I removed the SIM card from my Iphone 10 so I use it as an Ipod device. it solved all “music + camera” problems, so whenever I want to listen to music I downloaded previously some playlists and play them during workouts or driving. If you pay Spotify premium you also can download some music to use it offline. Great inspiration for those who start with dumb phones, thank you. Hugs from Spain! ☺️

I've noticed that some people are saying that you just need 'self-control' and that itself should fix the problem. Although that is partially true for any addiction you want to overcome sometimes you need to make drastic decisions in order to get drastic changes. I grew up with my smartphone and although I have tried time and time again to just use it for basic needs the temptation is always there with you. EVERYDAY. ALL THE TIME. We live in a time where no one wants to talk to eachother anymore and therefore you get out less often because no one wants to go anywhere anyways since you can have all the fun you want through the use of a small device. I feel sad for the next generation being raised with smartphones as there only companion. If I'm struggling with this I can't even imagine what they will be going through.

Not just the 90s, but us 95-04 gen Z remember growing up with landline and/or fliphones. Makes us want to go back to having a fliphone. Its funny how close in age older gen Z and millennials are.

Digital minimalism for the win.

I had a dumb phone and loved it. I eventually had NO phone and loved that even more because I wasn’t able to contacted by work etc. I got a smart ohone again bc work was getting mad at me that I was never responding. My phone addiction immediately came back full swing and I now have to start from the beginning

I see people trying to solve the music issue. I literally love CDs no Wi-Fi or anything needing if your bringing back the flip phone don’t forget about the CDS

I turned my Iphone SE 2020 version into a dumb phone. I deleted every app I could delete, hid all other apps BUT my phone and message icons. I never even take pictures with my iPhone. I only access the internet with my Chromebook. I no longer use social media at all. Only KZfaq and using Google to read news articles on my laptop. My internet usage has also dropped so much. I now feel mentally sharp. NO more brain fog,headaches and tiredness from playing on my smart phone. It's possible for a person to give up their smartphone. I survived many years before smartphones. Great video.

I am taking the jump, and getting a Sunbeam Wireless phone. I'll still use my smart phone on wifi for work, but I'm deleting most of the apps off it. My work is on the computer and that is the only place I'll access any forms of social media. I have ADHD and the amount of social media and instant gratification sources has seriously affected my mental health. Thank you for encouraging me to take this step, and to do better for myself.

I havent used a smartphone, for three years and becoming 4 years this January. I been using a knock off Nextel fliphone. I perfer using my tablet, laptop, digital camera, mp3 player and physical gps.

I watching your videos since last 2,3 months. Last year I decided that in 2022 I will quit my smartphone addiction but it didn't happened. Even everyday I feel empty from inside and didn't know how hours, days are going. I'm 23 and decided to quit smartphone for 2 to 3 years and switching to nokia 5710. Thanks for your videos

I bought a Sunbeam after watching a few of your earlier videos, and so far, it’s been an exciting experience. Really appreciate you sharing your experiences with us. Also, that “boredom = creativity” point is pretty powerful. Like a cheat code for adult life, I think.

That was a very thoughtful and wise analysis of what effect smart phones have on us. I hope you continue to keep the negative aspects of smart phone use out of you life. I always try to keep the idea that "just because we can do something doesn't mean we should" in mind, especially where modern technology is concerned.

I have a small phone, a big phone and a computer. Only the small phone has a SIM. I use the small phone so that the big one can't get damaged; either broken, stolen or just snooped on or corrupted. It is my cheaper, easier to replace, scout and gate keeper phone. You don't have to choose between them. Use them tactically. Fortunately, I have never had a problem with social media. I saw the pointlessness, waste of time and nothing getting better.

All I can say is: you're on the right path and keep going. I always used "dumb phones" for calling & texting and they're great. I don't think I will ever change my flip phone for a smartphone. I love your videos.

I came across your channel because I'm currently transitioning from my normal Samsung A72 to LG Wine Smart Flip phone. I know it's still considered a "smart phone" and it's an adroid but the storage is so low and the version is so old that the apps that I can download are so limited that I can mostly only use messenger and instagram. The display quality is also so slow that it's a struggle to scroll for a very long time. I was able to read more and work on my arts. Then, I realized you also do bullet journals and arts so I subscribed. Hope to see more contents from you ❤

You are so soft spoken and that is really soothing. Just watching your video I felt relaxed.

