This $50 Gadget "Bricked" My iPhone — and Improved My Relationship with It
The word "bricked" usually terrifies smartphone owners — but when a $50 device intentionally disables features to curb distraction, the result can be surprisingly positive. In this hands-on review we break down what Brick does, how it changes daily phone use, who should consider it, and the trade-offs involved.
What is Brick?
Brick is a low-cost gadget designed to limit a smartphone’s functionality in a deliberate, temporary way. Rather than permanently damaging a device, it creates a controlled interruption that nudges users toward fewer notifications, less screen time and more focused attention. Think of it as a physical boundary you place between you and your phone — small, inexpensive, and intentionally disruptive.
How it "bricked" the iPhone (and why that mattered)
In practice, using Brick felt like forcing the phone into a different mode of existence. Notifications became less intrusive, habitual scrolling lost its momentum, and the usual reflex to pick up the device evaporated after a few days. For many users, that initial friction is the point: it breaks the autopilot loop and creates space to rethink when and why you use your phone.
Real benefits I noticed
- Better focus: With common distractions reduced, work sessions and conversations became noticeably more productive.
- Improved battery life: Limited background activity and fewer interruptions translated to longer uptime between charges.
- Healthier phone habits: The device helped interrupt compulsive checking and encouraged scheduled, intentional phone use.
- Less anxiety: Fewer pings meant less cognitive overhead — a calmer mental space for many day-to-day tasks.
Who should consider a gadget like this?
Brick is best for people who already suspect their phone use is a problem and want a straightforward nudge without deleting apps or changing every setting manually. It appeals to:
- Digital-minimalism experimenters
- Parents looking for a blunt but easy way to limit kids' screen time
- Professionals who need enforced focus during deep work
- Anyone who prefers a physical solution over software settings
Trade-offs and important caveats
Brick’s blunt approach won’t suit everyone. If you rely on your phone for urgent communications, health alerts, or critical work notifications, the interruption could cause real problems. There’s also a psychological cost: some users may find the experience frustrating rather than freeing. Finally, because the device intentionally limits features, it’s crucial to understand exactly how it operates before using it in sensitive situations.
Practical tips if you try it
- Test Brick during a low-stakes day first (weekend or light workday).
- Set scheduled windows for disabling and re-enabling so important calls aren’t missed.
- Combine it with intentional habits — e.g., a short tech-free routine after waking or before bed.
- Use it as a training tool: gradually reduce the gadget’s use as your self-control strengthens.
Verdict — Why a $50 "annoyance" can be a feature
Brick reframes "bricking" from destructive to constructive. By introducing small, deliberate inconvenience, it helps users break autopilot phone behaviors and reclaim attention. For people seeking a no-nonsense intervention to reduce distractions, this gadget can be a low-cost, high-impact experiment. Just remember: it’s a tool, not a cure — and it works best when combined with mindful habits.