Is there a brick/dumb phone where I can still use whatsapp?

[sunandfog]

Right, I have no self control and want to set a better example for my kids.

What I ideally want is a phone with no web browser but where I can still access whatsapp (unfortunately I need whatsapp to stay in the loop on various kid activities and elderly family member assistance).

The other things I use on my phone that aren't detrimental to me are: spotify, audible and google maps. But I can survive without these, just mentioning for completeness.

Apps/social media aren't my problem. It is more mindlessly reading the news or other random shite.

Anyone successfully dramatically reduced their screentime?

Good question.. I don't know any dumb phones which would have these smart capabilities. Think you can use WhatsApp on browser? Maybe?

I would like to know this too!

How about this one?

https://www.doro.com/en-gb/shop/mobile-devices/easy-phones/doro-7030-0a8a7e24/

It has email, gps and Whatsapp, but phone isn’t conducive to prolonged web browser use.

If you don't get the answer you need I have an app called AppBlock on my phone which I like.

You can use it to block apps or websites so would work for blocking your most used news sites. You can also set it on a timer and it won't let you on those until the time is up (mins/hours/weeks, whatever you want I think). You might still go off and find other mindless drivel to read on a site you haven't blocked but I find the telling off enough for me to put my phone back down instead of trying to circumvent it.

I'd change my data deal to the minimum available, 1-2G each month? Really makes you think twice before using your phone when not at home/on wi-fi.
Different story at home though!

I use an app called lock me in to shut down my phone to the bare minimum (Spotify, messages, calls) during work hours. Does occasionally backfire (like when I needed to transfer money asap and needed to get my computer), but I've accepted it's the shameful reality of what I need to do.

Probably not the answer you want, but...self-discipline? I have a fabulous smartphone because photography is my thing, but due to disability I can't carry the equipment I used to. I never use social media, can't abide it. Have a few apps I use because they are useful. Have no inclination to be glued to my phone. It isn't rocket science.

I like that flip phone for my dad, he cant use a swipe screen or touch screen but he does need to check emails and things on his phone

oh if only @Banditqueen12 . I have had periods of self control but right now I am stuck in a rut. I think when I feel a bit down it is a quick dopamine hit. But it is harmful for me and makes me feel worse in the end.

For now I just don't even want the option of mindless browsing.

Thanks for all thoughts so far.

I have tried some apps. My phone is samsung if that makes any difference.

I don't think I have found one where I can block 'THE FUCKING INTERNET' in its entirety!

I have tried blocking my usual sites: mumsnet, the guardian, the times. I just end up on even more mindless sites in their place.

I am willing to purchase a phone and experiment on all of our behalf but which is best?!

If your on an iPhone I've had some success setting limits in the Screen Time settings.

You can set time limits for apps, or implement downtime which blocks all apps except the ones you set as always allowed.

Not fool proof as you can obviously just override it but it has made me stop and think before I just keep scrolling!

If you can use whatsapp, it is a smartphone, ie one capable of talking to the internet.

However you could

1. turn off wifi so any internet access has to be done via your data allowance
2. turn off everything except whatsapp in your mobile data settings

You would then have a phone which could make calls, text, and do whatsapp, but which couldnt browse the internet.

Or you could de-install your browser.

Try this one. You can do it to basically brick your phone then only allow select apps rather than trying to block by webpage.

Nokia? e.g. www.nokia.com/phones/en_int/nokia-6300-4g

Nokia. They make the old style phones and now have WhatsApp. It runs slowly but they have it.

https://www.nokia.com/phones/en_gb/feature-phones

I have the same problem. Don't use social media, but love browsing the internet. I miss the days when I had to go to effort of logging on to my laptop etc to do it. Because it's so easy on my phone, I spend way too many hours on it ...

@Merrow Thank you. I have downloaded this and locked myself out of pretty much everything but most importantly my web browser.

So on my laptop now and won't be able to go on mumsnet until at least tomorrow to update further. How freeing!

If you still decide to go down the dumb phone route Nokia offer a phone just for this purpose.

Nokia are actually doing a fab job at cornering a market Apple and Samsung etc are ignoring. Many of their smart phones can be fixed at home using a fixit kit for common problems like smashed screens. Many of their phones are made from recycled materials. They even now offer a subscription so you pay a set amount each month but can change your phone every 3 months or so, they refurb it and send it to someone else and then you get a different one.
I bought DD a Nokia as her first smart phone under £150 and although its not quite as slick and fast as an iPhone it really is great for the money.

@Merrow do you know if there's anything similar for an iPhone? that one isn't on the app store.

Thanks!

I just wanted to update you and say my life has been transformed!

I have blocked everything except whatsapp, calls etc, spotify, audible, google maps, camera and a period tracking app. If I do need to access the internet in an emergency I can and I have to pay £4.80 (or thereabouts), this hasn't happened yet but I can see it happening if, for example, I get worried about a child being ill while we are out.

Google maps has lots of information like opening times.

I've also been much better about wasting time on my computer because I have noticed how much happier I am with less internet.

Good luck to anyone who finds this thread!

Great update! So which type of blocking did you use in the end? I try to avoid aimless browsing my always having my kindle to hand, but this method is not foolproof!

You can block everything elae on your phone. Stayocused. I think the premium is like £8 and it leta you pick what you can use, locks everything else very strictly (no way around really) on the strictest setting

Oh I haven't swen the last post. Nice