one year without a smartphone | dumb phone Q&A

[@Gangst3r4ever]

The first thing you notice when you ditch your social media and all the smart stuff is that nobody notices you missing. Then you realize how many friends you really have. It might hurt, but it actually helps you keep going on the healthy path.

[@user-360johnn]

💯

[@killerwhale5]

So true

[@tamara435]

100% true! Those people weren't my real friends anyways. There's a difference between "friends" and friends. I prefer the latter.

[@emmaschauer5409]

Right? I HAVE a Facebook, but I haven't updated it since I got married. The ones in my life that matter are the ones that actually reach out to me.

[@CB_4216]

Facts. Before I permanently deleted my FB and Instagram in 2020, I deactivated my FB for about 8 months but kept the Messenger open. I got a grand total of zero messages while deactivated. Speaks volumes. Permanent deletion was not hard.

[@stuartdotnet]

When my colleagues saw my Nokia they laughed and asked me why I had it. I told them I found smart phones too addictive. They all stopped laughing and started nodding in thoughtful agreement

[@shamha1626]

And then they went back to their smartphones

[@AvoidingSpam]

@@TomRipley7350 As we all know KZbin doesn't exist outside of smartphones, so the guy must be lying.

[@tpp.iv.00]

@@AvoidingSpamas some of us know, KZbin exists on the internet (not just on a smart phone) so he could’ve commented this on his computer rather than on a smartphone lmao

[@MichaelBecx]

@@AvoidingSpam Thank you for this comment, it made me laugh! God bless sarcastic comments like yours 😉

[@benooten-outdoors4270]

@@TomRipley7350 i am a flip phone user and i am actually watching this on my laptop, probably exactly what this guy is doing.

[@julielevesque2668]

I'm 47 years old and had dumb phones for the last 19 years. I don't want a Smart phone. I have a laptop. I watch KZbin. I have no social media. I get out and bike in the morning and try to be productive. I'm still alive and doing just fine without a Smart PHone. Many people think I'm weird but I don't care.

[@nidhishshivashankar4885]

I’m sure you’re more productive than the perpetual scrollers !

[@Durminator]

You are as weird as i am

[@mdazureuser]

Then how come ur watching this video and commenting?

[@Durminator]

@@mdazureuser your dumb or smth.?

[@stevel1451]

User, didn’t you read his post. He CLEARLY said he has a laptop to watch KZbin

[@duncandonitz4874]

One thing I've enjoyed about the dumb phone life is rediscovering journals and books. My calendar and to-do lists are in a notebook. I write by hand -- it feels great. I throw a book in my backpack if I know I'm going to be waiting around somewhere. Interacting with the material world offers a lot pleasures we've forgotten.

[@emward6858]

I use those things with or without a smart phone

[@petergranstrom3699]

This. Why do i like to read more books now. Anyway i takin it a step further i use a phone that noone knows the number to so i can go out for walks without having to be disturbed. I'm like a hermit.

[@AaronStarkLinux]

One of the problems about dumbphones in general is that their market is focused on elderly, which I found really ridiculous and that keeps the youth from buying them. Every time you ask for one of those phones they assume you are buying it for your grandma... It's disturbing.

[@AlejandroP1980s]

Buy cat s22 TMobile Flip phone

[@user-360johnn]

Because if they work in sales for tech they are probably addicted too and expect you to be

[@jorgerodriguez-ku4fw]

Who gives a shot what anyone thinks

[@emward6858]

Or if you use a basic phone they ask you why you haven't got a smartphone

[@mad_scientist5597]

Yeah I noticed this with the descriptions of the button phones on eshops. Enjoy the benefits of 4G network, explore your opportunities on the internet with built-in Facebook, Whatsapp, etc... lmao this is all laughable for a young person who is used to being able to do all this and a million times more since they were ten with smartphones. But then maybe the phone has tiny buttons which are simply unfit for the elderly, so who is it for?

