Brick Review: Can This Tiny Plastic Device Really Fix My Doomscrolling?
Personal Insight: I’ve spent years battling my phone addiction—screen time limits, app blockers that live on the same device, and even brief periods of deleting Instagram before reinstalling. None of these worked, and I convinced myself I was just a problem. But what I learned wasn’t just about stopping the screen; it was about understanding why the addiction persists.
Social Media Addiction and Design Intent: According to a 2026 report by Meltwater, Australians spend an average of nearly 20 hours weekly on social media and almost six hours daily online. That means it’s not just a trend—it’s a cultural phenomenon. And when I found the Brick, I felt something shift. It wasn’t just a solution—it was a rebellion against the endless loop of notifications, the infinite scroll, and the constant pull toward distraction.
What Is the Brick Device?
Brick is a small, magnetic NFC device that pairs with a companion app on your phone. It works by letting you block apps while physically holding your phone in your hand. Unlike software-based blockers, there’s no override setting, which makes the friction feel so real. Setting up takes just five minutes—no complicated steps. The app allows you to choose which apps stay unblocked, and you can schedule it to kick in at specific times for maximum impact.
How Does It Work?
When you use the Brick, you simply hold your phone near it and tap to lock out the apps. Blocked apps don’t disappear from your home screen—they show a message saying “This is a Distraction.” This message feels more urgent than it sounds, making the habit harder to resist. The scheduling feature lets you set the Brick to activate automatically at a specific time, turning a reflex into a decision. I used mine to kick in at 9pm every night, which forced me to make the choice once and never repeat it.
Why Did I Choose It Over Other Solutions?
Brick offers a unique solution because it’s a physical barrier rather than a software workaround. Apple’s Screen Time only works if you ignore the limit, Android’s mode doesn’t prevent browser blocking, and the Brick itself is a hardware-first approach. Personally, I found that giving up unfettered access to my comfort apps felt like a step back from the digital world, not a loss of control. At $92, the Brick isn’t just a purchase—it’s a commitment to changing habits over time.
Downsides of Brick
While Brick solves the addiction problem, it also introduces some challenges. One major issue is a loophole that many new users face: if you turn off Brick’s access, blocked apps come back immediately. To prevent this, Brick includes Strict Mode, which locks Screen Time settings and prevents deletion of the Brick app during a session. This ensures that the physical barrier remains effective for a long time.
Another downside is the lack of support for emergencies. Five full overrides are available, but treating them as a house key changes how you perceive the friction. Instead of feeling guilty for using the Brick, you might feel less motivated to keep using it.
In Comparison to App-Blocking Alternatives
Brick is a one-time investment but provides a strong solution compared to software-based options. Apple’s Screen Time is free but requires ignoring the limit. Android’s Digital Wellbeing is free but lacks the physical barrier. The Brick itself is a hardware-first solution, whereas app blockers rely on software. While the Brick is more robust in locking apps, it doesn’t fully control the open web.
Final Thought: Is This $92 Worth It?
After trying various approaches, I found the Brick to be the best solution. Moving the override to a physical location was lazier than I thought. The physical barrier turned a reflex into a decision, and most of the time, when it became a decision, I had to say no. It’s not perfect, but the friction it creates feels more real than any app blocker. At $92, it’s a real ask, but paying once beats paying indefinitely for an app that you can still override.
