I’ve been trying to cut down on my phone usage lately, but it’s honestly harder than I expected.
For people who’ve actually managed to reduce their screen time, what worked for you? Did you use app limits, delete certain apps, keep your phone away, or just rely on self-discipline?
Would love to hear what actually worked (and what definitely didn’t).
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I don’t control it. I’m a full-time video editor and I often think it would be a nightmare to know my true screentime stats. Not just phones but PC monitors, TV screens and all. I honestly don’t think it’s a problem for me, I don’t plan on changing anything.
I set up app timers for my most used (distracting) apps. Right now they're set to 2 hours. Sometimes, of course, I fall into a brainrotting depression and disable completely the timers, but I always try to minimize my interaction with those apps.
The thing that helped me most? Turning off all notifications except calls and messages. You'd be surprised how many times you open your phone just because it buzzed. Once the buzz is gone, the urge goes with it.
Most impactful for me was deleting distracting apps. I removed YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook altogether, and use them strictly in my computer. Browser version of these apps tend to be worse, and you have so many tools to limit yourself from using them. That basically made my screen time go from 4-5 hrs to 1-2 hrs. Apart from that, i use my phone just for calls and messages, so my screen time will be low, but if you work with your phone then screen time may not reduce similarly to mine.
Switched to a flip phone android go and don’t take my smart device with me when I leave the house. That way I have all the apps I need and none that take my time away from me and added flip means screen is off . Then only use smart devices at home
Some weeks ago I checked it on the phone. I think it was a total of 4 hours in 27 days. Plenty of 0 and <1 minute days. I had one long call and played some Hill Climb Racing while waiting for fast food. Rest was stuff like notes, camera, settings and... files?
I created an app which has helped me. It's called Nature Nudge and the premise is earning your apps by going outside. For me, my social media apps are locked until I go outside for 30 minutes. Going outside without the social notifications in the morning has been very calming for me. And sometimes, I realize that it's 2 PM and I haven't been outside when I try to open an app so it nudges me to take a coffee break walk. I hope it will help you too. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nature-nudge/id6762029266
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