[@A.Hanson]

Thanks for coining the term "digital minimalist". I got rid of my smartphone, streaming services, etc. some time ago and I really like that term to describe a lifestyle that is basically "a normal person in the 2000s"

[@morganmacdonald3043]

Just an FYI and a book recommendation: “The term Digital Minimalism was coined by Cal Newport, a computer science professor and author. He introduced the concept in his book "Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World." The philosophy emphasizes the intentional use of technology to maximize value and minimize unnecessary digital clutter in our lives.” (Source: Microsoft CoPilot). I’ve read a couple of Newport’s books. Well worth looking into at your local library or bookstore. 📚🤓

[@ArtyCollectz]

I have tried simply removing apps but I fall right back into the hole and re-download. I miss the times of present and not looking down at phones every waking minute.

[@rob2662]

Well. It’s simple. Leave the smartphone at home on WiFi and buy a dumb phone for outdoors. Then you simply haven’t the opportunity to watch. I do this and it works. I bought a simple Nokia 225 4G. No need to buy a marketing trick like a Punkt or a Light Phone etc…. They do the same and are unnecessary expensive.

[@ivegotlungfoot6890]

@@rob2662 and then never leave the house because you can only access your vice at home - this won't work for people with smart phone addictions

[@zer0b1tyt]

Its ironic.. we got all of this amazing technology . .we are able to communicate with one another over fast distances in seconds.. and still .. we go back to a simpler time where things went slower .. maybe back in the day many things where indeed better..

[@tamarabrozovic6680]

Totally agree with you. It is so sad when you see people sitting at the same table, but not looking to each other, but all of them having the smartphone in their hands... Not even doing the conversation!

[@momoflittleladies]

I did remove distracting apps, I had a gray scale for 6 months too, plus no notifications. It didn’t make a difference… yes, it reduced the time but sometimes I would literally check nothing. It’s so annoying!! So, I am going back to a flip phone - can’t wait!!

[@Cynique_Noir]

I agree Ive tried deleting, dedicated apps etc. you slowly start bringing stuff back and before you know it you're back to scrolling 3hrs a day

[@grahamwallis6568]

I think life is richer in so many ways without a smart phone, I also grew up before the era of mobile phones, I cycle to work most days and pass people walking along interacting with their phones the whole time, I think they are missing out on the world around them and it's beauty. The questions people asked you show how dependent young people are on smart phones now, it seems sad to me that they are. I'm glad to see that some young people are fighting against this.

[@folksurvival]

Smartphones playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLnkhjkRyBrHYiQThZAvOQp4ya0deIykMI

[@claireglendenning1]

Exactly. I was on public transport and no word of a lie EVERYONE was glued to their phones. Shame they missed the beautiful majestic stag I saw on my way to work. I also hate it when people play videos or have a loud conversation early in the morning. I also hate it when they hold the speaker up to their ear and then talk into it. People are dumb.

[@grahamwallis6568]

@@claireglendenning1 it does feel like we are swimming agains the tide the way everyone around us is becoming addicted to these alien devices

[@AlexR_44]

Thanks for the update, glad to hear the "dumb phone" life is still treating people right here in 2022. I grew up in the 80's and 90's; I vaguely recall the better days before social media and "apps" ran everyone's lives.

[@emward6858]

I too grew up in the 80s and 90s and I remember very well how much better life was before phones took over

[@leylaclareozkan]

I'm 26 and I did this for 3 years (1 year where I had no phone at all) and sadly got convinced to getting a smartphone as half my family live across the world and said they missed me! But otherwise there's literally no negative things to be said about it. I took part in conversations with people more, read all of the time, had less time to compare, and more time to just be with my self and thoughts...plus physical tickets for everything and asking people for directions are fun! The world becomes more vibrant. Glad to see someone else enjoying this different way of life too! Books to read on embracing the silence and slower life: - Silence by Erling Kagge - A book of Silence by Sara Maitland - Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise - Exhausted: An A-Z for the Weary - The Art of Rest: How to Find Respite in the Modern Age

[@ckomarec]

I have a flip phone for my kids and at first we were frustrated about how difficult it is to text. Unexpected upside is my kids now just call rather than text which is a good skill to have.

[@bradking2529]

Nice work, Ashton. Great summary. I switched from a Galaxy Note 8 to a Nokia 2720V flip four months ago - it's been a great experience. I simultaneously ditched 90% of social media. It's hard to describe the feeling, but I feel like I was just released from jail. 😁 Thanks again, best of luck.

