Brick - Ditch Distractions

Brick LLC

About this app

Brick was created because we believe that life is better when phones help us do more of what matters, instead of constantly distracting us with things that don't. As two young guys, we were raised on smartphones - so we decided to make something to help us use them the way they were meant to be used.

Brick is a combination of software and NFC-powered hardware that temporarily removes distracting apps (and their notifications) from your phone - leaving only the powerful tools you choose.

With Brick, simply open the app and tap your device to block all distracting apps and notifications. Until you return to the device, you'll be free to engage with what really matters - whether that be getting productive work done, spending time with friends and family, or simply going for a walk. Once you're ready to reconnect, just tap the device again to unblock everything.

The Brick app allows you to:
- customize the apps you want to leave unblocked while Bricked
- track your usage history to see your improvement as you spend more time undistracted
- contact the creators to give input for feature requests and any necessary improvements / fixes

We believe that privacy is essential - because of this, none of your usage information leaves your phone. See our Privacy Policy for more information: https://zest-legume-e0c.notion.site/Privacy-Policy-ca7b41eaa1c441ae855cdfa69d7eb0cc

Accessibility Service Disclosure: Brick requires Android's Accessibility Service to detect when apps are launched, which is essential for blocking distracting apps during your focus sessions. This service only monitors app package names to identify which apps to block - no personal content or data is accessed. This permission is necessary for Brick's core app blocking functionality.

Ratings and reviews

Android user. Overall this is helpful. My screentime has dropped in a meaningful way and time spent on hobbies has increased. So it actually is a huge value to me. However for this price it could be improved. For example, sometimes it will randomly stop blocking my apps which defeats the purpose. I've also noticed my battery drains quicker. Also it's important to note that websites can't be blocked on android phones and I wish I would have known that earlier.

Decent enough for what it does, which is blocking apps on your phone. However, the tag lacks connectivity with the app. The ads make it seem like you can tap your phone on your nfc and bam, phone is "bricked," but no. To "brick" the phone, you must go through the app and tap when the app prompts you. Not sure if I will be keeping this or not, but maybe? I just find the steps unnecessary and cumbersome. Also, no time limit feature, so we will see.

The concept is great. The execution is subpar. Android app does not work to turn on the brick, so you have to physically touch it to start blocking apps. That's not great because you want it to be in an inconvenient location to keep you from easily unbricking your phone... but you don't want the same friction to brick it in the first place. The tap is unreliable too - usually requires rubbing the brick all over the phone to read the lock/unlock signal. Once started, works great.