Tips for a quick and easy smartphone detox

Yesterday, I gave my phone a digital cleanse. It’s part of a greater ongoing process of tidying up my digital life.

Recently, I’ve felt like my personal and professional digital spaces were getting messy. My files were a mess, backups from years ago sat idly in a folder named _TO_SORT_, and my phone had way too many apps.

Most of these apps were seldom used. What’s more, iOS’s Screen Time data revealed that I was spending much more time than I’m willing to admit on YouTube and X. Also, notification anxiety has been creeping up on me lately as more and more unnecessary pings kept interrupting my work and personal life.

My phone needed a good flush, and that’s what it got. Here are four easy steps that are helping me reclaim control of my phone use.

Step 1: Delete Apps

Who knows how many apps I deleted, but it’s probably more than 100. I started with social apps, but also got rid of shopping, travel booking apps, lots of games, and icons I didn’t recognize. When in doubt, delete.

Step 2: Disable Most Notifications

Notifications on all but a handful of apps are now turned off. Messaging app notifications get to my 8 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m. Scheduled Summary—most messages can wait a few hours. Except for the wife; she can get through to me anytime.

Step 3: Limit or Block Distractions

Check out a utility called ScreenZen. It taps into the Screen Time API to limit and block access to apps and websites. I might want to check X from the browser once in a while, but in moderation. ScreenZen keeps you honest and keeps you from doom scrolling.

Step 4: Create an Efficient Workspace

The home screen got a total makeover. Using Apple Shortcuts, I created custom launches for apps and actions used regularly. My daily drivers are Readwise, Waking Up, Maps, Spotify, Phone, Messages, Slack, Telegram, Arc, Reminders, Calendar, and Obsidian. The quotes are courtesy of Flow, a pomodoro timer. I usually access the camera from the lock screen. And thanks to the new color features in iOS 18, it’s possible to create a minimal look and feel, eliminating the urge to click on shiny icons.

That’s it. Just a few steps to take back control of your phone, rather than your phone taking control over you!