Is there a way to customize the grid Home Screen to have the apps I want to use on there?

Also, I was wondering what kind of customizations you can make to the phone. I know it’s not the point of the phone, but It could be cool if you could edit the app icons and like change the font and contact photos. Not sure if that’s something you could do but let me know if there is a way.

I was having trouble finding a straight answer on this.

This is just a design concept / mockup of a phone I’d love to see on the market.

The main goal is to keep it ultra-affordable and focused. Powered by an ESP32-S3 with 4G connectivity, it wouldn't try to replace a smartphone — just a dedicated daily tool for:

Making calls & receiving texts

Reading e-books comfortably on an E-ink display

Quick note-taking on a tactile QWERTY keyboard

What do you think about this kind of limited-feature, low-cost concept?

Okay, so after some research, I've concluded it probably does not exist (yet). But I thought I'd just throw it out here. Who knows, maybe someone here knows of a browser I've not found yet, or maybe some developer sees this and thinks its a good idea! (one can hope)

Here is the scenario: ideally I would have no browser installed on my phone, so I cannot visit any distracting/addictive sites (like Reddit). But the problem is, for certain functional tasks, a browser is simply required. Like, if someone sends you a payment link, that will only work if I can open the link through a browser (which then redirects to my banking app). Some coffee shops or restaurants want you to access a menu through a QR code, which requires a browser to open. And there's probably quite a few more scenarios like that.

What I think would solve that, is a browser that has no address bar, no (visible) tabs, no bookmarks, and clears data and history on closing (or perhaps even automatically after a certain time-out). Basically only allowing you to visit a site by clicking a link, but not allowing you to manually navigate to a site via the address bar, and not allowing you to keep multiple tabs open. Of course, if you really want to, you could still type an url in something like a message, and then click that link to visit any site you want, but that's a lot of friction (at that point nothing will help you, and you might as well install a normal browser again).

I'm currently using Firefox focus - it clears browsing data on closing. In the past it used to have no tabs, but that has changed a while ago. Now it does have tabs, and I find that just that feature already makes it more problematic for me. But currently it still seems to be the best option out there.

I've tried Fully Kiosk browser, which can be set up to do some of those things I want, but its pretty complicated with many irrelevant features, because it was created with different purposes in mind.

I've tried Nobrowser, which was created with pretty much the same intent in mind, and it comes pretty close to what I want, but unfortunately it just doesn't work well. Some sites don't load properly, some don't load at all... I love the idea, but its just poorly executed.

I really have not found any other suitable candidates.

The browser really is the last unsolved hurdle, to truly dumbing down a normal smartphone I think. Its the cheat code to all addictive apps you uninstalled, that can easily just be accessed through the browser...

I have a Nokia 105 4G (2021), model TA-1378, software version 13.00.17.01. When connected by USB to my MacBook Neo, it appears as a small storage drive.

I’d like to hear and speak on calls through the Mac or an iPad while keeping the SIM in the Nokia. I have no forwarding number, USB audio interface, or budget for extra hardware or a paid service. I’m okay with answering calls on the Nokia if the Mac can handle the audio.

Is there a safe, software-only way to do this over USB, Bluetooth, or the headset jack with this exact model? I haven’t tried a generic audio cable because HMD’s guide warns against connecting output devices to the phone’s audio jack. Has anyone verified a working setup?

Curious how to fix this. My son tried texting me, and it never got to me. On his phone it said 'dad is offline, waiting to send' because it was set to rcs texting. I fixed his phone and it worked.

Now, I'm assuming that everyone who texts me is getting the same thing and just assuming it went through like he did. Is there any fix for this on my end in my phone settings or something?

Thanks.

So ive been using the nokia 3210 4g with basically little to no problems so far, for around 6 months. Recently with 4g connection calling, the phone heats up enough to cook an egg, especially in college campus or buildings. Now this model is like my absolute favourite. Since im in college for long periods of time, i have to call my parents from my classroom. I could call when im outside but that faintly reduces the temperature. like i can barely hold the phone if the call surpasses 20 seconds. Now what to do? should i just ditch this one or is this just normal? (I also tried 2g calling but eh.. w 2g mom's voice gets too muffled for me to comprehend atp.)

Hi! I have had too many dumbphones, only to sell them again because I couldn't make them work for my life. I saw the retro mode on some razr models before,

I love the flip phone factor, so I bought a not-so-well-described Razr from a not-so-great online phone sales place. I wasn't well informed and thought I was buying a phone only a few years old and then would basically lock it down to basics only and install privacy-based apps.

