Phone Lock Box Review: The Ultimate Screen Time Solution?

Published Mar 19, 2025

A phone lock box is a commitment device that allows you to lock your phone away for a set time.

In this post, you'll learn what a phone lock box exactly is and how it works. We'll show you all the features and specs. And, I'll share my experience using it to improve my focus and reduce screen time.

Let's dive right in.

What Is a Phone Lock Box?

A phone lock box is exactly what it sounds like: a box that locks your phone away so you can’t use it. You set a timer, drop your phone in, and get your time and focus back.

Whether you're battling social media addiction, wasting productive time doom-scrolling, or trying to limit your kids' screen time, a lock box can help you turn things around.

Unlike screen time apps, which are easy to bypass, a phone lock box forces real commitment. Apps that limit screen time have weak barriers. A phone lock box is a tangible, real-world solution.

If your screen time is more than a couple of hours per day, a phone lock box is a drastic and effective way to finally break bad habits and get your time back.

The Best Phone Lock Boxes

I've researched and compared size lock boxes on the market. I've come across lots of interesting products. Some

are see-through (kSafe Mini), some block cellular signal (Yondr Home Tray), and some even allow you to interact with your phone while it's locked (ySkys Locker 01).

Here are all the models I've looked at:

• → Mindsight Phone Lock Box: a good balance between functionality and design at a good price point. ($39.95)
• → kSafe Mini: Presented on Shark Tank in 2014. See-through. ($59.90)
• → ySky Locker 01: Compact and see-through. Holes in the box allow you to use your phone even when it's locked (a major con in my opinion). ($26.88)
• → Yondr Home Tray: Sleek premium box. Also blocks signal. ($249)
• → Lockabox One: Looks like an actual safe. ($39.95)

I chose and bought the one from Mindsight. It's opaque, well-designed, and affordable.

Mindsight Lock Box Pros and Cons

After using the lock box for a while, here is what I like and dislike about it.

✅ Opaque = less temptation: Some lockboxes are clear, letting you see notifications or even tap your screen. Not this one. If you don’t see your phone, you’re less tempted to grab it.

✅ Multipurpose: The size of this box makes it a versatile tool. You can use it to lock away your phone, but also game controllers, TV remotes, snacks, or anything you or your kids need out of reach.

✅ Charge devices while locked: There are two small holes at the bottom for charging cables. They fit USB-A and anything smaller, like USB-C or micro USB.

✅ Helps with kids: If you’re using it to limit your kids’ screen time, the box becomes the bad guy, not you. Once you lock it, it’s out of your hands. The timer is visible, so they know when they’ll get their stuff back.

✅ Uncheatable: You can’t cheat this thing. If you lock it—especially in Fortress mode—there’s no way in until the timer runs out. Unlike screen time apps, which are easy to bypass, this forces real commitment. Even pulling the batteries won’t stop the countdown.

❌ Too big for just a phone: If you only want to lock a single phone and desk space is a concern for you, Mindsight has a smaller version of the lock box, which will fit a phone and nothing else. Another good alternative is the ySky Locker.

❌ The unlock code is too visible: The lock code appears on a non-removable label at the bottom of the box. I can imagine this being an issue if you use the box to lock things away from your kids. Kids will know to look under the box. The workaround is to use Fortress mode.

❌ You still have to remember to use it: Unlike screen time apps, which can auto-lock apps on a schedule, a phone lock box requires you to use it intentionally. It's a habit you have to build. I can see some people getting one, using it a few times, then letting it sit on their kitchen counter.

How Do Phone Phone Lock Boxes Work?

For the sake of simplicity, I'm going to use the Mindsight lock box as an example, but most lock boxes work more or less the same.

1. Add your phone to the box

Open the lid and throw in your phone and any other distractions you want to lock.

2. Set the timer

Use the display on top of the lid to set how long you want to lock the box for. You can set days, hours, and minutes. You can lock it for as little as one minute or as long as 30 days.

3. Choose your mode

You can choose how strict you want the locking mechanism to be using the display. The Mindsight lock box has three modes:

🔓 Lockbox-only mode: No timer. This mode locks the box indefinitely. To unlock it, you have to use the unlock code, which is a sequence of keys to press on the display.

⏳ Standard mode: This works with a timer. The box unlocks at the end of the timer. You can open it while it's locked with a code if you need to.

🏰 Fortress mode: This mode works with a timer, too, but there is no code that unlocks the box. You have to wait for the timer to run out. There's no to hack your way in (except by breaking it).

4. Confirm and lock

Once you've set the timer and chosen your mode, simply press OK. The box will self-lock after 15 seconds.

How to unlock the box

There are only two ways to unlock the lock box (three if you consider breaking it):

1. Let the timer run out

2. Use the unlock code (indicated on a label at the bottom of the box)

Note: you won't be able to use the unlock code if you've chosen Fortress mode when locking the box. The only way to unlock the box in Fortress mode is to contact Mindsight and ask them to generate an emergency access code for you.

Bottom Line: Should You Get A Lock Box for Your Smartphone?

...if you want to use your phones less

If you catch yourself doom-scrolling, checking notifications every few minutes, or wasting time on apps you don’t like, a phone lock box will help you break the cycle. Set a timer, lock your phone away, and actually focus on work, reading, or just existing without a screen.

It’s the easiest way to force yourself into better habits. The only thing you have to remember is to put your phone in the damn box.

...if you want to reduce your kids' screen time

If you're tired of arguing with your kids about screen time, a phone lock box will take the battle out of your hands. Set the timer, lock their devices, and let the box be the bad cop.

The box makes screen-free time easier to enforce and accept.

...if you want to better focus

If you’re studying for exams, writing a paper, or trying to get through a deep work session, locking your phone away removes the temptation completely. You don’t have to rely on self-discipline.

Once you lock your phone up, you will find it easier to get into flow state and do deep work.

...if you want to break habits or addictions

If you have a problem with late-night snacking, vaping, or constantly reaching for your phone out of boredom, a lock box helps put space between impulse and action.

Lock away cigarettes, snacks, video game controllers, or anything else you’re trying to cut back on. And Let the timer force you to pause before acting on a craving.

Phone Lock Box Alternatives

I've written about solutions for managing screen time. A lock box is the most committed method and works incredibly well for creating focused time blocks throughout your day.

If you're looking for something a bit less committed that would still let you use certain features of your phone, consider the following:

• Dumbed-down iPhone: if you have an iPhone, there are lots of cool hacks you can use to decrease your screen time. I've written about my favorites in this guide.

• The Brick: the Brick is a one-of-a-kind device that allows you to lock specific apps on your phone. But unlike basic app blockers, you need to scan a physical device to lock and unlock those apps. I've written a complete review of the Brick on the blog.

• Distraction-free smartphones: If you can’t trust yourself to put your phone in a box every day, just get one without distractions. There are several options, but my favorite is the Wisephone. It’s a full-featured smartphone with no email, social media, browser, games, or porn.

FAQ

What happens if the batteries dies while the box is locked?

If your batteries die while the box is locked, all you have to do is replace them and the timer will resume where it was at when the batteries died.

I tested this by removing the batteries when the box was locked. There was 57 seconds left on the timer. When I pulled them out, the display turned off. When I put them back in, the countdown resumed at 57 seconds.

Is there a guarantee on the Mindsight Lock Box?

Yes. The Mindsight lock box comes with a 30-day guarantee. Try it, see if it works, and send it back if it's not your thing.

Can you charge your phone while it's in the box?

Yes. There are two holes at the bottom. Slide your cable in and plug in your phone before locking it. They fit USB-A, USB-C, micro-USB, and other common chargers.

~ Ben
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