To choose what Brick blocks, create or edit a mode in the Brick app and select apps in its Apps section. Add sites separately in Websites if you want them blocked too. Brick describes notifications as part of the effect of blocking selected apps; its setup guidance does not document a separate notification picker.
Choose apps for a Brick mode
- Open the Brick app while your phone is unbricked. Create a mode or edit an existing one. Brick’s mode guide explains the setup flow.
- Open Apps and select the installed apps to block. The picker is platform-specific: Brick’s iPhone instructions use Apple’s App Picker, while its Android instructions use Android’s App Picker.
- Add websites separately if needed. Use the mode’s Websites section for sites you want restricted; choosing an app does not replace adding a website entry.
- Review the selections before activating the mode. Keep apps you need for that situation—such as navigation, safety, or essential communication—out of the blocked selection. This is a practical way to tailor the mode, not a special Brick exception feature.
What happens to notifications?
Brick LLC describes its product as “A physical device that temporarily removes distracting apps & their notifications from your phone” on its Apple App Store product page. The mode setup instructions cover app and website selection, but do not show a separate list for choosing notifications independently. In practice, choose the apps you want blocked; do not expect to configure a second, notification-only selection in the documented flow.
Set up modes around what you need to do
Make each mode fit a particular context rather than blocking every app by default. These are useful selection principles, not Brick-prescribed mode templates.
- Work or study: Block the apps that tend to interrupt the task, while leaving work tools and necessary communication available.
- Sleep or downtime: Consider blocking entertainment and social apps, but retain anything you need for safety or essential contact.
- Family time: Block apps that draw attention away from the people you are with, and keep any apps needed for coordination.
Use schedules when you want automatic activation
Brick’s help materials include a Schedule tab and a guide for schedules. If you want a mode to start automatically, consult Brick’s current schedule guide for the available options. The documented material cited here does not establish exact recurrence, end-time, or override behavior, so check the guide in the app before relying on a particular timing pattern.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Platform and account considerations
iPhone and Android use different app pickers
The goal is the same on both platforms—select apps for a mode—but Brick directs iPhone users to Apple’s App Picker and Android users to Android’s App Picker. Follow the picker shown on your phone rather than expecting identical screens.
Android may request permissions
Brick says Android setup can require usage access, overlay, notification access, alarms and reminders, post-notification access, and accessibility permissions. It describes these as supporting app-use monitoring, blocking screens, notification management, scheduled activation, updates, and blocking behavior. Device Admin permission is additionally needed for Strict Mode. These Android-specific permissions should not be treated as iPhone requirements. See Brick’s Android permissions explanation for details.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Re-select apps when setting up on a new phone
If you use an existing Brick account on a new phone, Brick’s help center says you must select apps again for your modes. Review each mode’s app and website entries on the new device before using it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