[@zainaprice7424]

I switched to the same Sunbeam phone a few months ago and it has been life changing. I love it so much! There's truly a major difference in my behavior with my phone since I made the switch. I don't think I'll ever go back!

[@ashtonwomack]

awesome! so glad you are enjoying the sunbeam too.

[@StigmaSam]

Are you both still using the Sunbeam phones? I haven’t heard of anyone using one past a few months. Thank you 🧡

[@zainaprice7424]

@@StigmaSam Hey! Yes, I still use my sunbeam!

[@emward6858]

Life was truly lived before smartphones came along. Now everyone is lost to their phones never really concentrating on the real world

[@anand6277]

I had the same issue after switching to a dumb phone. Navigation was something I could not live without. Solved that by cutting open the car dash and gluing the phone permanently into it. I had an old car and am ok paying for a connection just for navigation. It might be a bit extreme but it worked !

[@AlexR_44]

That's pretty cool. Plus, nowadays, aftermarket head units with nav screens can be found pretty cheaply.

[@anand6277]

@@AlexR_44 I know, and I realized that after I had done the damage to my car. Guess I was frustrated with my addiction and acted without thinking !

[@13crazydaisies]

I think this is a path I will have to take. I've tried to use my Smartphone minimally so many times and have failed. I am in the group of people that just barely remembers what it was like before all phones had screens, and it is my opinion that our brains functioned better; especially when it comes to attention and awareness. I think there's a reason why so many of us have begun to wonder if we have ADHD. Massive changes have massive impact, even if those changes are sneaky and slow. I think a lot of my issues are from the changes tech has made to my escapist brain.

[@tiffanimilburn8885]

It’s interesting to hear your experiences. I don’t see myself giving up my iPhone, because as a blind person I use my iPhone just for a lot of daily tests in addition to what most people already use their phones for. But it’s definitely interesting to watch.

[@AustinHollingerOfficial]

Well, there are phones out there designed for those of us who are blind that don't have all the unnecessary stuff like smartphones. I have legit been thinking about downgrading because everything is well, a bit too much these days

[@MillePertuy]

I’d really like to see a video about not having a GPS in car! Also I found you really mature, calm and steady, I don’t know if you were like this before switching to a flip phone but I’m sure that it helps a lot. Wish you the best from France 🇫🇷 !

[@CaptainAiryca]

Great video - I am a flip phone user and I find that a lot of what you have experienced is the same for me too. I think if I traveled more I'd use an external GPS but I am usually in my home town. I remember street names, directions, and where things are SO much better than before and it sure is a confidence boost! Looking forward to your next video on this topic. Also, I've gotten so good at T9 texting that if I am texting someone in a conversation they don't even notice - I type just as fast as them. I guess that's because my first phone was a flip phone, it's like riding a bike, you don't forget! lol

[@reneegherity2354]

This video really resonated with me. Many of your points are things I’ve been thinking for years. I grew up & learned to drive without a phone of any kind. Many things are still possible without carrying around a tiny computer in your pocket ALL the time. Thank you for this!

[@GymCoachMack]

Hey, Ashton. I’ve seen almost every youtube video on dumb phone experiences and yours is the one I come back to the most. I must have cycled through it three times already. Surprised and delighted this one auto played just now as I’m playing your play list. Great job with the channel. Gonna review your Trello/iCal method right after this one. Good day.

[@Rewildingrosemary]

Super informative and answered the pressing questions I have been asking the internet the last few days. Navigation is the biggest scare for me! I remember the time of writing/printing directions before you leave somewhere and getting lost - so much anxiety! But I also didn’t drive then and feel I just have a better sense of direction now. Thank you for this confidence booster. More people would benefit from smart phone breaks or making this switch I think.

[@soniateach]

For those asking about Whatsapp - I thought switching to a flip phone would mean Whatsapp would no longer work on other devices. But if you have a computer you can still access Whatsapp on there. Personally I still use my smartphone at home when on wifi, so I can communicate on Whatsapp at those times.

[@ashtonwomack]

that's good to know, thanks for sharing!

[@GaricsPeter]

If something is important enough I do a phone call. Otherwise it can wait until I get in the vicinity of a PC.