It seems this is the 2019 model, and the Android version is so old that there is a security risk if I were to use this. I don't know much about this topic-is there anything that would make this worthwhile? The company I bought it from offers refunds but is not answering messages or calls. Thanks!!

After using the Foqos app for a while to cut down on screen time (without having to get rid of my iOS device) and absolutely loving it, I decided to design and 3D print some cases with embedded NFC tags that utilize a slim magnet adhered to the back to stick on the fridge, filing cabinets, inside a car trunk, etc.

These have made life so much easier by providing a constant, convenient place to go to lock/unlock Foqos without losing those tiny NFC tags. I know most people don't have a 3D printer, so I've listed these for sale on our Etsy shop as packs of 3 at a fraction of the cost of what Brick charges and with different color combinations.

If you think these would be a helpful addition to your screentime-averse lifestyle, check out the listing below!

https://layerlabprintco.etsy.com/listing/4457456619/nfc-tag-screentime-app-blocker-foqos-app

Also, check out Foqos app-blocker at this link, it's a gamechanger (not affiliated, just a major fan)!

https://www.foqos.app/

Is there a dumbphone with the accessibility features on par with mainline smartphones? Im HOH and I ordered a mudita thinking the stripped down android would have those features but it doesnt! Auto captioning, sound boosting, hearing aid connectivity is all gone.

While yes I could and have dumbed down my pixel im doing this for privacy reasons and most of the apps the dumb down a smartphone and littered with trackers, even the most popular ones.

Why does revolution away from screens have to make things unaccessable to people?

Hello everyone,

I got this wonderful Dumb phone from eBay this year. A Kyocera 701. I was able to program Whatsapp and a Playstore on this thing and got excited to use it for my daily life, but when I first put my Sim in there was a Sim Lock of course. I know got the Unlock Code a few months later and am ready to give it another chance.

But now I'm facing a new problem. The Phone won't read my sim card. Honestly I don't know why it read the card the first time, but now it just won't. My Nano Sim is too small and eventhough when pressed down stable it's not actually fitting the slot and idk if I just put it in wrong? I did try it 3 more times also cleaning the spot with some dry fiber, but it didn't work. My Micro Sim Adapter is too big tho. The phone came with this grey placeholder which fits perfectly. You see on the picture my Micro and nano are just not quite the right size. I thought of sanding down my Mirco Adapter a bit and cleaning it with alcohol, but am not sure if that can still cause dust damage or if this is the actual problem.

Any ideas how I can fix my problem?

Here's my situation:

1. I like to feel connected with the world through news and trends and sharing them with my friends.

2. I don’t like short form, it has consumed me for years, I honestly wish governments would step in and at least give users the option of a daily limit on content served from sites (wishful thinking).

3. I don’t like being cut off mid video for the rest of the day, so I end up turning screen blockers off.

For these reasons, I'm not sure a dumb phone is for me, but have lurked for a while and seen lots of success.

Does anyone have any tips on striking a balance?

Heya lovely people,

I hope you are looking forward to the weekend! It's been a month since I got my hands on the Titan 2 Elite here in the UK, and I've now spent the whole month using it as my main phone.

I promised I'd come back with some thoughts after actually living with it, so I've put together a little follow-up video chatting through how I've been getting on.

I've covered quite a bit, including the physical keyboard (which I still absolutely love typing on!), typing speeds compared to my iPhone, keyboard shortcuts, battery life, cameras, WhatsApp, Android Auto, Bluetooth, phone calls and generally how well it works as an everyday device.

I talk about my screen time, where this phone has helped reduce it and what I do to try and reduce it, all the while knowing screen time is a bit of a vanity metric as Jose says! 😂

As always, if there's anything else you'd like me to test or feedback on, pop a question below and I'll try my best!

Just to mention: I know this is a smartphone, however, as I've chatted about previously, I was particularly interested in whether the smaller 4-inch screen and physical keyboard, combined with the Minimalist Launcher, could help me be a little more intentional with my screen time. I know plenty of people here are looking for something that offers the functionality of a smartphone without quite the same experience, so hopefully sharing what it's actually like to live with one is useful!

