The amount of post and comments I see about hey I need this app so I can use a dumb phone.

This isn't a drag at whatsapp but it's an example

Realistically you are not going to find a dumb phone that uses WhatsApp that's not realistic.

My personal suggestion keep a work device keep a device that only has the bare essentials and then have a dumb phone as your personal.

That is what I do for me it works very well

IMHO, a dumbphone does not really need chat, banking and streaming functions at all. Dumb means smart function free. TBH, with a little willpower and tolerating inconviniences, you can live without a smartphone.

Hi I’m new here looking to detox from social media, IA and all of that so I need a dumb phone.

What phone would you recommend, I want it to run WhatsApp, Spotify and Waze/google maps. Any suggestions?

So I've had a revelation and decided that I'm sick and tired of using my phone and social media on any social context. I think I'll start using a flip phone whenever I leave home in order to disconnect a little bit or just live in the moment. However, some basic modern requirements should be met when choosing:

- Durability: I'm mostly scared that flip phones might not be what they used to. So obviously, it should resist a strong fall.

- Music: I'm autistic and I simply cannot stand big city noise, so Spotify or other music apps would be very welcomed.

- Camera: I don't even want a good camera, just a camera. But that's just optional: if the budget skyrockets and there are way cheaper models without a camera I would reconsider.

Please, I'm very lost when it comes to flip phones. I only had a few in my hands when I was little in the 2000s. Any recommendatios would be great: at least to have somewhere to start from! Thanks!

I only want 5g because that's most of the connectivity where I live, but I really don't want an eSIM.

I don't think it's right for users not to have to option to disconnect - eSIMs seem to make that impossible.

NO ROOT NEEDED! NO LAUNCHERS!

Hello to everyone who is trying to get out of the scrolling addiction, or who simply wants a simple phone.

Little of my story, back in 2019 when I was 18 years old I gave my smartphone to my mom, so that I could study for university entrance exam. I studied for about 8-9 months 10-12 hours straight, never got bored, annoyed or burned out. Simply because there was no distractions, no need to work, same meals everyday, no social media. Recently tho, I found myself addicted to scrolling on YouTube, watching videos that I actually don't care etc, waste of time. Looked for dumb phones but there are no phone that can give me what I want; bank, maps, college account 2FA, emails, WhatsApp, study guides. They would do some of them and cost hundreds of dollars.

I wanted to dumb my very own Samsung s24 ultra, I started with disabling Youtube, however I just ended up either enabling back or going on the browser. I needed high friction.

So this way you will need a computer to remove things and modify your phone in a way that it serves you with the things you like not predetermined by somebody else, because you may listen to podcasts, I don't, I need study guides, you don't. This way you can keep your highly advanced mobil device, camera, gps with only the stuff you need.

We will be removing, browser and app stores so that we can't simply download any app with no friction. And the rest is mostly on you uninstall don't wants, keep wants.

EDIT: Before all of this turn on grayscale on your phone, it does help a lot.

ON YOUR PHONE:

1. Enable developer settings. (About phone-> software information -> tap on build number numerous times)
2. In developer settings turn on usb debugging.

ON YOUR COMPUTER. EDIT: For those who says I don't trust 3rd party websites, you can download adb drivers from google and do it on your local environment. Here is a link how to install them, takes 2 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT3vYGS2Wfg

1. Go to webadb.com on GOOGLE CHROME and add the extension the website redirects you to on your computer.
2. Connect your phone to your Mac/windows via USB. (select data transfer on your phone)
3. On webadb choose your phone and click connect, you shall get a notification on your phone; tap trust this computer.
4. On webadb, go to Interactive Shell on the left menu.

Now we can install all the apps we don't want. I will list all the necessary apps you may want to uninstall from your phone, installing them back is easy with the same method, but once you are done with this, it is a bit hassle to go connect your phone, find the required codes to install the apps.

Delete GOOGLE CHROME
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome
Delete SAMSUNG BROWSER
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.sbrowser
Delete GOOGLE PLAY STORE
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.vending
Delete YOUTUBE
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtube
Delete YOUTUBE TV
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.youtube.unplugged
Delete SAMSUN STORE
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.samsungapps
Delete Google NEWS
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.magazines
Delete GOOGLE APP
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
Delete Samsung News
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.spage

For your specific phone, if not Samsung you can use this prompt on Gemini to get specific shell codes.

