How to make your smartphone into a dumb phone - (Modern Dumbphone)

A lot of you guys mentioned that I should make a more in depth guide of how to set up the modern dumbphone. Here it is. Hope you enjoy, let me know if you have any questions.
Original vid: • I made my smartphone i...
📆 Sub to my newsletter: reysu.beehiiv.com/subscribe
🔗 LINKS
Instagram - / reysuing
Twitter - / reysuing
🪣 PRODUCTS (These are affiliate links)
Eight Sleep (Code "REYSU"): eight-sleep.ioym.net/REYSU
Levels Discount (2 Months Free): levels.link/REYSU
💻 I'M HIRING AN EDITOR: Please e-mail me. No agencies. Thank you.
Outline:
0:00 What is the Modern Dumbphone?
1:00 Feature walkthrough
2:51 Step 1: Setting up the layout
10:25 Step 2: Setting up the social media blocks
13:35 Step 3: Minimizing App Library (optional)
14:33 Step 4: Dark Mode/Light Mode Automation (optional)
16:18 Step 5: Removing Notifications
17:07 Step 6: Grayscale & Red Light Shortcut
18:28 Bonus: Mood Tracker Walkthrough
Copyright Free Songs Used
--------------------------------------------------------------
♪ Onion (Prod. by Lukrembo)
Link : • (no copyright music) l...
--------------------------------------------------------------
Joakim Karud - Classic
Music by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud

[@reysu]

UPDATE: since making this video, I've discovered two apps that does the exact same thing way cheaper (not associated with either of them) Burnout Buddy (FREE): apps.apple.com/us/app/bb-screen-time-app-blocker/id6443657745 Dumbify ($6.99 NO SUBSCRIPTION): apps.apple.com/ca/app/dumbify/id6480082872

[@easyduster]

Your voice audio is only coming out from the left ear and music on the right

[@reysu]

oops :(

[@reysu]

play it on speaker ?

[@ignaciogalvez8302]

​it's an error brother but it still being good content 🎉

[@RGBrobot]

@@reysuon my iPhone, in portrait mode it sounds fine. I suspect that’s due to the speakers being closer together. When I turn my phone to watch full screen, it’s more noticeable. Using headphones, I have to turn on the mono accessibility setting to watch the video. 😅 YT may let you do a video replacement with fixed audio? That aside, I agree this is killer content! I had wanted to do this last year but could t find a good way to do it. Thanks for this more in depth video!

[@fugeenurse]

When I flipped my phone one way the audio got strange but then I flipped it the other way around and it fixed the audio so maybe try that.

[@RussMorris]

This is awesome. I started using a feature phone last year, but had to keep my smartphone around for all the little things that businesses and banking require smartphones for these days. This is a great way to have the best of both worlds!

[@LePuffehHair]

I've been looking for something like this for YEARS! Thank you so much

[@Anon48657]

One of the first helpful videos on productivity I have ever seen on YT. And I watched so many already haha

[@reysu]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@shanekunz]

I really just applaud you on showing people exactly how to do this stuff! I've tried to make my phone more minimalist before, but some of these apps are pro level. I can't wait to set all this up.

[@itsfrankieg5816]

Thank you thank you!! I’ve struggled with this for years and can’t wait to get my time back from so many distractions!!

[@hanne9222]

I also watched some other `turning into a dumb phone' videos. I want to say, I like your setting the best. I have tried both blank spaces and opal. They are amazing! Immediately boost my productivity no kidding!

[@elliejasmine7752]

This is brilliant, I've toyed with the idea of a dumphone for a long time and instead just tried to get on with self management but this seems to be a really good compromise. Can't wait to try

[@Belikeyouwant]

Thank you so much! I have been trying to do this for years!! Great job

[@rilijn]

This was great! Thank you! If anyone has trouble with blank spaces, mine wasn’t showing up as a widget, I deleted the app and reinstalled it and it worked just fine after that

[@reysu]

thanks for watching! make sure to check out some of my other videos :)

[@user-ex2lk2ek9r]

I was listening to the beginning of this video with a broken set of headphones and couldn't hear you talk because the left side it broken.

