While smartphones allow us to stay connected and entertained, their constant use can be a source of distraction that impacts our productivity and well-being, especially with the integration of social media. If you feel overwhelmed by notifications and a deluge of apps, you may want to simplify your work. Luckily, with a few changes, you can turn your android mobile phone into a regular phone (also known as dumbasses) so you can be less distracted and focus on what really matters. Here we’ll show you how to do it in a few simple steps.
Keep only the necessary applications
The first step to making your smartphone a simpler device is to determine what features you really need. For many, this boils down to making calls, sending text messages, taking photos, and listening to the occasional piece of music. Apps like web browsers, social media, and games are often the main culprits in our phone addiction.
Disabling or uninstalling these apps is crucial to reducing screen time. You can do this by holding the icon of the app you want to uninstall and selecting the option Delete or Deactivate in the drop-down menu. This way, your mobile phone will turn from a source of entertainment into a more practical and functional tool.
Disable all notifications
Notifications are one of the main reasons why we lose control over our devices. Every sound or vibration prompts us to look at the screen, and often we get stuck in conversations or browsing apps without realizing how much time we’ve wasted.
To avoid these distractions, it is advisable to turn off notifications for all apps except for calls and text or instant messaging, if you find it useful. This will allow you to use your phone on your terms, avoiding unnecessary interruptions. To manage notifications, go to Settings > Notifications > App notifications and customize the settings according to your needs.
Turn off mobile data and Wi-Fi.
Another effective way to reduce distractions is to turn off your internet connection when you don’t need it. While your phone will still be able to make calls and send messages, it won’t be constantly updated with social media, email, or news, allowing you to focus on your tasks.
Most Android phones allow you to turn off data and Wi-Fi using the notification panel that appears when you swipe up from the top of the screen. You can also be more selective about how data is used for specific apps. To do this, go to Settings > Applications > [Nombre de la aplicación] > Mobile data and disable the option Allow background dataThis way, the app can only use data when you open it, avoiding notifications and automatic updates that can distract you.
Download music and maps for offline use.
To further reduce your need for an internet connection, consider downloading music, podcasts, and maps for offline use. Not only will this help you avoid the temptation to go online, but it will also save battery life.
Apps like Spotify let you download songs and listen to them offline, while Google Maps lets you save map tiles for offline navigation. If you want a more complete solution, you can opt for apps like OsmAnd, which let you download full maps for offline use at any time.
Install a simple launcher for Android
Finally, replacing your Android launcher with a simpler one can help you maintain the simplicity you seek. A launcher is the user interface that controls the home screen and app drawer on your device. Launchers like Olauncher remove unnecessary icons and emphasize a minimalist design, reducing the temptation to install more apps. With this setup, your cell phone will continue to work, but without feeling like you’re limiting yourself.
By following these five steps, you can turn your smartphone into a regular phone by eliminating distractions and making it easier to use. This method will allow you to regain control of your time and focus on what really matters, without the distractions of modern devices.
Source: Digital Trends