Thanks for the great words! Especially about the data aspect. I keep reminding myself not only do you have access to the world and the whole Internet, but the the whole Internet (also the bad stuff) has access to you. That's why I would never give a smartphone to a child.

I'm also very happy and i'm really excited for you to stay excited about this experience without a smartphone, because in fact following your feedbacks are huge motivators for me to keep trying to adapt to doing the essentials in another way and reducing distractions that add nothing to me

I'm on T-Mobile and I bought the CAT S22 Flip. It's got android and a touchscreen, but it's minimalistic. I can stream music, do my banking, etc. plus Voxer and Signal which we use for work. I found no matter how long I would go on a basic phone as soon as I go back to a smartphone I go back to all the garbage. I would just redownload social media and all the distracting apps. Maybe something for you to check out if you want to go back but stay minimalistic. Jose Briones does a review of the phone on his channel if you want to have a look.

I am happy to hear this. Keep it up! Smartphones are a pain!

Thank you so much for this. You were extremely insightful. I'm 22 and have recently ordered a light phone. Not sure if it will last but I can't wait to make the switch like you and see how it affects me and my life :)

flip phones are making a big come back. i just switched my iphone 11 for a new nokia 2780 flip phone. cost only 85 bucks and has 4g, wifi, etc.

my sunbeam orchid comes in today! i'm so stoked

I just ordered a feature phone 2 days ago thanks to your videos!

I said it before and I will say again : thank you alot for pushing us toward that behaviour. The return to use smartphone will be very exciting esp. to tell us what are the pros. And cons.

I think this was fantastic you did great! I would be scared to go back I’m getting ready to leave my iPhone my new phones on the way in about a week or less and I am looking forward to achieving things I could not achieve because I keep getting caught up and watching videos and social media and I don’t need that. I really appreciatewhat you showed us and told us thank you very much

In my modest opinion, the Sonim XP3 Plus is the best out there. As a bonus, it's military grade. Well deserved thumbs up, on your excellent perspective.

For the music ‘problem’ most have with flipphones, I just have a MP3 player! it’s actually much more satisfying to use

I agree. I miss life without smartphones. I had a flip phone in high school and then iphones came out after college. I was so against them and once they fixed all the bugs and added more features which at the time my phone had more features than the first iphone, i eventually got it. Im now searching for a phone to get for my son that is not a smart phone. I loved my.

Liked the comment about navigating. It wasnt that long ago people got around with maps and common sense. this is another area where people are allowing themselves to be deskilled and become device dependent

For the music part, just se an Ipod ;) Im still using my Ipod Classic and Nano

Wonderfully thought out

Fascinating. Loved following this.

this is awesome. thanks for this.

Id love a phone review of what phone you used as i myself hate smart phones i even got a new camera because i refuse to upgrade my iphone 8 which is still kicking and photography is very important for me and my business. Going on airplane mode helps a lot as well since most apps need connection to work. Its very freeing

Very interesting take on your journey. I choose to continue using a smartphone but with minimalism in mind: - No or delayed notifications (notification summary is very useful for that) - Focus mode with iOS 16 is great for this purpose with the focus home page that changes based on your focus mode. - Removing all unecessary application from home pages mostly - No games Those are the main things I did to help me. Now I am more focus and my phone in not in arms reach when I am focusing on work or other activities.

I just replaced my smartphone (iPhone) with an Apple Watch on my wrist. As you have mentioned it is quite freeing not needing or a smartphone anymore.

Here's a question i have for you, smartphones are a great way to have an extra layer of security to protect important accounts you may have online. If you like to use multi-factor authentication (and you absolutely should) a smartphone can by way of authenticator apps provide unique codes that only you have access to for verification. Smartphones also have biometric features like fingerprint readers and i think some of the new ones even have iris scanners among other things. I think there are alternative solutions and i wonder if using something like a Yubikey and a dedicated fingerprint reader could be good substitutes? I know that you can use SMS as a method of verification but I've heard that's like the worst and least secure of the options available. I'm curious if this is something you've had take a different approach with at all?

