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

I really liked this until it stopped working. I woke up this morning and nothing was blocked. Now it is completely buggy! Preset profiles didn't have any apps blocked, and when I tried to add them back or delete and create a new profile it glitched out. It wasn't keeping its schedule. And now the app is just shutting off when I open it. I've had it maybe 2 weeks.

Doesn't always activate for the preset schedule. For example, I set it for 6p... but often can go into social media after this time. Then when I open the brick app to check to make sure its "on", it shows the timer, and only THEN will activate the schedule and blocking...it is easy to forget if I am in auto-pilot mode. It is a great help, when it is working correctly.

Update: The first Brick I received was apparently defective. They sent me a new one after good support trying to get it to work. New one works. It took a bit to find where to add Modes. But once I got it, it is easy to use. Doesn't work if I mount it on my frig though. Mine has to be on nonmagnetc surface. And they need to make using the accessibility menu optional - - it is not necessary and is annoying.