Why 4rem?

We built 4rem to solve a problem - to help us stop scrolling on our phones when we should be sleeping. The apps that are designed to keep us scrolling, liking and playing videos one after another are sometimes just too good at what they do, and cause us to sacrifice sleep. Screen time limits are too easy to override, and we need our phones nearby for what it’s useful for - keeping time, wake up alarms, and the occasional emergency call or text (if you’re a parent, you know).

The 4rem Lock and app were designed to solve this problem by making your smartphone into a dumbphone which can only be unlocked by a physical device (that’s the lock). Automatically lock apps based on your routines or manually lock it anytime. Customize which apps to block and which to keep available.

How We’re Different

• Screen time app limits are too easy to disable. Over time, we’ve become so numb to tapping the “Ignore Limit” button, that it’s lost all of its original intent.
• Increased productivity doesn’t need to be the goal of making your smartphone dumber. 4rem is designed to help you unplug, unwind and get to sleep. Give your eyes a screen-free break before bed and start your mornings without scrolling.
• Keep your phone nearby as your clock and morning alarm. With your 4rem Lock somewhere outside your bedroom, cold and cruel doom scrolling is no match for the comfort and warmth of your bed.
• The 4rem Lock is a one-time purchase - no subscription needed.

Key Features

• 4rem Lock: A physical device to transform your smartphone into a dumbphone. Curb the urge to scroll when you’re in bed, but keep your phone nearby as your clock or morning alarm.
• Routines to automate app locking: By creating a sleep routine, you’ll create the positive habit of locking your phone at consistent times each night before bed. No need to lock your phone first.
• Manually lock apps any time - Manually lock from your app whenever you need to dumb down your smartphone. You’ll still need to physically unlock with your 4rem Lock.
• Customize your blocked apps: Select the apps you need and block the stuff that keeps you up at night. Useful apps like Settings and Contacts are always available.
• Wireless and battery-free: The 4rem Lock is completely wireless and battery-free, so you can keep it anywhere and don’t need to worry about charging. The further from bed, the better.
• Sound library: Can’t sleep? Check out our original audio content, including white noise, breathing exercises, meditations and nature sounds.
• Your privacy comes first: 4rem doesn’t store which apps you block or which apps you give-in to. We keep track of how often locked apps are interacted with so that you can learn from your progress over time, but any app-specific data is strictly kept on your device - not in the cloud and not visible to anyone but you.