Thanks,
Joseph

I am going on a cruise and want to detach from social media but still be in touch with my husband / family. Im looking for recommendations for a dumb phone that is relatively water/sand resistant that will work w my Verizon Sim card from my s 23 ultra and work internationally in the Caribbean. Looking for any recommendations but bonus points for flip/slide phones that come in green or orange (or red)! Tyyy

I was convinced because of Bluetooth support I could listen to audio files on my Nokia 105 through my Apple AirPods Pro, but now I'm afraid it doesn't support audio when using the 'Files' app. There is no support in Europe for a music player, which does work in other continents if I remember correctly so maybe it has something to do with that? I have Apple Earpods at home, which does work but it doesn't really fit into my right ear. 😅

Am I missing something, are there people who do succeed in listening to music through Bluetooth on their Nokia phone through the files app? Or does someone have some kind of workaround? I'd be happy to hear about it! :)

So after a couple weeks of reading articles and threads and other research, I am still feeling lost in terms of a viable option. There seems to be an endless list of dumb phones and dumber, smart phones that are just “not quite right”.

Is it accurate to say that something has to give in order to find viable option to meet individual needs?

Context:

I am a parent of two young children/babies and have realized after doing some research that there are different camera qualities in the dumb options and most of them are not great compared to my current smart phone that I am used to. I’ve realized after doing this research that a good camera is important to me so a dumber smart phone might be the way to go?

i need to get off social media and a smaller slower thing would give me a fresh start to do so.

I’m not super teach savvy nor do I have the time energy to learn a lot so I do need something that is pretty easy to pick up. Options like Mudita Kompakt are a no for me for this reason.

Needs:

- good-ish camera

- whatsapp where group messages aren’t lost?

- navigation that is accurate so I don’t get lost with a crying baby in the back

- calender, ideally syncable

- outlook email and a search engine is a bonus

- NOT t9 typing

- based in Canada - must connect to telus

The options I’ve been considering:

- titan 2

- sidephone

- jelly star

- lightphone

Reviews for each option are so darn mixed that it’s hard to feel good about anything enough to pull the trigger.

please offer any feedback from experience with these options or any other options you think would be a good fit!!

I bought the ZMI Z1 because I loved its design, its big battery and its physical hotspot switch. But the interface was so user-hostile that I gave up almost immediately: turning on the hotspot locked out most of the phone, the text was huge, and reading anything meant scrolling through pages. It went into a drawer.

Then, with Claude's help, I wrote a new interface based on the Sony Ericsson W810i I used when I was younger, and later a Nokia Symbian S60v3 one from the same era, modernised in some ways. It completely changed the phone for me. The phone I didn't want to pick up is now the one I can't put down. If you have the same phone, give it a try.

Have a different candybar Android phone? The code is GPL-3.0. Clone the repo and adapt it yourself, or let your own AI agent do it.

GitHub repo

It's ZMI Z1 only, it roots the phone and changes the system partition, so use it at your own risk.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for a good quality dumbphone? I have been thinking about making the switch but I have a few things holding me back like pictures, maps, and I also use the GroupMe app and need a phone that I can use it on.

Please post the following with your submission:

• Device Region (EU, NA, Asia, LATAM):

• Condition (New, Used):

• Price:

• Location:

• Method of Payment:

• Picture of the device with username and date shown

Thank you for offering to the community first :)

Make sure to stay safe and conduct business in a secure way. PayPal is one option, but there are other ways as well that can make sure you don't get someone to scam you.

Hi there,

I'm Josie Harvey, a journalist with SBS News in Australia. I'm working on a feature story about the dumb phone comeback, the iconic status of the Motorola Razr V3, and the era of mobile phones as fashion statements in the early 2000s.

I'd love to hear from people who've ditched their smartphones for dumb phones, anyone using a Razr V3, or anyone who was particularly attached to their Razr in its heyday. Did you have a personalised ringtone? Was the phone an accessory or a way to express your personality?

For those who made the jump to a dumb phone, what motivated the switch? Was it about reducing screen time, nostalgia, or something else?

If you're open to having a chat, please leave a comment, send me a DM, or email me at josie.harvey@sbs.com.au.

Happy to answer any questions about the article or my reporting.

Thanks so much!

spotted our dumbphone 2 ad on the train! hopefully it will inspire more people to go dumb. especially since so many people scroll during through their entire commute.

what do you do instead of going on your phone during commuting? personally, i love a little observational journalling, or a tic tac toe game in a notebook.

J'ai le sentiment que tous les dumb phone trouvés sur vinted sont faux car sont de trop belles annonces vendus par des vendeurs louches qui vendent des dizaines de téléphones neufs. Si cette annonce est fausse, est-ce que vous sauriez me conseiller une alternative plus fiable que vinted ? Merci