New Gadget Aims to Combat Smartphone Overuse, But Built-in Tools May Suffice

A new trend known as "bricking" involves using a physical device to limit smartphone usage, aiming to combat the pervasive issue of excessive screen time. The product, called Brick, costs $59 and works by creating a temporary barrier between users and distracting applications or websites.

Widespread Concern Over Smartphone Use

More than half of Americans, 53%, believe they spend too much time on their smartphones, according to a Pew Research Center survey of 9,750 U.S. adults conducted from May 26 to June 1, 2026. This sentiment is particularly strong among younger adults, with 70% of those aged 18 to 29 expressing this concern. The survey also revealed that 26% of U.S. adults report using their smartphone almost constantly, a figure that rises to 42% among those under 30.

Efforts to Reduce Screen Time

Awareness of excessive smartphone use has led many to try and cut back. Pew found that 45% of U.S. adults attempted to reduce their smartphone usage in the past year, a figure that reaches 58% for adults under 50. However, only a quarter of those who tried reported being extremely or very successful. This gap highlights the challenge of translating intent into action, especially when phones are readily accessible and apps are designed to capture attention.

The impact of smartphone use extends to sleep, with 62% of adults under 30 reporting that their devices negatively affect their sleep. Overall, 41% of U.S. adults feel their phone use detracts from their sleep.

The "Brick" Solution

The Brick device aims to address this by introducing a physical element to app blocking. Users can designate specific apps or websites to be inaccessible through the Brick app. Initiating a session involves tapping a phone against the physical Brick, or remotely through the app. Accessing blocked apps typically requires another tap against the device. The idea is that by placing the Brick in a separate location, users create a physical impediment to re-accessing distracting apps.

The device supports iPhones running iOS 17 or later and Android devices running Android 12 or later. It costs $59, though a discount is available through a specific link. The Brick is designed to be difficult to bypass, with features like "Strict Mode" and a limited number of "Emergency Unbricks."

Utilizing Built-in Smartphone Controls

Before investing in external devices, experts recommend exploring the built-in features of smartphones.

iPhone Screen Time

Apple's Screen Time feature offers several tools for managing app usage. "App Limits" allow users to set daily time allowances for specific apps or categories. For example, a user could limit social media to 30 minutes per day. "Downtime" enables scheduling periods where most apps and notifications are restricted, with options to allow specific apps and calls. Users can also configure "Always Allowed" apps to remain accessible during Downtime.

Additionally, iPhone's "Focus" feature allows users to customize which people and apps can send notifications during specific times, helping to reduce interruptions.

Android Digital Wellbeing

Android phones offer a suite of "Digital Wellbeing" tools. Users can view their screen time, app usage frequency, and notification counts. "App timers" let users set daily limits for specific applications, after which the app icon dims and the app becomes inaccessible until the timer resets. "Focus mode" allows users to pause distracting apps and silence their notifications. Some Pixel phones offer an additional layer of security by requiring a PIN to alter app time limits.

Both Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices include features to make phones less inviting during bedtime, such as "Bedtime mode" or "Sleep mode," which can adjust screen colors, dim wallpapers, and enable Do Not Disturb.

Strategies for Reclaiming Attention

Six key strategies are suggested for users looking to reduce their smartphone dependency:

1. Identify Time-Consuming Apps: Use built-in analytics to pinpoint which apps consume the most time and how often the phone is picked up.
2. Disable Unnecessary Notifications: Turn off alerts from apps that do not require immediate attention.
3. Set Limits Proactively: Establish app limits and schedules when thinking clearly, rather than after falling into a scrolling habit.
4. Increase App Accessibility Effort: Make distracting apps harder to reach by moving them off the home screen or logging out after use.
5. Create Physical Distance: Place the phone away from the immediate workspace, charging station, or bedside table.
6. Reinforce Limits: If built-in controls are consistently bypassed, consider stricter software blockers or physical devices like Brick, ensuring the problem being solved is well-defined.

The core recommendation emphasizes regaining control over device usage, ensuring that the user decides when to interact with their phone, rather than being prompted by notifications or automatic urges.