Your videos are so nice and easy to listen to. You have a great "public speaking" skill.

I am doing this as well! I'm not sure for how long though...

what do you use for video calling (on the laptop)? I have a nokia 2720 and can't seem to connect to whatsapp desktop where I usually video call my friends and family due to the issue of scanning a QR code. And thanks for the videos about this topic! They informed me a lot with my decision to buy a flip phone.

Thank you for making these. I am about a month into using my Sunbeam. I get tempted from time to time but I do not think I will go back. PS. Ask your friends if they have some old ipods. I did I was given 7! - I loaded up some MP3s - ask them if they have old CDs - 200-300 songs would be enough to keep you rocking!

I'm a Gen Z and I recall being in elementary school wuthout a phone while the rest of the kids where on their phones...I used to feel so left out and lonely..snd I think it contributed to my addiction

I locked my smartphone along with the band in my drawer, and I bought a rugged feature phone with txt/call only, i have an old school Sony Walkman where I played the podcast downloaded from the iTunes Store on it, and I pinned all my working emails in the form of PWA on the desktop. After things being done, I legit can rest better now, thank you❤

What about just some standalone speakers for listening to the music outside? Overall they do provide much better listening experience than an average smartphone\iphone.

What a wonderful and wise young Lady. If i wasn't homeless and always board and board at work im get rid of it. The only thing i would need to survive is google map's and Auto book and music.

I have a smartphone of course but no doubt I can survive without a smartphone...I also started carrying my gun more sometimes I'll turn my phone off so I can stay more aware of what's gone on around me

the dumb phone i used for years became out of date with carriers discontinuing CDMA service. i upgraded to a smart phone, though not by my choice. certain things required it. i'll use it until carriers discontinue service or the phone dies, whichever comes first.

I feel like I'm suffering from smartphone addiction; just been watching this video on my German made Fujitsu laptop. I've got a vintage 2003 Nokia 3310 but it's 2G and the signal is scheduled to be shut down in the next 10 years or so. Looking for a Nokia dumb phone that works on 4G; my 'cheap pile of junk' smartphone (Nokia 1 Plus 8GB) might be a pile of junk and might be a distraction but it works... Not sure whether to trade it in or keep it but dumb it down.

thanks for this video

The flip phone was my reality for many years before the smartphone, I did okay then and would do just fine now if I didn’t have a smartphone. It’s the makers of these things that convince us that we need it, the reality is, we don’t. I treat my iPhone as a tool, a mini computer in my pocket, use it for an intended purpose/task, then put it away.

Every week I travel for work and I need to know what the live traffic is like. I usually drive 800km a week. I hate using my smartphone and I love my new Nokia 3310 which I have been using all summer peacefully. I thought of leaving my smartphone in the car and buying a SIM specifically to use it exclusively in the car as a navigator. What do you think? I don't find other solutions.. Ciao from Italy!

That is so interesting to listen to. And I think you're right on track me being an older gentleman that used to run around without a cell phone I used to be able to go to any place without a phone a natural directions that if I bend to one place I can get their back again without a map or GPS. Right now the internet has taken my brain away I no longer can be able to do creative things I have to look on KZfaq how to repair cars anyways I have been a automotive expert for 45 years. I have a story for you one time back long time ago I think it was around 2008. I decided to not have a phone for one year. All of my anxiety was gone life seen so much more peaceful and better then it was with a dumb phone!!!! Not even smartphone technology back then.. okay well I got my piece out that I wanted to say and now I feel extremely old like dinosaur old dirt. 😆😅😂

Wow... It's unbelieveable that someone else was thinkin like me...I had been considering getting a flip phone to seperate my communication from my smartphone.. Like, for instance-At home wrking on a project using my phone to play music through yt and boom... A call doesn't come through interupting you! Oh... And, because I miss the buttons!!!!!!!!!! 😁

Had an IPhone ad right before the start of the video 🤣

I wonder if I could just use an iPod shuffle for music are those still around lol

I miss slamming the phone! Not that I am an angry person, or like to argue.

