How it works
How lockable phone pouches work
A lockable phone pouch is a padded neoprene sleeve with a magnetic lock. The phone goes in at the door, the pouch locks, and the attendee keeps it. It only opens on an unlocking base.
Lockable phone pouches
How it works: the three simple steps
1. Lock on entry
On entering a phone-free area, attendees place their device into the pouch and snap the magnetic latch closed. Nothing is collected and nothing is stored.
2. Retain possession
Attendees keep the locked pouch in their pocket or bag for the duration of the event or designated time period. The phone keeps its cell signal, so it still receives calls, texts and emergency alerts.
3. Unlock on exit
When leaving the designated space, attendees tap the top lock against the magnetic unlocker base to release their device. This is the only way to get a phone out of the pouch.
The unlocker
One thing opens the pouch. We ship it with every order.
Every pouch has a magnetic clasp at the top that releases when pressed against our unlocking magnet. This is the only way attendees can remove their phone from the pouch.
The unlocking base. Tap the pouch on it and the latch releases in under two seconds.
What each pouch blocks, and what it doesn't
This is the part most vendors leave vague, so here it is plainly. Both pouches lock physical access to the phone's cameras. Neither one blocks wireless signal.
Both pouches make photos and video impossible. No exceptions.
Same shell, same magnetic lock, same back. The only difference is whether the front panel is frosted or opaque.
Photos and video
Semi-Frosted
One side frosted, screen visible
Blocked
Fully Sealed
Opaque on both sides
Blocked
Seeing the screen
Yes, through the semi-frosted panel
No
Calls and texts
Apple Pay and Wallet
Work through the panel, no unlocking
Yes, through the pouch
Only after unlocking at a staffed station
No, the screen is not reachable
Face ID
Does not work. Passcode does
No screen access
Cell signal
Emergency alerts
Not blocked
Still come through
Not blocked
Still ring and buzz
Opening it by hand
Best for
Not possible
Concerts, festivals, nightclubs, comedy and weddings
Not possible
Listening parties, closed sets, test screenings, product reveals, anything under NDA
We do not make a signal-blocking pouch, on purpose. A phone that is off the network is a duty-of-care question you do not need at your event.
Self-service or staffed
Self-service rental
We ship pouches, unlocking bases, a quick-start setup guide, entry signage and a prepaid return label. Your own door team deploys them.
Staffed service
We bring a trained crew and run the entry and exit stations ourselves, including traffic flow and the unlocking zone. We staff a minimum of two designated pouch staff per 100 attendees.
In a genuine safety emergency, staff are instructed to evacuate everyone first. Phones are not depouched during an evacuation, and the pouch never prevents anyone from leaving a room.
How a phone-free event comes together
01
Tell us the date and the headcount
A human being will reach out within 24 hours.
02
Pick your pouch and your policy
Semi-Frosted, Fully Sealed or both. Decide how locked-down you need to be.
03
Lock in the date
Two to four weeks before the event date. Ask about a rush if you are inside that.
04
Tell your guests
Send the pre-event email and text. We wrote them for you.
05
Run the door
Pouches go on at entry, run by your team or our crew.
06
Unlock and send it back
Guests tap out at the exit. Self-service kits go back in the prepaid container.
Frequently asked questions
Do phone pouches block signal?
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Do attendees keep their phones?
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Can attendees still call 911 in a phone pouch?
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Do phone pouches work with Apple Pay?
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Does Face ID work through the pouch?
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Will the pouch damage my phone?
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What is the difference between the Semi-Frosted and Fully Sealed pouches?
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What are the alternatives to Yondr?
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If guests can use their phone, is the event really phone-free?
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Can we run the pouches with our own staff instead of hiring a crew?
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Ready to go phone-free?
Three fields. We come back with a real number, not a calendar link.
A human being replies within 24 hours · No discovery call · From 50 pouches
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