[@MNRKR74]

Hi Ashton, I found you yesterday on KZbin and you're becoming very inspiring to me as I start to embark on a 30-day dumbphone journey, putting my iPhone away for a time. I really want to reset my relationship with technology, read more books, start drawing again and hopefully becoming creative once again. I have no problem with being online, using a computer for work and at home all the time. I just don't want a computer in my pocket 24/7. Thank you for your videos, I am enjoying your journey.

[@ashtonwomack]

that's great! let me know how it goes!

[@MariiamZh]

I have the same goals: to start drawing and reading more, we'll have it.

[@TorBoy9]

Good for you in deciding how you want to live. The problem with using your iPhone is that it is more tempting to build an addiction to even internet access. A smartphone is an addiction, an addiction that is purposely built into social media. I hope other people can see the light and decide for themselves how they wish to live. I personally, like you, am on the computer all day, and don't need yet another device. There are so many more experiences in life I wish to do that I cannot when I am on a smartphone.

[@river3241]

I like your Digital Minimalism playlist in that it offers insight into the everyday life of having a flip phone and answers some less known questions (props for using CDs). Been thinking about switching, but now I'm gonna try diving into it for real. Thanks for the videos, Ashton. :)

[@DiscoMatty79]

I love how you find the positives in everything. It's so motivating.

[@bloqk16]

A nice aspect of carrying a paper notepad are in those situations when being in the company of people, info that needs to be shared or a message needs to be passed-along to another person; where doing it between smartphones could be awkward; or not possible at all. In addition, no battery charge is needed with using paper and pen.

[@SATALIT3]

maybe a change of pen if the pen suddenly dries out. 😄

[@bloqk16]

@@SATALIT3 That's true! In addition, in the hot summers where I live, I keep a pencil in the vehicle, as it tolerates the heat better than an ink pen; which can get messy.

[@jnagarya519]

Landlines, though considered "obsolete," are much more common than is known. If one is elderly, they are the link to health care -- even during blackouts, when they don't need recharging, and they have their own electricity supply.

[@amiemadeit]

We have one! I have 2 teens one with a phone and another with an Apple Watch. And still have it. But it’s nice when I’m running errands I can call the house. The kids luckily doesn’t always their phone by their side.

[@Snail_Nailz]

For the car/music issue - why not pickup an ol’ school ipod? The OG versions are roughly the size of a deck of cards & offer no function beyond music storage - which is does PERFECTLY (btw this is what created apple mania). I still have mine (in the ‘electronic graveyard’ box) - it was AMAZING for carrying around ur entire music library! Note about Boston situation: I JUST realized how life has changed since we all stopped getting lost. It used 2 be SUCH a normal part of life & also served as a graceful excuse whenever u needed some head space before arrival…saying “I got lost” now is inconceivable. Also, getting lost on vacay or during free time resulted in some of my life’s most memorable experiences!

[@luxecutor]

I switched to a Nokia 3310 for about 3 months in 2020 and loved it. Unfortunately my work was suffering due to my slow responses to emails and I had to put the leash back on (I'm a field inspector for a private engineering firm on infrastructure projects). I like that you've taken a more serious approach to your photography as a result of dropping your iphone. Photography is a passion of mine and I usually have a camera close by, so I haven't really used my phone for photos other than for mental notes in years.

[@messy2mastery]

Wow, this is so inspiring! I’ve already deleted most of my apps, turned all notifications off, and have my phone on DND but THIS! This is amazing! That’s my next step! Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@ashesrockstotaldrama]

Mp3 player with blutooth solves the car issue! I love it

[@GaricsPeter]

As a millennial who used a dumb phone in his entire life I'm so happy about your journey. So rare to find people like us. I draw the same conclusions as you but since smart phones and social media was never big part of my life I had to realize the advantages as I went on and saw the effects on other peoples life. The older I get the happier I'm that I never was a mainstream smartphone user. I do own a (cheapest in the market) smart phone because occasionally I need GPS, internet or some utility app but I use it like once in 2-4 week and even then the battery is usually drained:D

[@Grogurt1998]

I've tried limiting my smartphone use but I eventually just use my internet browser to go to the websites I send time on for hours, after deleting the apps. I'm sleeping through work. I was awake for basically 3 days last week because i couldnt get off my phone. i couldnt stop thinking about what i might be missing (logically nothing) when i try to force myself to sleep. it's time.

[@rob2662]

And this was 8 months ago. What happened?

