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To keep a short list of essential apps available during a Brick session, create or edit a mode and set it to Allow. Select the apps—and, if needed, websites—you want to keep accessible. In Allow mode, Brick restricts everything else.
Choose Allow mode, not Block mode
Brick’s two mode types work in opposite ways. A Block mode restricts the apps and websites you select; an Allow mode restricts everything except the apps and websites you select. For a focused essentials list—such as calls, maps, transit, authentication, or family communication—Allow mode is the relevant choice.
| Mode | What stays accessible during a Brick session | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Block | Apps and websites not selected for blocking | You want to restrict a short list of distractions. |
| Allow | Only the apps and websites selected in the mode | You want to restrict everything except a short essentials list. |
Brick’s mode guide says a mode can contain up to 50 apps and websites. If a Block mode reaches that limit, Brick suggests considering Allow mode instead. See Brick’s mode-editing guide.
Set up the Brick app on your phone
Complete your platform’s initial setup before configuring the allow list. The first-mode onboarding described in Brick’s setup guides focuses on choosing apps to block, so do not assume that onboarding alone creates an Allow mode.
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iPhone
- Install the Brick app, sign in with your email address, and enter the verification code Brick sends you.
- When prompted, continue through the iPhone Screen Time prompt, then choose Allow access in the Brick app.
- Finish onboarding. Afterward, create or edit a mode and explicitly choose Allow, as described below.
These steps follow Brick’s iPhone Setup Guide.
Android
- Turn on NFC in your phone’s Settings before starting Brick setup.
- Sign in with your email address and verify your account.
- When Brick requests permissions, open the device settings for Brick App Blocker and enable Accessibility. Also grant Alarms & reminders and Notification access, returning to Brick after each permission step.
- Finish the initial mode setup. Then create or edit a mode, choose Allow, and select the apps you need.
Brick’s Android Setup Guide covers these setup requirements.
Create or edit an Allow mode
Your phone must be unbricked before you can edit modes or schedules. Brick’s current instructions use these steps:
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- 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.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- In the Brick app, tap the mode name beneath the Brick icon.
- Select an existing mode or create a new one, then tap Edit.
- Choose Allow.
- Select the apps you want to remain accessible, then save the mode.
During a Brick session using this mode, only selected apps and websites remain available. Before starting, consider which tools you may need for urgent communication, navigation, transport, authentication, work, or caregiving. That list will differ by person; Brick does not prescribe a universal set.
Keep the websites you need reachable
For a website to be available in Allow mode, select the browser and the website or websites you need. Brick’s mode guide also describes a setting to allow all websites. Choose deliberately: allowing all websites is broader than adding only the sites you rely on.
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- 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.
Brick says Safari’s available website choices come from Apple and cannot be extended by Brick. Brick can block other browser apps such as Chrome, but it cannot block specific website links inside non-Safari browsers. See Brick’s blocking troubleshooting page for its browser and website limitations.
Check compatibility and platform limits
Brick’s FAQ, accessed October 7, 2026, lists iOS 18.0 or later and Android 12.0 or later as supported. It says Brick can block any iPhone app except Phone, and any Android app except Phone and Launcher. It also lists support for up to 10 custom modes. These are Brick-published details; check the current FAQ for later changes.
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- 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
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- 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
App availability can also depend on operating-system settings and other screen-time controls, so selecting an app in a mode does not guarantee that it will work in every configuration.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot when an essential app or site is unavailable
On iPhone, check Always Allowed
If an iPhone app is blocked or allowed contrary to your mode, Brick recommends checking Settings > Screen Time > Always Allowed. Screen Time settings can affect how app restrictions behave.
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- 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.
If Brick is not blocking apps
Brick’s troubleshooting advice is to verify that it has Screen Time access and to turn off conflicting App Limits or other active screen-time app sessions. Its troubleshooting page covers these checks.
Test website access before relying on the mode
While your phone is nearby and unbricked, confirm that the mode includes the browser and sites you expect to use. Then test the mode in a setting where you can recover easily, before relying on it away from home. This is a practical precaution, not a Brick guarantee about how a particular device configuration will behave.
Know how to recover from a restrictive session
Brick’s FAQ says the app includes five Emergency Unbricks that automatically unblock apps. Brick also says you can hold the in-app virtual Brick for five seconds to activate Brick remotely; the physical Brick is required to unbrick after remote activation. Brick describes the device and companion app on its product page.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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