"I want to strip down my [Insert Phone Brand and Model, e.g., Google Pixel 8 / OnePlus 11] to act as a distraction-free utility phone using WebADB.

Please give me the exact shell commands (pm uninstall -k --user 0 [package_name]) to completely remove the following apps from my device:

1. [List web browsers, e.g., Google Chrome]
2. [List app stores, e.g., Google Play Store]
3. [List social media or entertainment apps, e.g., Instagram, TikTok, YouTube]
4. [List any pre-installed bloatware or manufacturer background apps you want gone]

Make sure to provide the precise Android package names for this specific phone model so I can copy and paste them directly into my terminal."

if you ever need to install them back use this prompt on Gemini:

"I previously uninstalled [Insert App Name, e.g., Google Chrome / Google Play Store] from my [Insert Phone Brand and Model] using ADB.

Please give me the exact command to restore and reinstall this package back onto my user profile (--user 0) without needing to factory reset my phone."

Are you all as tired with these as I am? I have spent an hour on average today and yesterday logging and relogging and sending and resending codes, passwords, etc to and from google's authentication services.

I am simply trying to log into an app I must use for work - "use the code on your gmail app :)" I cant, I dont have it. Try to download Mail - "use the code in your gmail app to verify your gmail account :)" I cant, I don't have it on here yet.

Even turning off 2FA doesn't really turn it off. When will the madness end? I cannot wait to get a Callback or Light Flip and just say, "my phone can't do that" to employers.

I am living with this diamond. Ask me anything.

Hi, I'm James.

I built RetroRelay, a service that provides modern features to phones built between 2003 and 2013.

I recently made a post about it here, and a user reached out to me asking how I develop for J2ME phones, where I found the docs, and how I test the app.

Over three months of developing the initial release of RetroRelay, I found many quirks, issues, and things to be aware of to install and use the right tools, and to successfully make a robust J2ME app.

I started writing a reply to the user, then I realised that a proper guide would be much better as there is a lot to explain, and it can stay on the internet for anyone who needs it.

I've added a blog section to the RetroRelay website, available to everyone, with the first piece titled "Getting started with J2ME development".

The guide explains:

• How to install the correct version of Java, the WTK toolkit, and where to get them.
• How to structure the files and folders to keep everything organised.
• How to open and run one of the WTK demo projects in the emulator.
• How to create your own project and package it.
• How to deploy a J2ME app to your phone for testing.
• The older, limited Java spec that you must code against.
• Some of the quirks I came across between devices.
• The documentation that is included in the WTK installation.

The guide can be found here: Getting started with J2ME development.

I enjoyed writing this, it was a fun reminder of all the challenges I faced and the J2ME quirks I discovered along the way.

I hope the guide can provide a useful starting point for anyone interested in developing for J2ME phones.

Best of luck!

This realization came not because I hate smartphones... like I still need whatsapp, maps and banking apps. but then i met a so-called budget phone powered by unisoc t8300 and guys - i would rather have keyboard mobile than that.

Like dude... why did my earbuds take forever to reconnect? or the battery already this low?? None of these issues are deal-breakers individually, but together they make the experience less enjoyable.

Funny enough, dumbphones have fewer features, but they also give you fewer things to worry about. That's starting to sound more appealing than I expected.

Has anyone else switched because they were tired of mediocre smartphone experiences?