With all that in mind. I've decided to have no phone. Wish me luck guys!

I love your comments

How would you feel about like a 1st gen Ipod Shuffle for music on walks and runs? Basically my only issue I would have (am going to have) is the accessibility of having music.

Do you know if it is compatible with carriers in Asia?

I'm not even distracted by, let alone addicted to my phone, but i still hate it. I've always hated smartphones because i've never needed one, and i prefer a minimalist approach to phones. Smartphones are a miracle of engineering turned into a trivial throw away consumption machine, aiming solely at wasting your time and energy.

I experienced it and can tell which phones i had, and what I had to use to navigate with a. Map book, or a gps module hahahah…

Why didn't you buy an MP3 player? It's lighter, cheaper and less distracting than a streaming service with ads.

How’s talking to people on speakerphone with the sunbeam flip?

I'm trying to get my old Nokia 6310i repaired, it's just gone wrong after all this time with it, I have an iPhone but I don't know how to use it, it's too complicated, I went back to the old phone and I prefer it, I charge the battery once a week, I don't think it has text on it and that suits me. I never used camera, maps or anything else that it may be able to do, a phone for me is for making phone calls not photos or whatever else they can do, I agree it's a luxury that for older people like me don't need or know how to use, I didn't even know that you could put music on a phone, shows how much I used my technical phone

good on you mate :DDDDDDDD

Can you share what phone worked best for you?

I like using Spotify, gps, and apps that I need to contact teachers with and so on

Very cool video.

good stuff

What is typing on the Sunbeam like?

I got tired of letting the smartphone take over the time I should have been spending reading the Bible. KZfaq is hard to kick though, but I don't let myself be on it at home unless I am eating, working out, or cleaning.

I use my old walkman for music anyway

I can’t get rid of some features that are too important I’m my daily use ans splitting my smartphone into multiple devices won’t do. It’s so hard to balance minimalism and privacy. I need Signal for my texting and calling. My password manager with biometric. And then also some stuff that contribute to my productivity. For instance I NEED to have a reliable way to take a quick photo, and be able to share it quickly and effortlessly. In my lab classes it’s just too important. It’s not even a “nice to have” but a “need”. Which leaves me so torn. I want to take the leap and use a dumber phone, but so far, none of them managed to be a “feature” photo packing all I need and nothing I don’t. There are some hybrids that are candy bar phones but they run Android and have decent cameras, but they’ll all lack one thing from my checklist like a certain plug or sometimes it’s just the software on them that I don’t trust, coming from Chinese manufacturers known to be not so great in regards to privacy. So what I ended up doing for now, was to just KEEP my old iPhone 6S and be strict one the apps I installed on it, and for those few thing I actually didn’t need like my Reddit client, I’ve set up a Screentime limit that I’m decreasing more and more. I have 12 apps on my home screen - none of them being socials and stuff, only stock apps and signal - and a weather widget, everything else is behind the app drawer, many clicks away. It’s not a complete detox, especially when you factor my iPad that does contain potential distraction, that is by my side when I’m home. I try not to have it when going at my desk. Where I’m getting at is, you don’t need a sudden drop unless the shock is what will work on you because you know that keeping those temptations within reach will only allow the cravings to win over you goodwill, you can try to learn to have better habits with the devices you already own if there are still things you can’t get rid off because those smartphones only features take place in your productivity. That said, I would still encourage giving a dumb phone a try if you’re not concerned by things like me, because it truly will open yours eyes on the fact that your glass brick is not a necessity but just yet another addiction. And for the parent out there, maybe you can try to install this truth on your kids since the beginning of their electronics journey. Those devices should be used as tools, not distractions. I still had to switch to downgrade to a dumb phone once because my dear 6S had a battery issue, and since I already use a MP3 and iPod for music, and a watch so I’m not drawn to my phone “just to check the time”, and I’m a still a pen and paper kinda guy for quick notes, and I realized that I could almost live like this. I still missed my privacy related apps, and asking my classmates to stay longer after the lab to take the photos for me, and old Bluetooth tech not working fine so I couldn’t be one a call with earbuds will having my hands gloved up and busy so I couldn’t just say “alright fuck it I’ll just stay like this and not bother fix me smartphone”. There’s just too big of a gap between dumb and smart. I’d love a candy bar phone with good battery and modern battery tech (fast charging and all), decent camera so text and details on pétri can be kept, an OS that allows for privacy inclined apps, a flashlight (both to help with photos but also because… come on), a T9 or blackberry type keyboard that works well with my language (also use dealbreaker), USB C to allow those charging stuff and transfer the photos I took to my computer to be used. That one F22 something is kinda close to be honest, but is still lacking in some other aspect. There’s more to that that makes me unable to leave my smartphone like some translation related apps, some Mapping apps, and health related apps, but since those wouldn’t apply to everyone I didn’t mention them. But they’re also very important to me as of today. I shall see later once I’m in another environment

