This $9 key physically locks your most addictive apps

The key itself is compact, measuring about three-inches long, and works with smartphones running Android 8.0 or later, and iPhones running iOS 15 or later.

The companion app also provides AI-powered insights, tracking how often you unlock distracting apps, how long they remain accessible, and the times of day you’re most likely to reach for them.

Notably, the AI summarizes your habits with a deliberately sassy personality. For example, if you repeatedly unlock your apps immediately after locking them, it might say that the key clearly wasn’t far enough away and will suggest putting it somewhere less convenient.

Plus, unlike many app blockers, there are no subscriptions or premium tiers required to unlock additional features. One key can be paired with multiple phones, making it a practical option for people who may have multiple devices, or for families.

During my testing, however, I noticed the NFC scan occasionally required multiple attempts to register. So it’s probably not the best choice for locking important apps (like messaging or email) that you may need to access throughout the day.

There’s also the question of what happens if you lose the key. If your apps are locked, the current workaround is to uninstall and reinstall the companion app. If they’re already unlocked, you can simply remove the key from your account. The company says it’s developing a backup unlock method that will arrive in a future update.

Autonomous Key is currently in beta following a Kickstarter campaign, and began shipping earlier this month. It’s available in five colors: pink, orange, blue, gray and brown.