[@rustyholt6619]

got a flip coming in a few days ,that and a laptop are going to be my jam

[@Epipremnumaureum785]

I tend to use my smartphone frequently throughout the day to google random questions I have. This is especially useful when me and a friend disagree on what is fact and what is not. I’ll just google it and end the debate right then and there, rather than have to leave the conversation unresolved. That’s probably the only thing holding me back from making the switch to a dumb phone. I love having a world of knowledge at my fingertips

[@ConordeSmith]

This is genuinely the best video I've seen on the transition to a dumb phone - really helpful and concise answers! I ordered mine yesterday! :)

[@go-beyond_plus-ultra]

Yours are by far the best videos on this subject, thank you. Like others here, I find myself returning to listen to your experience as I prepare to make the dumb phone downgrade myself. Regarding the music dilemma, why not get an mp3 player so you can have all the songs you want on hand? That's what I'm going to do. Looking forward to hearing more!

[@ashtonwomack]

right now, an mp3 player feels like just another device i'd have to manage that still doesn't offer the convenience of streaming services. thanks so much for watching!

[@AustinHollingerOfficial]

@@ashtonwomack I already have a 40 gb Apple Music library, so I would probably just use one of my older devices as a de facto iPod

[@rob2662]

A lot of dumb phones have the capability of putting an SD card in it. And have a music player on it. No need for an extra device.

[@davidhannaford5511]

@@ashtonwomack Thankyou for the video. I find you answer the questions very well which is most helpful. It seems that you don't seem that bothered about listening to specific music so don't want a complicated answer. I have attempted tech detox in general. I find that listening to the radio helps because it takes away the stress and distraction of having to choose. Alot of the solutions you have are old skool and work because they are closer to natural human behaviour. Before we had streaming services people would build their own music libraries. So my sugestion is that if you want to listen to music of choice- In the same way that you would look up directions before leaving the house, you would purchase music from itunes in advance and download it. It doesn't have to be a large colletion so it could be mindful(quality not quantity). If your radio has a usb input you don't necessarily need another device you could use a flash drive and keep it on your keyring. As i remember you always used to be able to subscribe to podcast etc and just have them sync to your flashdrive when you inserted it in your computer. The same thing would happen if you createeed a playlist. this is the closest you would get to convenience without a mobile data connection.

[@7775Kevin]

I think the key word is "intentional". Most of us who used to have smartphones just went to them automatically the moment we became bored. I have a "dumb phone" and only use my computer at home when i need to plan anything or check my calendar. It is a better way to live.

[@MartyJones]

Fantastic video, I’m 33 so I was part of the last era to grow up without a smartphone and I remember how much better life was before everyone was chained to a pocket computer 😅 I did have smartphones for a number of years throughout my 20s and I found them very addictive, especially the social media apps. I think at one point my usage was around 7 hours a day but I made the switch after me and my girlfriend got a new puppy and I noticed that rather than playing with her me and my partner spent more time looking at our phone screens….was defo the wake up call I needed. Overall it’s been a very positive experience, my head always feels a lot clearer, my eyes are less sore and I find I enjoy life a lot more…we really don’t realise just how much passes us by when we spend our spare moments looking at a phone screen. Only downsides I have found is since Covid a lot of restaurants and bars here in the UK seem to have switched to app ordering which can be a pain especially using a Nokia however there is usually always someone at the table who has an iPhone or android so I just get them to order for me 😅 Keep up the great work!

[@eyevenear]

my 2 cents (and what worked for me): for the most part, we don't need smartphones when we're around, because we go around to live life, we do things, we don't have time to arch our necks and scroll. BUT there are very specific cases in which we need to go hyper-technologic and do things that otherwise would be impossible, for example, we're shooting a scene around and we need to calibrate the DSLR's gymble's app. SO i bought a twin sim card. I put one in my iphone, and 1 in my Motorola Razr (the old one). So when i have to go out, i can immediately pick one of the two according to what i'll need to do out. Do i need to be hyper-technologic? or just being able to receive calls? and, when i'm travelling, just carry both, so in case of emergency, i can go hyper-tech and pull out the smartphone from the backpack.

[@thewonderer9551]

Absolutely! This is what I was thinking about. When you need smartphone, use it. If calling & texting is the only thing required, use dumbphone.

