A journalist who spent nearly eight hours daily on her smartphone managed to slash her screen time by more than half using a simple £54 gadget called Brick. The device, which works alongside a companion app, physically blocks access to selected apps until the user taps their phone against it again.
How Brick Works
Unlike built-in screen time controls that can be easily bypassed, Brick requires users to tap their phone on the physical device to activate a block. Once blocked, apps remain inaccessible until the user returns to the Brick and taps again. The device is battery-free, requires no charging, and works with both Android (version 12.0 or later) and iPhone (iOS 17.0 or later) devices. One Brick can be used across unlimited phones, making it ideal for households or offices.
Impressive Results in Five Days
After just five days of testing, the journalist's average daily screen time dropped from 7.5 hours to 3 hours and 25 minutes. On the first day, she completed a pilates workout instead of scrolling before work, read a book during lunch, and felt more present at social events. By the end of the week, her family also adopted the device, enjoying a film together without distractions.
Key Benefits
- No ongoing subscription costs – a one-time purchase of £54 provides lifetime access
- Battery-free design
- Compatible with multiple devices
- Helps build healthier phone habits
Limitations
- Not ideal for those who need frequent access to blocked apps
- Work-related phone use may still result in high screen time
- Requires commitment to leave the Brick out of reach
The journalist noted that around five hours of her previous screen time was pure procrastination. With Brick, she read more, exercised more, slept earlier, and spent quality time with family. The device is also marketed as a thoughtful Father's Day gift, offering a practical way to reduce mindless scrolling.
