There’s an interesting twist to the growing anti-FOMO trend. Now, some folks are concerned they might be missing out on the latest method to spend less time on their phones. You may have come across the term “bricking” your phone. But don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you’re actually destroying it. A $59 device named Brick has been catching people’s attention because it allows you to temporarily block distracting apps and websites, effectively establishing a physical barrier between you and whatever pulls you back into your screen. I get it; if you’ve ever picked up your phone just to check one message and resurfaced 40 minutes later questioning why you’re watching a video on home renovations, you know how quickly a brief check can spiral into a long scroll.
Still, my initial thought is this: before purchasing yet another gadget meant to keep you away from technology, consider utilizing the tools already on your phone. Apple has improved its Screen Time feature in iOS 27, while Android has its Digital Wellbeing options. A few basic adjustments can make those distracting apps less accessible and help curb that instinctual urge to reach for your phone.
More than half of Americans think they spend too much time on their phones
This trend reflects something far more significant than just a single product. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted with over 9,750 U.S. adults between May 26 and June 1, 2026, 53% admitted they spend too much time glued to their smartphones. The figure jumps to 70% for adults aged 18 to 29. It stands at 64% among those 30 to 49, then decreases to 49% for individuals aged 50 to 64, and drops to 25% for those 65 and older. Another striking statistic reveals that 26% of U.S. adults claim to use their smartphones almost constantly. Among those under 30, this rises to 42%. That’s a lot of time! Phones certainly help us stay connected and get things done, and I honestly wouldn’t want to part with mine. However, the issue arises when something beneficial morphs into something automatic, and you find yourself mindlessly opening the same app without even recalling why you did so.
Plenty of people are trying to cut back
A growing awareness is turning into action. Pew found that 45% of U.S. adults made attempts to reduce their smartphone usage in the past year. For adults under 50, this number climbs to 58%. Nevertheless, among those who tried to cut back, only a quarter considered themselves extremely or very successful. That discrepancy really highlights the challenge: recognizing the desire to limit phone time and actually doing it are two distinct things. The struggle with willpower is real when your phone is always within reach, and the apps vying for your attention are just a tap away. Even teens are feeling this pull, with 45% reporting they spend excessive time on social media. Notably, the same percentage indicates they’ve attempted to limit their social media usage, and those figures apply to general smartphone use as well.
Your phone may also be stealing sleep
Inevitably, these habits can impact our sleep, too. Pew found that 62% of adults under 30 believe their smartphones negatively affect their sleep. In fact, 41% of all U.S. adults reported experiencing sleep disruption because of their phone, while only 5% say it helps. Many of us can likely relate to this scenario: the phone sits on your nightstand. You check one final notification, only for another to pop up. Somehow, your bedtime gets pushed further and further back. So, I think the broader takeaway here is to make those distracting apps slightly harder to access. When it takes a bit more effort to open an app, you might just pause and think whether you really want to dive in.
Why people are ‘bricking’ their phones
Brick takes this concept and turns it into a tangible solution. Users can select specific apps or websites to block and set up different modes within the Brick app. To kick off a session, you tap your phone against the physical Brick. Alternatively, you can start remotely by holding the virtual Brick in the app for five seconds. Regaining access to those blocked apps typically requires another tap against the physical Brick, which I find quite clever. If you leave the Brick downstairs while working upstairs, for instance, your access to those tempting apps is suddenly in another room.
The device is currently priced at $59 and is compatible with iPhones using iOS 17 or later and Android devices operating on Android 12 or above. One Brick can actually manage multiple phones. Additionally, the “Strict Mode” feature makes it more challenging to bypass restrictions, such as uninstalling the Brick app or changing settings while in a session. If you misplace the device or can’t reach it, there are five Emergency Unbricks available. I appreciate the logic behind it. Sometimes a physical barrier can be more effective than another reminder on the screen you’re trying to resist. Still, I would recommend utilizing the free features already available on your phone before shelling out $59.