[@thewayofroses]

This was extremely helpful! Thank you!

[@davischipman1719]

Thanks for the tutorial! Super helpful!

[@itsmeemzo]

This is super helpful! thank you!

[@pablokolb7194]

Thanks for going through the effort if setting that up and sharing how to do it. I’d like to do it too but I procrastinated too much already today 😂

[@yayayt3630]

That’s the content I signed into KZbin for. Can’t wait for the video on other productive apps within that setup

[@reysu]

I already made the video! Go check it out on my channel

[@aarongonz]

thank you dude! i realy wanted to have an in depth tutorial for this :)

[@reysu]

you're welcome!!

[@byronfriend3493]

Thank you so much for this! I bought a flip-phone a few months ago and it was brutal, great video!!! Implementing now 🙂

[@reysu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JJ_Smilez]

Thank you so much! I was debating getting rid of my iphone and buying a sunbeam, but I decided to use what I already have. Thank you for the step by step tutorial!

[@marcellojansenjr]

life changing video bro, thanks a lot!

[@MrGrimlocke]

Thanks, this was really helpful!

[@et548han_]

amazing video, thank you so much for this

[@FemmeFatale-]

Thank you so much😩 I was so close to buying a dumbphone. Im saving so much money by doing this

[@rbnsWRLD]

great video man, the audio is coming out of my left ear but still great haha

[@ghazzopardi]

Thanks for the game changing video. I thought I might let you know I worked out how to make a much longer free text goals list for the lock screen. In your other video, you had a quote and yearly goal using the widget feature, and when I implemented this I realised its only has room for a few words. To set up a list of my monthly goals on the lockscreen (I prefer monthly, instead of annual) I took a screenshot of the blacked out blank screen from spaces, I added this to the freeform (app), I used the any text (app) to write the list of goals I have and format into the same font you use, then copied this to freeform. I had to stuff around a bit with spacing and sizing to make it look similiar then I saved it as a PDF to files (app). I opened the file, took another screenshot and then add that as the lock screen wall paper. Looks great and next month will probably only take me 5 minutes to update... I wish iIdidnt have to use freeform, as its not the best for this, so I'm open to any improvements anyone has...

[@alejandrodelaflor6125]

Hey just a piece of advice, u can choose in every focus mode a filter where u can choose different settings and one of them is dark mode. Is in the bottom part of the focus mode. Thank u so much for the content! Have a nice one!

[@sarahvogel7776]

Thanks for the vid! I’m excited to do this to my iPhone. When you get a chance, I would be interested in the other video of the most useful iPhone apps that don’t distract you.

[@apt.9183]

just adjusted my phone, lets see how this goes ! Appreciate you

[@user-om6sm9qf8m]

This video is amazing!

[@unworthyServant08]

It's so strange... I had your voice in my left ear and your background music in my right ear, when I wore headphones to listen in... Thank you for the setup video!!

[@ThatOneIslamicGuy]

10:45 screen zen also is great

[@elyhoenaiarguelles5600]

thanks for this tutorial it really helps me and I really want to see the video about those apps that you say they don't distract you

[@trevorhendrix]

I actually had to add a shortcut to change my wallpaper as well because your wallpaper doesn't automatically change when you go between light and dark mode. Other than that we are rockin and rollin and on our way to being more productive! Thanks Reysu!

[@Damiansanchez19]

This is great!! @trevorhendrix I’ve been looking for this! What shortcut sequence did you use to change the wallpaper?

[@megandandrea4490]

@@Damiansanchez19 I had this problem as well!! I set the white paper as my default wallpaper in settings first. Then, swipe down to access dnd mode but instead press and hold it to access dnd settings. Then in those settings, set your customized screens as the dark wallpaper your saved in photos, and the home screens the ones you have already set up. I hope that made sense/helps!!

[@ivana_dicarlo_]

Thank you! Very useful

[@Metafelle]

My left ear thoroughly enjoyed this. Audio issues aside, great video, just a minor mistake!

