How to Make Your Phone Less Addictive

While "digital detoxing" is a trending topic online, actually cutting back on screen time can be surprisingly difficult. If you feel constantly distracted by notifications popping up on your phone, or you can’t stop mindlessly scrolling, some simple strategies can help.&nbsp;This episode, Wirecutter tech writer Brenda Stolyar discusses how to reset your relationship with your phone and reclaim your attention. Brenda walks us through how to perform a screen time audit, how to better manage notifications, and how built-in iOS and Android features can make your device less addictive without forcing you to switch to an impractical dumb phone.&nbsp;Plus, Brenda shares how gamified focus apps and physical blocking devices like the Brick create friction and build healthier digital habits.&nbsp;This episode covers:Auditing your screen time: How to check your daily device usage, app breakdowns, pick-up counts, and notification totals using Apple’s Screen Time or Android's Digital Wellbeing settings.Reducing notification overload: Switch lock screen notifications to "count" view or set up scheduled notification summaries to prevent constant interruptions.Why a dumb phone isn’t always the answer: It may sound nice to switch to a basic phone, but you won’t be able to access things like QR codes or digital tickets. Optimizing your current smartphone's built-in tools is often a better approach.How to make your phone less appealing: Switch to grayscale mode (black-and-white display) or use iOS assistive access to strip your homescreen down to essential apps.Creating physical friction: Physical app-blocking tools like The Brick force a mindful pause before opening distracting apps like Instagram, TikTok, or mobile browsers.&nbsp;Products we recommend:&nbsp;A device that blocks your most distracting apps: BrickApps that Brenda recommends: Focus Friend, Forest, Focus Keeper&nbsp;Additional reading:Your Screen Time Is Horrifyingly High. It’s Time to Make Your Smartphone Dumb.&nbsp;Your Phone’s Notifications Are Out of Control. Here Are 6 Tips to Fix Them for Good.&nbsp;So Your Phone Storage Is Full. Here’s How to Free Up Space.&nbsp;Brick Phone Lock Review: My Brain Feels Much BetterThe Gadget That Fixed My Screen-Time Habit&nbsp;&nbsp; We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: <a hre