What is Brick and how does it work?

Review  –  Updated 2026  –  Screen time and focus

If you have ever set a screen time limit, watched the notification pop up, and tapped Ignore Limit without thinking twice, you already understand the problem. Brick was built to fix exactly that.

What is Brick and how does it work?

Brick is a small physical device that blocks distracting apps on your phone when you tap it. Choose which apps to block, set up custom modes in the companion app, then tap your phone against the Brick device to start a session. Your selected apps are blocked until you physically tap the device again.

That physical step is the entire point. The override is no longer one tap away on your screen. It is sitting on your desk, your nightstand, or your kitchen counter, requiring a deliberate action to get back to your distractions.

The Brick Device $59.00 Works with iPhone and Android. No battery. No subscription. One tap blocks distracting apps. Physical separation from your phone’s override button. Buy Brick

Custom modes: how people are actually using it

Brick lets you create different blocking profiles for different parts of your day. The same device serves multiple purposes depending on when you reach for it.

Deep work mode blocks email, social media, and messaging during focused hours. Family time mode keeps distracting apps quiet during evenings so being home actually means being present. Sleep mode blocks everything that keeps your brain wired before bed. Students use study mode to stay in deep focus without feeds competing for attention.

What real users are saying

“It’s not often you can say a product actually changes your life, but the Brick has done just that.” Richard, Clinical Research Nurse

“Since we bought the Brick, we’ve spent so much more time as a family together.” Mannon, Dad

“Brick has changed the way I study. I’m currently in my junior year and still use it every day.” Brennan, Nursing Student

Covered by:

NYT Wirecutter
Wall Street Journal
Washington Post
Vogue
CNN

Who is Brick for?

People who have tried and failed with software solutions. Students who need sustained focus without relying on willpower. Parents who want to be present at home. People who want better sleep by stopping evening screen use at the source. Brick is also now HSA and FSA eligible, meaning it can be purchased with pre-tax dollars.

Is it worth $59?

At $59 one time with no subscription, no battery, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, the question is whether continuing to lose hours per day to distraction is worth more than that. For most people asking that question seriously, the math is clear. One Brick also works with multiple phones, so households where more than one person benefits can share the cost.

Frequently asked questions

How is Brick different from just putting my phone in another room?

Brick blocks specific apps rather than your entire phone. Calls, maps, and apps you actually need during a session still work. Putting your phone away removes everything. Brick removes the distracting parts while leaving the useful parts available.

What if I have a genuine emergency during a session?

The app includes five Emergency Unbricks that unlock all apps immediately. This covers real situations where being separated from your phone is a genuine problem rather than just uncomfortable.

Does Brick need to be charged?

No. The device uses NFC technology and requires no battery or charging. It is always ready when you are.

Does it work with both iPhone and Android?

Yes. Brick works with iPhones running iOS 17.0 or later and Android devices running version 12.0 or later.

Final thoughts

Screen time solutions that rely entirely on willpower have a consistent track record of not working for the people who need them most. Brick solves a behavioral problem with a physical solution, which is the reason it works differently from everything else in this space. The override button that defeats every software-based solution does not exist when the key to your apps is a separate physical object across the room.

Ready to take back your time? $59.00 30-day money-back guarantee. Free shipping on 2 or more Bricks. HSA and FSA eligible. Works with iPhone and Android. Get Brick Now

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