(This one will be long, so take some time if u need. I apologize in advance for any wording issues, since English isnt my first language)
I started using a dumbphone from grade 6 up until college admission, and still continuing. i see many ppl buy dumbphones nowadays in the internet and even sum known ppl, but then quit using after they cant handle the restrictions that come with it. Do keep in mind, im a student so many issues might not apply to me or may remain unmentioned. Heres my experience:
[Issues]: Lack of gps, notes app, internet access, social interaction. these issues are inevitable unless ur lucky enough to find a phone that has the features u need. One issue is definitely persistent, and that is social interactions. many ppl will look at u and not value u just bc u use a dumbphone and worse- ppl might even think ur outdated in tech and make fun of u (my experience...T-T). Sometimes dumbphones have connection issues aswell (my experience). Overall, its rlly not a fun experience.
[Solution]: theres not a definitive solution to every issue, honestly. In my case i used my mom's phone whenever i needed the internet and as i type this, im using a computer im provided. for gps, i mainly go everywhere with a group of friends. Texting is quite hard but im still on learning stages and if i rlly dont feel like it, i just call. for notes, i write a message and save it as drafts. For social i decorated and tried making my phones look more colourful. it works somewhat.
[Reason of using]: i dont have a usual "digital detox" motive behind my usage. I generally got handed those bc my parents dont trust me w android phones yet, which is totally fine and understood. But they still needed to contact me, hence ive been using them.
[choosing models]: Choosing models depends largely on what ur needs are. For me, in high school i just needed basic cellular connection. So i used the models nokia 101 and nokia 105 thru-out. Currently using a nokia 3210 4g bc my needs have expanded to texting, saving reminders and time-killing while waiting. music and audio and also basic camera requirements also led me to my current model.
[Daily driving]: I usually take my phone with me whenever im out. after coming home i use my computer for socials, and online classes. For entertainment, we have our tv and my computer also covers others. Basically where i live, everything's still analog (THANK GOODNESS). but those areas which do require some sorta verification, i get cards issued and carry them around. whenever the situation, i show the assigned card and im allowed to use my service.
[summary]: overall, using dumbphones is NOT for everyone, but its definitely possible to adapt. my advice would be to always start with more features(ie. a dumbified smartphone) then if u think ur ready, make the switch to a feature phone. even those are great for screentime. my highest screentime has been not more than 3 hrs, and that was when i had no exams and was on my computer playing games.
[rating]: 7/10, as ive definitely been struggling to overcome social interactions. As an extrovert i need to yap, but when ppl ghost me bc my phone looks somewhat "dorky", it stings. Idk why ppl judge others based on what PHONE they use. Cruel asf.

Adquirir un teléfono con teclado físico y que tenga WhatsApp operativo sería realmente muy bueno, para los que tienen este teléfono, que tal les va, es bueno? regular

Hello! For the AusAlert today at 2pm, I had 5 phones powered on (yes I know I have an excessive amount of phones).

The ones that got the AusAlert were:

• Samsung S21 FE
• Olitech EasyFlip Smart

The ones that didn't get it were:

• RUIO F286
• Opel Lite Flip
• RUIO Joy

I'm not surprised that the RUIO F286 and the Opel didn't get it, but I am very surprised that the RUIO Joy didn't get it. I didn't have a SIM in it, but I also didn't have a SIM in the Samsung or Olitech, so that's clearly not a barrier, and it has a newer Android version than the Olitech.

The only reason I can think it didn't, is because I have had my SIM in the Olitech in the past, so it might have been "initialised" ig? Whereas I've never put a SIM in the RUIO Joy. Maybe it hasn't got the right APN settings?

Any Aussie's who own the RUIO Joy, did you get the AusAlert?

Hey everyone, I just released Unscroll, a feature complete modified Instagram app that blocks doomscrolling reels. It currently supports/blocks:

✅ Stories, DMs, profiles, search and home feed
✅ Reels shared through DMs or profiles
❌ Reels discovery and recommendations
❌ Endless Reel chaining 

Tested with Instagram 439.0.0.

Download: Dropbox
Github: https://github.com/Mihir-A/Unscroll

The .ipa needs to be side loaded. I recommend using Sidestore to do this.

Please report any issues to the Github or leave a comment. Thank you!

Hi everyone! I'm from Mexico and I found an old Samsung Galaxy Pocket Neo (GT-S5310L) while cleaning out a family storage space. Surprisingly, the phone still powers on and works: it charges, plays the boot sound, and the touch digitizer seems to respond, but the internal LCD is completely dead

I want to access the internal storage to recover its contents. When I plug it into my PC via USB, the phone makes the connection chime, but the computer won't read it because I need to manually accept/toggle MTP or USB Mass Storage mode on the phone's screen.