Use Screen Time to put limits on distracting apps
Apple has updated its Time Allowances and Screen Time Schedules in iOS 27. To use the newer features across all your Apple devices, ensure they’re on version 27 or later. If you don’t see those options on your iPhone, the App Limits and Downtime functions still provide valuable ways to minimize distracting apps.
How to set an App Limit on iPhone
Go to: Settings → Screen Time → App Limits → Add Limit
Select the app category you wish to control. You can also tap a category to choose a specific app. Then, set how much time you want to allow each day and finish by tapping Done. For example, you could allocate 30 minutes for Instagram or limit your overall social networking category.
Schedule time away from distracting apps
If certain times of the day tend to lead you into bad habits, Downtime could be beneficial.
Go to: Settings → Screen Time → Downtime → Scheduled
You can choose either Every Day or Customize Days, setting start and end times for Downtime. During this period, most apps and notifications get restricted, while phone calls and any apps you’ve permitted can remain accessible.
Android has free anti-doomscrolling tools too
Android phones are equipped with Digital Wellbeing features that track app usage, frequency of app openings, and notifications received. Exact menu names can differ based on whether you’re using a Pixel or Samsung Galaxy phone.
On Google Pixel
Go to: Settings → Digital Wellbeing
Tap the chart to visualize your screen time, app openings, and notifications.
Set app timers
Go to: Settings → Digital Wellbeing → App timers
Next to the app you want to limit, tap Set timer, choose the desired duration, and confirm by tapping OK. Once your timer expires, the app will close.
Use Focus mode
Go to: Settings → Digital Wellbeing → Focus mode
Select the apps you’d like to pause. While Focus mode is active, you can’t use those apps, and their notifications will halt.
6 ways to win back attention from your phone
You don’t have to overhaul your habits in a day. Start by tackling your biggest distractions and make them a bit harder to access.
1) Identify the apps stealing your time
Check Screen Time on iPhone or Digital Wellbeing on Android to pinpoint which apps consume your time and how frequently you open them. Don’t try to tackle everything at once; focus on your biggest issue.
2) Silence unnecessary notifications
Every notification represents an invitation to check your screen. Retain alerts that warrant immediate attention, but mute those that merely draw you back into an app.
3) Set limits ahead of time
Create your limits while your mind is clear, rather than when you’re already diving deep into your feeds. Use App Limits and Downtime on iPhone or App timers and Focus mode on Android.
4) Make distracting apps less accessible
Move your most tempting apps away from the Home Screen. Log out after you’re done. If you have to search for the app and sign back in, it gives you a moment to reconsider whether you really want to open it.
5) Put physical distance between you and your phone
Leave it in another room during meals, place it out of reach while working, or charge it away from your bed. This may seem simplistic, but sometimes distance proves to be more effective than a menu setting.
6) Increase the difficulty of ignoring your limits
If you find yourself repeatedly overriding your limits, consider stronger software blockers or a physical device like Brick. By then, you’ll know exactly what issue you’re trying to address.
Kurt’s key takeaways
What strikes me about this trend is that we’re at a stage where people purchase a device meant to keep them away from another device. It speaks volumes. I appreciate what my smartphone can do, and I definitely don’t want an outdated phone. What I yearn for is to control when I use it instead of being pulled in every time an app beckons. That’s why I suggest starting with what’s already accessible on your phone. Both iPhone and Android offer tools like App Limits, Downtime, and Focus. Your phone can also provide insights into your usage patterns. If you can manage it with those free options, you’ve saved yourself $59. However, if you find you’re continuously overriding those limits, then perhaps a device like Brick could have a legitimate purpose beyond just being trendy. Ultimately, the real question is whether you decide to pick up your phone or if it decides for you.
If you could reclaim just one hour of your daily phone usage, what would you do with that time? Share your thoughts at CyberGuy.com.