[@reysu]

won't happen again. Thanks so much for watching

[@Metafelle]

@@reysu No problem dude! Loved the video nonetheless

[@Joseph.Stamper]

Thanks for this video!

[@asadfarraj]

I recently did this on my Android using a custom launcher, and was wondering how other people do it. Cool to see iPhones can do it too! Plus, that look is just so good after being used to the general layout for so many years.

[@solomonthomas703]

Thanks man this is great

[@reysu]

No problem!

[@user-gw3xm3ee7t]

This is great, I need to find the Andriod app versions and do the same thing.

[@kelevra9283]

U find something on Android ?

[@purplelord8531]

my left ear loved this, anyone else?

[@justgal8497]

Yeah that was a little frustrating, but good video nevertheless

[@donaldtuckw]

subscribed. would love to see a video on your tracker apps

[@nano7055]

18:44 Request!! for a video of iPhone track apps that does not distract!! Ur videos is just like the saying “modern problems require modern solutions” keep it up!

[@user-lv8kp3zm6c]

I would actually love a video on tracking apps too :)

[@diego_mery]

Loved the video! (btw, if someone find this useful, you can also set up an automation to set the colour filter when the bed time starts)

[@suun_.e]

Ooh!! how?

[@itsfrankieg5816]

How do you do this ?

[@Crinsp_y]

my left ear loved this video

[@brandoconklin]

Dude thank you!! Was about to buy a light phone but this is exactly what I needed

[@solonxy]

that version of the Jazz 3 pick is the best!!!

[@reysu]

Yes it issss

[@iggnatios]

awesome content man. just one thing, on a stereo device, your voice go trough left, and music trough right. just that

[@doxyen1709]

my left ear really enjoyed your voice while my right ear was enjoying the music 😂

[@nickrhyne650]

Love the content man. What was the habit tracker app you had been using in the other vid?

[@reysu]

it's called habit kit!

[@nickrhyne650]

ty king @@reysu

[@blonded_458]

fire music, my right ear enjoyed it a lot

[@Ares_14]

Keep in portrait mode

[@reysu]

activate both parts of your brain

[@khushimistryy1176]

Thanks a lot!

[@carltonbirds]

Very lovely, and smart.

[@dhiiraj4ux]

Sounds quality 👍🏻

[@reysu]

thanks

[@jvckpott]

Thank you so much. Trying this out for a while to see how it works for me. Only thing is I really wish Opal and Blank weren’t paid apps, kinda a pain. At least Blank has a one-time purchase option though. Anyways thank you!

[@reysu]

Since making this video, I’ve come across two alternatives that work much better. Burnout buddy & Dumbify one is free one is a one time payment that does the exact same thing

[@jvckpott]

@@reysu great, thanks so much! i also found widgy widgets which lets you make custom widgets, its free to make just one and using that plus widgetsmith you can accomplish essentially the same thing as blank :) (although it’s a little extra setup work at first)

[@visuals.by.pereira]

Great video and setup. I’m thinking of switching to android soon. Any way you can do a similar video for Android?

[@Beep_Bop_Boop]

Blank should have multiple customizable widget for a paid app. When in work focus mode I’d want different app access but I want the personal work boundary otherwise.

[@reysu]

If you select 6 apps, but you add 12, the additional 6 show up on the blank widgets

[@HLF33]

Are there any good alternatives to the blank spaces app?? Great vid btw

[@Ledeblogger]

Great video! thank you, I have difficulties to remove gray background of the dock on bottom of the home page even I remove all app :/

[@reysu]

try switching to dark mode

[@realaltr]

Your content is amazing! (One thing that I find unnecessary is this "peace" at the end - everybody's saying it, I think you're such an original creator, you can come up with something more memorable!)

[@reysu]

Ahah! GREAT FEEDBACK

[@JILLIANCP12]

Hey, every time I click one of the app names, it opens the blank app and then the selected app. Is there a way to by-pass this so I don’t have the blank app constantly open in the background?

[@brandonscherff9970]

2:07 right here, what settings are required to get the blank app widgets to change from light to dark mode and vice versa? I setup the shortcut automation for the background, but the app widget remains in light mode even when the wallpaper changes to dark.

