To spend less time on your phone, reduce distractions by turning off notifications, moving or deleting time-wasting apps, and using grayscale mode; increase friction by logging out of accounts or using a longer passcode; and create phone-free times and zones, like not using it in bed or during meals, replacing habits with activities like reading or walks.
Adjust Settings & Apps
- Disable Notifications:Â Turn off alerts for social media, news, and other non-essential apps to stop constant interruptions.Â
- Move/Delete Apps:Â Get rid of time-sucking apps or move them off your home screen to make them harder to access mindlessly.Â
- Grayscale Mode:Â Switch your screen to black and white to make it less visually appealing.Â
- Increase Friction:Â Use a long PIN instead of Face ID/fingerprint, or log out of accounts to add extra steps.Â
Create Boundaries
- Phone-Free Zones:Â Designate times (meals, before bed) or places (bedroom, bathroom, dinner table) where phones are not allowed.Â
- Digital Detox Periods:Â Try phone-free mornings or even full days to reset.Â
- Use “Do Not Disturb”:Â Set it for specific hours, allowing important contacts to get through.Â
Change Habits & Activities
- Find Alternatives:Â Replace scrolling with reading a book, going for a walk, or engaging in a hobby.Â
- Use a Real Alarm Clock:Â Stop using your phone as your morning alarm to avoid looking at it first thing.Â
- Mindful Usage:Â Before picking up your phone, state your purpose to avoid aimless browsing.Â
Track & Set Goals
- Monitor Usage:Â Use built-in screen time tools (like Digital Wellbeing or Screen Time) to see where your time goes.
- Set Limits:Â Use settings to cap daily time on specific apps.Â
