While I’ve long considered switching to a basic phone to curb my digital habits, I hesitate to fully commit. The idea of purchasing an additional device feels like an unnecessary expense and introduces more complexity into my daily routine. I’m also concerned that I might not stick with the change and would simply revert to using a smartphone.
Instead, I’m looking for practical ways to simplify my current Samsung Galaxy 23. Beyond periodically deleting and reinstalling apps, I would appreciate any suggestions for effectively reducing its functionality and minimizing distractions.
I completely relate to your hesitation about buying a separate basic phone; I tried that once and it just became another gadget to manage. What worked for me on my own Galaxy was using the built-in Digital Wellbeing features to set strict time limits on my most distracting apps, which is more sustainable than just deleting them. Has anyone found a good way to use the Focus Mode for blocking specific app categories during work hours?
Great point about using Digital Wellbeing’s time limits being more sustainable than constant deletion—that’s a key insight. For using Focus Mode to block app categories, I recommend creating a custom “Work” focus that specifically blocks your chosen categories, like “Social” or “Entertainment,” and then scheduling it to activate automatically during your work hours in the settings. Let us know how that setup works for you, or if you discover other helpful tricks.
I completely relate to your hesitation about buying a separate basic phone; that extra cost and device management always stopped me too. What really helped me was using Samsung’s built-in “Focus Mode” to block entire categories of apps during work hours, which feels more sustainable than constantly deleting and reinstalling. It’s made my S23 feel like a tool again, not a slot machine. Has anyone else found a specific Samsung feature that’s been a game-changer for minimizing distractions?
That’s a great point about Focus Mode making your S23 feel like a tool again—it’s such a sustainable foundation. Building on that, I’d suggest diving into “Modes and Routines” to automate this further; you can create a custom mode that, for instance, automatically enables Focus Mode and turns your screen grayscale when you arrive at work. It’s a powerful way to hardwire minimalism into your phone’s behavior. I’d love to hear if setting up a specific routine helps you even more.
You seem to like the idea more than the reality.
Ultimately, the answer is a bit disappointing. I use my smartphone more than I should, often in ways that aren’t beneficial when I have nothing else going on. But when real-life activities happen, my phone use shifts from scrolling and videos to what it’s better for: direct communication and organization. I value texting, emails, and calendars, and using apps in daily life is often necessary.
I love dumb phones, but the solution to unhappy mobile habits isn’t to buy another gadget unless you replace that screen time with better activities. If you’re a homebody, try reading, puzzles, making tea, or diving into films without involving your phone. If you’re social, get out of the house. To change your behavior, you need to meet those needs with something more engaging.
Consider using Andoff and HeartGuard together. You can select which apps and websites to allow while blocking the rest. The best feature is that you can prevent yourself from reinstalling blocked apps.
I struggled with the same fear before buying a transition dumbphone that runs an older version of Android. I made many excuses about why it wouldn’t work, but I went for it anyway because I knew I’d never know otherwise. It’s a self-imposed challenge, not an ultimate fix—if you keep finding ways to reinstall apps, the issue isn’t the phone, it’s you.
I recommend starting with an affordable transition phone if you need specific communication apps, but first delete your social media. If your main chats are on those platforms, move them to a dedicated communication app without algorithms. Ideally, switch to text, but a phone that runs standard communication apps is a good start.
Disabling the app store can help, and there are many site or app blockers if you keep your smartphone. Treat it as a tool or tablet, nothing more.
It won’t be easy or an instant fix, but you won’t know how beneficial it is until you try.
I’m in a similar situation. My approach has been identifying what I actually use my phone for and finding alternatives. For lists and notes, I switched to a pocket notebook. For doom scrolling and games, I carry my Kindle or a Rubik’s cube instead. Try finding activities that feel more productive than scrolling during idle moments—even simple paper games you can play in that notebook.
On my Samsung, using Ultra Power Saving mode has helped significantly. It limits available apps to only those you select, reducing distractions.
I’ve noticed scrolling is mostly habitual. After sending a WhatsApp message, my hand automatically opens Instagram. Rearranging your apps makes them harder to access immediately. Setting time limits also helps—while it’s easy to dismiss the timer, it increases awareness. Consider deleting apps entirely; though you can reinstall them, the extra steps make you more conscious of your usage. Test your self-control by adding these barriers. Gradually, you’ll develop new habits, but remember this takes time and won’t happen overnight.
My attempt with a dumb phone was demotivating—I only lasted about three weeks.
I started by switching from an iPhone 13 Pro to an iPhone 4s, since 2G is still available here. The battery was shot, and I didn’t want to pay £45 to replace it.
I then bought an iPhone 5 on eBay. The battery life was slightly better, and calls and texts worked, but I couldn’t run modern apps like authenticators, Microsoft Teams, or WhatsApp on iOS 10. So I had to upgrade again.
Now I’m using an iPhone 8. Even with 95% battery health, the battery life is poor—it needs multiple charges a day with light use. All the important apps work, but at this point, it’s not a dumb phone anymore.
I’m using it less, but iOS 16 won’t be supported forever. In a year or two, I’ll have to choose between carrying a modern £1000+ “work phone” alongside a flip phone or just using the work phone daily. I’m not trying to discourage you, but I wish I had researched the practical side more. For me, owning two phones—one for work and one for personal life—feels more counterproductive than sticking with just one.
If social media is distracting you, the phone itself isn’t the issue. Delete your social media accounts—you don’t need them.