[@reysu]

try updating the app

[@Ledeblogger]

same for me

[@colepartridge3741]

I still have the issue

[@nvongsa]

the widget worked for me after doing an uninstall and then a reinstall

[@taylorhoos4464]

How did you get the text for your apps to change to white or black based off of the light or dark mode? The adaptive setting in blank spaces only seems to change the widget, not the text color

[@haakmash]

Oh damn, blank space is subscription. Might consider it if it was a one-time purchase

[@zahj91]

There is a lifetime subscription for $22.99 USD

[@renejurjahn148]

Great Video, thanks for your effort to Show this! Could you Tell me how you managed it to make the Dock not visible? Thanks in advance!

[@reysu]

you have to use the wallpaper

[@share_the_love]

This is great thank you! One question - when I click the apple apps that use shortcuts I still see the shortcuts screen briefly before switching to that app (i turned on reduce motion). Any idea why it does that?

[@newchannelwhodis]

Same any fixes anyone?

[@maximalDruck]

Same here

[@omarpacheco2756]

Struggling with this as well, I’m kinda mad that he didn’t mentioned it anywhere in this and his other video as well

[@karimhatem13]

is it available for android or is there anything similar?

[@nontrickpony]

Just the greyscale has been enough for me the last few days to massively reduce my interest. I also set my screen saver to the basic apple logo to remind me I’m holding a computer that just wants to melt my brain and mine it for information. The stubbornness kicks in when I see it but not sure how long it’ll last. Got all these settings on now and it’s looking calmer.

[@dodetkotob]

Hi!, thank you. Mine kind of jumps to Shortcuts before opening any app. Also, I reduced motion but this is still happening. Is there a solution for this?

[@griffinohara9864]

Cool vid. I like your ideas, I just can't get the space for frequently icons at the bottom of the page to match in color to the blank spaces widget. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

[@georgedurant5660]

just figured out what was wrong for me, the reason could be because your phone is either in light or dark mode. When in light mode, it matches with the pure white wallpaper, so you need your phone in dark mode

[@HocusFocus-gg1to]

Is there a Gabb Phone with a notes app that can transfer notes from the phone to a pc via a USB plug? Also can the phone be purchased without buying a plan? I'm looking for a pocket sized device just for notes that is completely self reliant and doesn't need internet or an e-mail. Something strictly for taking notes. Any help or advice is much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[@TomMcCloskeyRealtorStJam-xf2gl]

I am unable to get from adding the widget to having the six apps I choose to show up on the screen. The page with the apps listed does not show up. What am I missing?

[@louisknight1433]

Thanks! Just a quick question. Black spaces says some apps like reminders need to be imported to shortcuts to open and I still get shortcuts opening even with reduce motion. Is there any way to fix this?

[@Jonsen315]

Is there still no fix for this problem @Reysu? Seems there are many people having this problem

[@jordanfromtheb]

16:32 bro is putting up world record averages 💀

[@reysu]

lol I was using that phone as a clock

[@maxiepaxie.2006]

Any way to add an app thats custom? Want to add my app for local bus and tickets is that possible though its not in the apps list?

[@noahmayer5949]

Opal is not necessary. You can block the apps on the phone setting (screentime) and skip the part where you have to connect it with your Appel-Id. You just need a friend who you trust with your code

[@hafiyadam1341]

My reduced animation still shows shortcut before going to the intended app. Has anything changed in the last month? On an iphone11 ios 16.1.1

[@omarpacheco2756]

Same, haven’t found a solution, only automations seem to have the option to disable it

[@gwengarrido-bagayo8774]

Can you also make a video for android phones, please? 😊

[@Vintoneuler]

I love the idea of 1 hour social media a day.

[@roryv60]

Is there anyway to bypass Opal? I know in ios settings under screen time you can turn such apps off. Wonder if this is a different kind of app where you can't do that. I know with clear space you can turn it off. Thanks!

[@reysu]

have someone else set up your screentime password

[@leemagaming696]

Should allow to add a wallpaper for motivational quotes n texts u want reminding off

[@michaelrodman6646]

thanks for sharing this. maybe the answer is obvious, but how do you access the phone after removing it from the dock?

