Why the Brick Is the Productivity Hack You Didn’t Know You Needed

You sit down to work, ready to get things done, but your phone starts buzzing. One notification turns into ten, you pick up the phone and scroll through all the stuff, and before you know it, half an hour has disappeared (that’s what distraction does). You’ve tried timers, focus apps, and screen limits, but nothing seems to help; distractions always win.

What if the answer wasn’t another app or notification? What if there were a small device you could actually make you stop and focus? No, there’s no magic, but the Brick does that. By combining a physical gadget with an app, it blocks distractions and helps you take control of your phone. It’s simple, smart, and might just be the productivity boost you’ve been missing.

What is the Brick Device?

The Brick is more than just a gadget; it’s a small device that works with an app to block apps and notifications, and what makes it unique is the physical aspect. You have to go to the device to “unbrick” your phone, which makes using your phone a conscious choice. It is portable, features a magnetic design, and even allows emergency unblocking when needed, with no subscription fees since you pay once and keep using it. Compatible with iPhone and Android devices that support NFC, The Brick combines a physical object with smart app technology, making it easier to stay focused than relying on apps alone.

The Modern Productivity Problem

Staying focused nowadays is harder than ever because most people check their phones over 90 times a day, spending hours on social media, messages, and apps. Even tools like Pomodoro timers or Screen Time often fail since it’s easy to skip limits or ignore notifications. The real problem isn’t a lack of willpower; it’s that nothing actually stops you from picking up your phone. What you need is something that forces a pause, a physical reminder that makes you think before diving into apps. The Brick does exactly that by creating a small barrier between you and your phone, helping you regain control and stay focused when it matters most.

How the Brick Helps You Stay Focused

Including the Brick in your daily routine offers tangible benefits beyond simply blocking distractions. It encourages a structured approach to focus that can have lasting effects on productivity and well-being.

Focus and Improved Output

By limiting access to attention-draining apps, the Brick allows for longer, uninterrupted work or study sessions. Users often find they accomplish more in hours than they previously did in an entire day of fragmented focus.

Less Stress from Notifications

Constant notifications create a persistent background stress that most of us don’t consciously notice. The Brick silences these interruptions during focus periods, giving your mind space to breathe and reducing the mental fatigue associated with multitasking.

More Intentional Use of Free Time

The physical interaction required to unlock your phone encourages thoughtful engagement rather than habitual scrolling. Free time becomes more purposeful, whether for hobbies, reading, or meaningful social interactions.

Better Work-Life Balance

By setting clear boundaries between focused work and leisure time, The Brick helps restore balance. It’s easier to step away from screens and engage in real-world activities without the temptation of instant distractions constantly lurking.

Simple Ways to Use the Brick

Using the Brick is easier than you think (or thinking), as it doesn’t require any specific diploma to use it. You don’t need to be tech-savvy, and it fits into your daily routine naturally. The Brick changes how you interact with your phone. It helps you make conscious choices instead of acting on autopilot. Here’s how you can use the Brick seamlessly:

  • Select Apps to Block – Pick the apps that distract you the most, like social media, messaging apps, or games. This ensures you only block what matters, so your focus time is distraction-free.
  • Activate Brick Mode – Tap your phone on the Brick to start focus mode. Your selected apps are blocked until you go through the unblocking process. This small action interrupts automatic phone checking and makes using your phone intentional.
  • Focus Time Begins – Along with your apps blocked, you can concentrate on work or study. Unlike apps that just show a timer, the Brick makes distractions harder to access, giving your brain space to focus.
  • Intentional Unblocking – When you want to use your phone, you have to go to The Brick and unlock it physically. This extra step makes you pause and think before picking up your phone. For even better results, place the Brick in another room so you have to get up and walk to it.


What makes the Brick unique is how it combines a physical device with an app, making distraction harder and focus easier. Unlike apps alone, it forces you to make intentional choices. Using the Brick lets you take back control of your attention. You decide when to use your phone, and you spend your time on what really matters. If distractions are holding you back, the Brick might be the small tool that sparks a big change. Try it, and watch your productivity rise while reclaiming your focus in a world full of distractions.

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