on the phone. Each read counts as a scan. If you've set more than one, scan another code, or scan the same one again after a short pause.
4. The alarm stops when the count is reached, with a "Scanned!" to finish.

The walk is what wakes you up. Being on your feet with the lights on, in another room, is a very different state from reaching for a phone in the dark.

Where to put the code

• Bathroom mirror. Scan the toothpaste, then you're already at the sink.
• Kitchen. Something on the kettle or coffee jar, if breakfast is the first thing you do.
• Front door or running shoes, if the morning plan is a run.
• Two rooms, two scans, if one walk isn't enough to keep you up.

Whatever you choose, keep the bedroom clear of barcodes: books, bottles and packaging on the bedside table all count.

Beyond Alarm

Beyond Alarm does this part for you: the alarm will not switch off until you have actually moved, and the apps you pick stay locked afterwards.

When to use it

• You've beaten every other alarm from bed, including maths problems.
• You want a fixed first stop in your morning: the shower, the kettle, the gym bag.
• You want something quieter than exercise. Scanning makes you walk, not sweat.
• After you're up, Morning Lockout keeps the apps you'd scroll shut for a set time.

Set it up

1. Open the Alarm tab and tap + for a new alarm, or tap an alarm to edit it.
2. Under Wake-up mission, tap an empty + box.
3. Choose Scan a code ("Scan any QR / barcode").
4. Set how many scans it takes, then tap Preview to try it.
5. Tap Done, then Save.
6. Put your code somewhere a room away and test it once before you rely on it.

Related

• All wake-up missions
• Photo alarm
• Push-up alarm
• QR code alarm on Android: where to put the code
• Alarm missions ranked, hardest to fake