[@geberus2]

Same way you access any app, you can swipe all the way over to the collection, or search for the app, or, add it as one of the options in your spaces set up.

[@grapesvindaloo]

What habit tracker are you using in your widgets?

[@ZhullJ623]

I did the blur thing for the wallpaper but the colour is still different for the white wallpaper

[@angli2224]

how do you make the right side bottom zoom/greyscale?

[@trevorf2098]

How do you put that folder at the bottom of the Home Screen?

[@adrianmanso7614]

Great video, but how do you make your dock transparent? I’ve tried many times but I couldn’t make it work

[@xmapanda1975]

Anyone figure out how to do that as well? I’m still having a hard time with it

[@itsfrankieg5816]

@Reysu could you please help with this?

[@timonsander1295]

You have to use dark mode, then the colors match

[@nontrickpony]

Is there a way to do greyscale with zoom without it actually magnifying?

[@liquid5684]

Amazing video man! Anyone know how to get rid of the the shortcut screen that pops up when I press for example clock or any app that you have to mak a shortcut for?

[@reysu]

you have to go to settings accessibility and turn on reduce motion

[@liquid5684]

@@reysu I tried it and still shows up... :/

[@Bot28111]

@@liquid5684turn off shortcut notifications from screen time

[@JosiahR1]

I wish there was a way to do this without apps

[@isatheqween]

I’m struggling with my phone swapping between both of the backgrounds I downloaded (light and dark) Automations u explained well so I got that down when I’m in and out of DND but the background won’t change with it :/ any help?

[@PeteHwang]

Is there a way to make the phone change wallpapers as it automatically switches appearance (light/dark) based on time of day? For instance if it changes to light mode in the morning, make it switch wallpapers to the white background and vice versa.

[@reysu]

Yes, you have to do that in automations

[@jaysto1912]

Not sure if I’m missing something to make switching dark/light mode to work: do you have the text colour change as well as the widget colour or is it some gray that works for both?

[@jaysto1912]

Also how to make the wallpaper change colour from light to dark too?

[@Wizawt]

how did you enable pressing volume button and power button to show the color filter?

[@kingdomessence]

Press power button 3 times

[@slm3409]

Is there tge same thing but for andriond?

[@procarpenter1788]

My left ear enjoyed this

[@reysu]

thank you for pushing through

[@benmelo11]

you can use assistive access, this is the best method that i have ever used. but i couldnt get it to how can i on/off silent mode when i using asstive access

[@reysu]

I just don’t like the UI :(

[@benmelo11]

me too, thats why i am using assistive access hahaha. but still i couldnt find how can i turn on/off silent mode.@@reysu

[@trevorf2098]

Is there a way to set this up where if I click an "app" from the home screen it opens a folder with several apps. For instance, I use 3 lanuage apps, but I really don't want all 3 taking up space on the Home Screen. Would rather just have something labeled language, that lets me access either 3.

[@itsfrankieg5816]

This would be a great feature

[@realaltr]

I was rewatching this video trying to reproduce the setup. I hit one snag: every time I tap on the link in the blank spaces app, I get a window open saying: "Blank Spaces wants to open..." and I have to tap yes in order to actually open the app in question. I thought maybe it's a setting in the Shortcuts app , but cannot find such a setting. How did you get rid of this?

[@noahbriley]

Ever figure this out?

[@cailynpeddle]

for some reason the bottom dock on the home screen is a lighter grey than the background, is there a way to change that?

[@cailynpeddle]

figured it out! from Blank: To hide the dock, please follow the steps below: Download any of our provided wallpapers. Open Settings > Wallpaper Tap Add New Wallpaper Select the wallpaper from your photos Tap Add > Set as Wallpaper Pair Tap Customize on the Home Screen wallpaper Turn Blur off and tap Done. Ensure that your iPhone display is set to Dark or Light depending on the wallpaper you choose. Please also ensure that "Reduce Transparency" is off. You can find this at iPhone settings > Accessibility >Display & Text Size