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If you want to cut your screen time, just get a Brick

TechCrunch · Jun 24, 2026, 2:01 PM · Also reported by 1 other source

Key takeaways

  • I ve had screen time limits on my i Phone for years, allowing me 30 minutes on social media each day.
  • It turns out that all along, what I needed was a $59 hunk of grey plastic (self-discipline would have been more affordable, but it was out of stock).
  • Brick stands apart from your standard screen time app because it takes things a step further into the physical world.

I ve had screen time limits on my i Phone for years, allowing me 30 minutes on social media each day. How many times have I dismissed the limit notification and continued watching mindless Reels? I d be horrified to find out.

It turns out that all along, what I needed was a $59 hunk of grey plastic (self-discipline would have been more affordable, but it was out of stock). The Brick a magnetic, matchbox-sized gadget has accomplished what no screen time app has ever achieved. It actually got me to use my phone less and improve my sleep habits.

Brick stands apart from your standard screen time app because it takes things a step further into the physical world. The gadget is a branded, NFC-enabled square that only lets you deactivate your custom screen time limits if you tap your phone to the Brick, just like you re buying something at a tap-to-pay kiosk. Apparently, if I have to physically get up and tap my phone to the Brick to go on Instagram, I will not go on Instagram.

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