This time-locking safe helps me manage bad phone habits and it's a 'Shark Tank' favorite
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When you think of your favorite moments, you probably don't envision a time when you were staring at your phone. Instead, your fondest memories likely involve spending quality time with loved ones. If your New Year's resolution is to have more peak experiences while minimizing your phone scrolling, a time-locking safe will be a great investment in keeping you present.
I've used the kSafe for two years and found it does a good job of limiting my mindless phone use so that I can pay more attention to loved ones. It is just one of many successful products popularized by Shark Tank. Below are the details of my experience.
Kitchen Safe Time Locking Container (Mini) Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Kitchen Safe Time Locking Container (Medium) Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Kitchen Safe Time Locking Container (XL) Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."I catch myself mindlessly scrolling on my phone, ignoring loved ones, and getting increasingly anxious.
Enter the time-locking kSafe to save the day. It comes in three sizes: mini, medium, and X-large.
All three sizes are 5.5 inches square in depth and width but vary in height. The interior of the mini container is 2 inches high, the medium is 5.5 inches high, and the extra-large is 10.4 inches. There are clear and white container options, and the lids come in several colors, including green, red, and blue. Each safe works on two AA batteries that come with the unit.
The mini was too small to hold my Samsung Galaxy S10+ phone. I recommend purchasing the extra-large kSafe since it's only $10 more than the other two sizes, and can also fit small tablets and gaming devices.
Simply put the lid on, select how long you want it to lock, and press the dial.
The lid works in any orientation, so you don't have to worry about the locking tabs lining up when you put the lid on. To set the time, you turn the dial on the lid. Once you have the time you want, press the dial. Then you have a five-second countdown in case you change your mind. If you don't press the dial again, the safe will lock, and the contents will be inaccessible until the time is up.
When I notice that looking at my phone is stressing me out or distracting me from spending quality time with my family, I pop it in the kSafe.
I try to limit my phone use after work. I usually have no trouble unplugging, but other days, my phone is seemingly attached to my hand. As soon as I recognize that my phone is monopolizing my attention, I lock it up. I usually just set the kSafe for 30 to 60 minutes. That's enough time for the phone-scrolling urge to pass. After the safe unlocks, I usually leave my phone there until bedtime.
You can put objects in there for up to 10 days. My kid put their lemonade stand money in for 5 days.
I don't recommend putting objects in the kSafe for longer than a couple of hours because you can't use it for other items during that time. Still, a long lock-up helped my kid reduce their urge to spend their money immediately after making it.
I couldn't find a way to hack it.
I've tested several of the best home safes, and the kSafe was easier to break into than most others I've tested. But the kSafe isn't designed for home security. It's meant for breaking habits. I found it did an excellent job of this.
It's not good for securing valuables, but it's a great deterrent from using items you want to avoid.
I've tested several of the best home safes, and the kSafe was easier to break into than most others I've tested. But the kSafe isn't designed for home security. It's meant for breaking habits. I found it did an excellent job of this.
I found it was an effective tool for breaking my infinite scrolling, so I can focus on what matters most: living my best life.
While overall, I think the kSafe is pricey, that's the point. You'd be tempted to bust it open if it were cheap.
Kitchen Safe Time Locking Container (Mini) Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Kitchen Safe Time Locking Container (Medium) Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." Kitchen Safe Time Locking Container (XL) Shop at Amazon External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user." James Brains Senior Reporter, Insider Reviews James is a Senior Reporter for Insider Reviews, specializing in sleep, HVAC, vacuums, and kitchen appliances. He has tested more than 70 mattresses from startups like Casper and legacy brands like Tempur-Pedic, using his background in experimental psychology to develop objective tests and evaluate comfort, support, motion transfer, and more. He authors our guide to the best mattresses. In addition to being Insider Reviews' mattress expert, James has extensively covered vacuums, air conditioners, air purifiers, and more within the HVAC space. He's tested more than 40 vacuums from brands like iRobot and Dyson and is no stranger to keeping his house at a chilly 60 degrees Fahrenheit for weeks on end, all in the name of testing air conditioners.He's a multifaceted writer who has covered everything from health and fitness to consumer technology. His mission is to help people get the most value for their money by guiding them in making informed buying decisions.James lives in Lansing, Michigan, with his wife, two kids, a tabby cat, and a rambunctious rat terrier. When James isn't testing products and writing for Insider, he helps run a popular local Facebook group, Lansing Foodies, and plans the Olive Burger Festival.See below for some of his work:- The 13 best mattresses of 2024, tested and reviewed
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