Are you spending hours scrolling on your iPhone every day? You’re not alone. Most people in 2025 admit they’re addicted to their smartphones, and it’s draining their focus, energy, and time.
That’s why I decided to take on a challenge called the “Dumb Phone Summer.” Instead of buying a basic phone, I transformed my iPhone into a minimalist device that only lets me call, text, and do essentials. The results were life-changing.
Here’s how you can do it too – and why you might want to.
What Is a “Dumb Phone Summer”?
A Dumb Phone Summer is a lifestyle trend where people strip their smartphones down to their simplest functions for a few weeks or months. Think of it like switching back to the old Nokia days – no Instagram, no TikTok, no endless notifications.
This isn’t about hating technology. It’s about taking back control over how you use it. With these iPhone settings, you can stop your phone from ruling your life while still staying connected.
Why Are People Switching to Dumb Phones?
Here’s why this trend is exploding in 2025:
- Digital Overload: Notifications, emails, and apps never stop demanding attention.
- Mental Health: Studies show too much screen time increases anxiety, stress, and depression.
- Real Connections: People are tired of shallow online interactions and want more face-to-face time.
- Focus & Productivity: Cutting out distractions helps you get more done in less time.
The good news? You don’t need to buy a dumb phone. A few simple changes to your iPhone settings can give you the same benefits.
8 iPhone Settings to Simplify Your Digital Life
1. Turn Off Push Notifications
Push notifications are like a digital leash. They constantly pull you back to your screen.
🔧 How to Do It:
- Go to Settings > Notifications.
- Turn off notifications for apps that aren’t essential, like social media and shopping apps.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep notifications only for phone calls and messages from key contacts.
2. Enable Grayscale Mode
Did you know your iPhone’s bright colors are designed to keep you hooked? Switching to grayscale makes your phone feel boring – and that’s the point.
🔧 How to Do It:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Color Filters.
- Toggle on Grayscale.
💡 My Experience: After enabling grayscale, Instagram and YouTube felt so dull I stopped opening them as much.
3. Restrict Social Media Apps With Screen Time
If deleting apps feels too extreme, limit your access.
🔧 How to Do It:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits.
- Add social apps and set a strict daily time limit (like 10 or 15 minutes).
💡 Challenge Yourself: Set a passcode for Screen Time and ask a trusted friend to set the password so you can’t override it easily.
4. Disable Safari or Other Browsers
Endless browsing can waste hours without you noticing.
🔧 How to Do It:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap Allowed Apps and toggle off Safari.
💡 Alternative: If you don’t want to block Safari, delete it from your Home Screen to make it harder to access.
5. Remove Red Badges From App Icons
Those little red notification dots are attention traps.
🔧 How to Do It:
- Go to Settings > Notifications.
- Select each app and toggle off Badges.
💡 Result: No more FOMO from seeing hundreds of unread messages.
6. Turn On Do Not Disturb By Default
With Do Not Disturb, you decide when your phone can interrupt you.
🔧 How to Do It:
- Swipe down to open Control Center and tap the moon icon.
- Or schedule it under Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb.
💡 Tip: Add key contacts to the “Allowed Notifications” list so you don’t miss urgent calls.
7. Use a Minimalist Wallpaper
A simple background reduces visual clutter and temptation to unlock your phone.
🔧 How to Do It:
- Download a plain black or white image and set it as your wallpaper.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair this with removing all widgets from your Home Screen.
8. Declutter Your Home Screen
Move all distracting apps into folders or delete them entirely.
🔧 How to Do It:
- Long-press on an app > tap Remove App.
- Keep only essentials like Phone, Messages, Maps, and Camera on your main screen.
💡 Result: When you unlock your phone, there’s nothing exciting to pull you in.
My Experience After 30 Days
At first, I kept reaching for my phone out of habit. It felt strange to see a boring grayscale screen with no notifications waiting for me.
By the second week, I noticed:
✅ Better focus at work
✅ Improved sleep (no late-night scrolling)
✅ More free time for hobbies and family
✅ Less stress and anxiety
By the end of the month, my phone felt like a tool again – not a distraction machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I still use essential apps?
Yes. This method doesn’t force you to stop using your phone. You just remove the noise and keep what truly matters.
❓ Do I need to delete my social media accounts?
No. You can log out or set app limits. The goal is intentional use, not total avoidance.
❓ Does this work on Android phones too?
Absolutely! Most Android devices have similar settings like Grayscale, Focus Mode, and App Timers.
Final Thoughts: Try a Dumb Phone Summer
We’ve grown so used to our phones running our lives that it feels scary to imagine cutting back. But trust me – after a few days of adjusting, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
A Dumb Phone Summer isn’t about throwing your iPhone away. It’s about using it wisely and spending more time living in the real world.
Would you try a Dumb Phone Summer? Or have you already tried a digital detox? Share your thoughts in the comments below!