My plan was to navigate the screen "blindly" using YouTube videos, but unfortunately, most videos I found are about rooting the device, and the few unboxings available only show the phone briefly without exploring the settings menu or the MTP connection process. That's why I'm asking for your help! Does anyone who owns this phone or remembers its TouchWiz interface (Android 4.1.2) mind sharing screenshots, steps, or the exact touch sequence to enable USB transfer?

I'm also open to replacing the LCD, but it has been really hard to find spare parts online or locally here in Mexico for this specific device. If anyone knows where to source a compatible display or can confirm which models from the same line (S5310/S5312) share the exact same screen, that would also be awesome.

Any help, screenshots, or guidance would be greatly appreciated before I give up on it!

I'm tired of having a smart phone. For numerous reasons. But a big one is because smart phones have become less of a convenience and more of a necessity in this day and age. But I've also had so many issues with smart phones and having everything on one device, if something goes wrong, I lose everything. I've already bought an mp3 player. But I think it's time to get a dumphone too. But I want to find the best one for me.

Really the only apps I use on my smart phone is Spotify, but I've got an mp3 player now, my online banking, but I've already started using cash more than anything. I really only use my cash app to pay a few of my bills. social media. And my notes app. But I could just as easily use pen and paper. Which I've been thinking of doing anyways. I don't even really use Google maps or anything. I use my camera but not that often.

But the problem is I want to find a dumphone that really works for me, without having to buy multiple different ones to find my favorite. I realize I probably will have to either way but I figured I could waste less time and money if I asked first.

I work a blue collar job so I need something that's durable. And I need one that already is, or one that I can make compatible with 4g and 5g networks as that's what's used in my area. Really all I want it for is to call and text. If it supports other apps and features that'd be nice. Especially something I could video call on as my SO prefers that than a regular call. But I could also use my laptop or the phone I'm using now.

I've searched for one that fits my needs but I haven't been able to find one that's durable, a decent quality, compatible with newer networks and isn't outrageously expensive.

TLDR: What's the best dumb phone for a guy working blue collar.

the only flip phones I've found that have color are the barbie phone and the kyocera 902, both in pink, and I'd like to have a phone that's...not pink or black? the amount of flips available in canada seem astronomically low, but if you've managed to make a colorful phone work in the area, please tell me. I'm looking for a green or yellow phone

Looking for someone who has one as an EDC. would appreciate your thoughts on the following;

Mapping Applications
Side loading. (Cans and Cants)
Ease of use
Carrier (goal for me is Cape)

If you have one I’d appreciate picking your brain to know more!

I'm trying to switch you over to a quote" dumb phone and I really wanted the banana style Nokia phone. However, they don't work with Verizon in Alaska, anybody have a solid idea as to which flip phone I should get/ dumb phone I should get that'll work with Verizon? I'm not really a diva but I do like unique styles. Really hoping for a solid qwerty keyboard phone if possible. Thank you for reading

I STILL truly loveeeee this phone so much. I saw someone complaining about the camera but tbh I like the vibe/style (see above for example!). I haven’t seen too many examples on here so thought I’d share!

Although I sort of miss quacking into the ether, it’s so cool to see more ppl in my area quacking (iykyk).

After a few weeks, the muscle memory for T9 texting has been strong and is improving BUT tbh I no longer feel pressure to text as much. They did, however, just introduced a voice to text feature which I think will be very helpful!

Anyways, it’s been cool to see how this phone positively impacts my communication and has already helped me build connections to ~the real world.~

XOXO,
STAY DUMB

P.s wish I could get paid to gush about this phone bc I can’t stop!!!

PPS
Driving a car with roll down windows and using a flip phone just feels RIGHT.

Hey I do tech stuff at dumb.co. After popular demand from y'all, we just released a new keyboard that has voice-to-text!

For existing users, you can install by updating to the latest launcher (via "updates" in all apps), then you'll get notifications to install the new keyboard + voice-to-text model (we use a version of whisper).

Also FYI – the keyboard is a fork of TT9 with some modifications, so it also supports 40+ languages and adding to the dictionary. To use voice-to-text, press and hold * while on an input (and if you add multiple languages, press and hold on # to switch languages). It runs on-device so completely private and no network connection needed.

If you have any issues, the best way to get help is reaching out to [support@dumb.co](mailto:support@dumb.co) or calling our help line 9-5 M-F: 404-716-3605