iDiskk Phone Jail
iDiskk's timed lockbox can help you tackle phone addiction without breaking the bank.
Every day, I waste around 4 to 5 hours staring at my phone. That's a terrifying statistic. But what's even more unnerving is that this isn't abnormal; it's a worldwide problem that's affecting our sleep, mental health, attention, memory, and relationships. The admittedly measly short-term fix that I've found for this massive societal problem is a cheap "phone jail" from iDiskk. Unlike tucking my phone under a couch cushion, leaving it in my car, or relying on productivity apps, iDiskk's timed lockbox forces me to live without my phone, whether it's for 30 minutes or 5 hours.
Best Price: $25 from Amazon
Who Should Buy This?
If you want to cut back on phone use and find other methods lacking, then I encourage you to try this phone jail. It's not the nicest or most feature-rich lockbox on the market, but it does what it advertises and only costs $25.
Photo credit: Cheapism / Maxwell ShukuyaWhat We Liked
If you're unsure if a timed lockbox is right for you, then this affordable model is perfect for testing the waters. And despite its low price, it's surprisingly functional.
To lock your device, you simply punch in how many minutes and/or hours you want to lock your phone and double-tap the lock button. The box itself is well-designed and portable, too. There's a slot for your phone's charging cable and three openings above the screen so that you can answer your call or unlock your phone in a pinch. And if you're like me and want to make it impossible to use your phone, you can flip your device around so the screen is facing downward.
One common concern about phone locks is, "What if there's an emergency?" Luckily, iDiskk includes an emergency unlock feature. But to discourage consumers from abusing this loophole, they've set the device to break after the fifth emergency unlock — a clever feature that will keep even the biggest phone addicts honest.
What We Didn’t Like
Given that iDiskk's phone lock is one of the cheapest models you can find, it's no surprise that the device is flimsy, fragile, and made entirely of cheap plastic. In practice, that means you'll have to baby this thing, as a single fall could shatter the thin plastic door. Otherwise, the only negatives are that the lockbox doesn't come with a built-in wireless charger or a longer-lasting battery.
What Consumers Think
Most customers on Amazon gave iDiskk's phone jail glowing reviews. But some users, especially parents who bought this device for their child, found the product lacking because of its build quality.
If, say, you were trying to keep your son from watching TikTok for hours a day, he could easily break open the device or use one of the emergency unlocks. While I think this complaint is valid, it's less of an issue for adults who purchase the lockbox for themselves. While I know I could break the device open if I needed to, the fact that I'd be throwing away $25 to check my Instagram is enough of a deterrent.
Another consumer insight is that the lockbox works for more than just phones. One reviewer says they used it to curb their vaping habit, while another said that they'd locked up their cigarettes.
You will find more infographics at StatistaTLDR: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cheap
- Rechargeable
- Comes with a USB-C charging cable
- Portable
- Has slot for charging cable
- Includes an emergency unlock
Cons
- Fragile and flimsy
- Doesn't come with USB wall charger
- Doesn't fit all smartphones
What To Look For
Any phone jail that's worth buying should come with an emergency release feature, a rechargeable battery, and a timer. Beyond that, your needs will vary depending on what you're looking for. Some companies offer larger, sturdier lockboxes that might be more suitable for parents who're trying to control their kids' phone use. Others, like this model from PLIISLUP, are so compact that they'll fit in your pocket.
Photo credit: AmazonThe Bottom Line
This cheap phone jail might not be a panacea, but fellow doomscrollers and compulsive swipers will find that it's an effective short-term fix. Perhaps the only dealbreaker is that it won't deter more determined users (such as eager, social media-addicted teens) who're willing to break the lockbox to access their phones. Otherwise, I find it to be a functional, portable, and easy-to-use device that saves me from hours of mind-numbing screentime.
Our Process
I selected iDiskk's phone jail after considering several competitors on Amazon but ultimately decided on this model because of its price. And while I've only had the device for around two weeks — and thus can't speak to its long-term durability — I've used the phone jail every day and have charged it without issue.
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