Hi, Just wanted to remaind you that you can buy an iPod to listen to songs! It would be great.

I just got a flip because the smart phones are too big for my pocket and if it got snatched your whole life is down the plughole.

there must me something at least similar to an iPod for music available

Let us not overdo it. It was ok, but myself, turning 59 soon, I cannot imagine going back to the 90, or the 2000's or even the 2010's!!!!!!!

Ive never owned a smart phone in my entire life, no one needs one. to many people have their heads buried in them.

Flip phones are a less headache from screen cracking

A flip phone is the best when it comes to a phone drop

I actually only need WhatsApp and a podcast player. Not sure which device has both.

I don’t care about gps or anything, I’ve watched a lot of videos about this topic and learned that it can be figured out but my main concern is whatsapp. I don’t live in the same country with my family, I study abroad and my only connection with them (without paying money for calls and texts) is whatsapp. And also video calls because we can’t see each other often. Especially video calls. And if I can just solve it with my laptop (which, I don’t know how) I won’t be able to text or call them daily because it takes a lot of money throughout the sim. That’s what I’ve been thinking about. If anyone knows a solution for this please write it down.

you keep going but myself im unable to keep my phone away at nights during bedtime ..

Digital Minimalism.....I like it. 🤔

They’re called a digital camera and an iPod

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😃😃😃

For music get mp3 player

11 years old phone, Nokia E71, is my choice.

I have never owned a smartphone

I guess I’m privileged tho I don’t use social I play world and mind games on my iPhone listening to music calling people and FaceTimeng with my therapist because she moved offices and it’s interferes with my work schedule, so FaceTime me is the only way I can talk to her at the moment and I’m pretty productive. Sold me having an iPhone is OK. Not sure how anybody else feels but I guess I am privileged.

Less of saying dumb phone !!. It is EVERONES CHOICE what they buy or use . I can put my phone in my sleeve coat pocket . You lot are brainwashed into thinking you NEED a "smart" phone , I do not . I have NEVER downloaded an APP , don't need to , the commercial world WANTS you to for their benefit .

Get an iPod!!!! They are getting really big again and people are upgrading them with aftermarket upgrades!!!!!

sounds similar to gambling addiction. now just think about it. can I get a brand-new dumb vehicle? like zero electronics outside of a/c, fuel injection, radio, and cruise control. manual door locks window cranks. I find it absolutely insane that the average car payment is 700 a month. $30k of smart addons you don't really need. that you also pay interest taxes and finance fees for. it's a smart everything dictatorship. the best part of a flip phone is the excuse why are your texts so short. lol well I have a flip phone. gambling type addiction to your smart phone and social media. that also keeps you busy while every industry and government robs you blind. sounds like a casino tactic to me. the illusion of savings / bargain. well pertaining to dependance. if you buy 2 you get a 20% percent discount. but I only need one. lol what's scary I like the sound of an everything app.

Can you put WhatsApp on it as well?

Not only can you live without a smartphone, but you can live without a cellphone. That said there's pretty much no reason to use a basic cellphone over a smartphone when you can just limit usage and/or applications on the device. At least as long as you have some modicum of self control; maybe some people don't.

Thankyou so much . I am preparing for competitive exams here in India and I am trying to do a keypad simple phone .🤍 Lots of love from Nagaland.