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

Not as easy nor seamless as advertised. In order to enter brick mode, you have to open the app, tap brick, then scan your phone which feels needlessly cumbersome. Would be much smoother if you can simply tap your phone on your way out the door. Also, it doesn't work if it's mounted to the fridge which defeats the purpose of having a magnet. Even when it isn't mounted, it can take several taps to register. overall, not quite worth the $60 what other apps do for much cheaper.

After two days, I'm really liking the app. I have my whole day on some time of Brick schedule and the fact I can't override it immediately on my phone helps keep me on track. But I did have to find some work-arounds because you can't schedule an end time. The selected mode only ends when you unbrick or set another mode to begin. I read ending time is a feature on iOS, so hopefully it will come to Android soon.

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.

What’s new

Brick helps you use your phone more intentionally by temporarily removing distracting apps and notifications. Our unique NFC-powered hardware makes it easy to disconnect and reconnect when you choose.

Tap your phone to the Brick to block distractions and start a focus session. When you're ready to reconnect, tap it again.

With the Brick app, you can:
- Customize which apps to block.
- Track your usage history and see your progress.
- Contact us with feedback and feature requests.