Why our pouches don’t block signal
Some phone pouches use signal-blocking (Faraday) technology that cuts a phone off from every network. Ours don’t - and that’s a deliberate decision. A Lockabl pouch physically secures a phone so it can’t be used, while leaving it connected.
Locked away, still connected
There are two ways to take a phone out of action. One is to block its signal - sealing it inside a material that jams calls, data and Bluetooth. The other is what we do: physically lock the phone away so it can’t be seen or used, while the phone itself stays connected to the network in the background.
We chose not to block signal on purpose. It keeps essential medical devices working, gives anxious parents and carers peace of mind, and means official emergency alerts still get through. Here’s how that plays out in practice.
Glucose monitors keep working
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin-pump apps rely on a constant Bluetooth connection between the sensor and the phone to show live readings and sound alerts when glucose runs high or low. A signal-blocking pouch would break that link - the sensor couldn’t reach the phone, and the wearer would miss those real-time alerts while the phone is sealed away.
Because our pouches don’t block signal, the CGM stays connected and alerts still come through. The device maker Dexcom advises choosing a pouch without signal-blocking technology for exactly this reason.
- Enable the “always sound” / critical-alert setting in your monitoring app
- Pair a compatible smartwatch to glance at readings and alerts
- If an alert needs action, staff can unlock the pouch in seconds
This isn’t medical advice - always follow the guidance from your own device manufacturer and clinician.
For the parent watching the clock
If you’re at an event but worried about missing a call from the babysitter, our pouches keep you reachable. Because the phone stays connected, you can still feel it vibrate through the pouch when a call comes in.
We’d also suggest pairing your phone with a smartwatch. If a call arrives during the event you’ll see at a glance who it’s from - and if it matters, you can step out and have a staff member unlock your pouch in seconds to return it. You’re never truly out of reach.
UK Emergency Alerts still get through
Emergency Alerts are a UK government service that warns you when there’s a danger to life nearby - such as severe weather, flooding, wildfires or a terrorist attack. The alert is broadcast to all compatible mobile phones in the affected area, and it relies on a 4G or 5G signal to arrive. A signal-blocking pouch could stop it reaching the phone; ours won’t.
An Emergency Alert has a loud, distinctive siren-like tone and vibration that plays for about ten seconds - and it sounds even when the phone is on silent. That means everyone at an event would receive the same alert at once. It’s a clear, unmistakable prompt for venue organisers to make an announcement and unlock pouches quickly if the situation calls for it.
A loud, siren-like tone and vibration for about ten seconds - even if the phone is on silent. Everyone in the room hears it at once.
We’ve followed the Government’s guidance on the Emergency Alerts system in designing how Lockabl works at events.