[@cabbie83]

I didn’t even know they had twin sims!! This would make this more possible for me

[@Andy-zp3mv]

are you paying more than you would for one sim card?

[@keerthibr7694]

This seems like a possible option for me,thank you!

[@harshitarawat8941]

Ever since I started using a dumb phone I was forced (in a good way) to get library memberships to get books I can read while on commute.

[@stanislavlushenka]

for music in the car: you could fill your old iphone 8 up with mp3s and use it as an ipod basically? or if you subscribe to spotify or some other paid streaming service you could download songs on there while at home and connected to wifi. and your sim card wouldnt be in the iphone so when youre driving you couldnt use anything besides music on there basically.

[@melissa104]

I really like your video. When I was a kid I wished I had the same teenage experience like my siblings who grow up in a time where you rarely use your phone. And today the time flies and I have not so many teenage memories. So I am kinda sad. I am still young going to 21 but I wished I didnt spent so much time on the phone and the others also. Like now I have to fill the expectation of the society: job etc. But now I deleted Instagram and I feel so much better. And I can connect more with the people around me. So many people are glued to their phone. Sometimes I am very delusional and dreaming about movies who they join adventures or no phone.

[@suffer_responsibly]

Id like to say thank you for posting your dumb phone journey. For a long time i had wanted to revert back a flip phone or landline phone as I saw my addiction to my smartphone grow exponentially. At first i looked at the usage of smartphones in our generation very cynically, and never thought i myself, could devote as much time as I ended up to my phone. I tried deleting notifications, then tried uninstalling apps, then limiting screen time, but nothing seemed to stop me personally from doom scrolling any app I could on the smart phone, or thus feel defeated and redownload other social media apps. During my last year with a smartphone I grew so frustrated with it, the only thing that actually helped, was turning off my phone completely for weeks at a time. I knew then i didn't need my smart phone, but seeing your videos helped me finally make the switch. I first watched your "I used a dumb phone for 6 months, here's what i learned video". And about a week later, on Apr 19 i made the switch. Like i said, it was something i thought about for a long time, but honestly just kept being lazy in making the switch. But I think seeing your videos helped inspire me and feel a sense of community or like minded-ness I hadn't yet experienced. I'm so thankful to have been recommended your video that one day, and to become unplugged in a way that I've already felt such significant difference in my mental health, and awareness in my surroundings. Thank you

[@ashtonwomack]

it means so much to know my videos inspired you. thank you!!

[@rainyday3128]

Here’s an idea for the music solution- you could always get an old iPod, like a shuffle, you can’t get apps on there it’s only music! You could put the songs you listen to a lot on there.

[@user-ge2es2bp2x]

For music I use an ipod, you can either use something you load mp3 files onto like an ipod nano, or if you get an ipod touch 4th gen you won't be able to go on social media etc. with it, but spotify still works somehow

[@jenspettersen7837]

I've used dumb phones for about 20 years now. I do own a smart phone that I bought because I needed it to get internet access at home, but I've never used it for anything else. After I got fiber there's no need for it any more, so now it just lies in one of my drawers. I have no plans of ever start using a smart phone as a daily device, but I have considered taking my smartphone when I go travel to places were there are far between English speaking people to have a translation app on it. I was in Ukraine this summer and I forgot to bring it with me, but I managed to communicate with everyone I needed to.

[@michaelh.gerloff3659]

After I watched your dumb/flip phone videos yesterday I deleted a lot of the apps on my iPhone. There have been many times when I was so frustrated with the tempting and time wasting character of my smart phone (or myself :) ). Sometimes I tried to stop using the "bad" apps, sometimes I went back to my older phones like the Nokia E65 or the Siemens S35. But slow texting with T9 brought me back to the smarter phone.. After deleting the apps I found my iPhone this morning that very unattractive that I grabbed a book and enjoyed reading it. Hopefully it will stay that way. Thanks for encouraging to make the first step (again).

[@redshed2020]

The navigation question always surprises me. I've never used a smartphone for that. We have had Garmin gps stand alone in the car since they first came out and I've always found it superior to the phone for it.

[@Rachel-qy4hc]

On the topic of music: you could think about getting or reusing an mp3 player or iPod and intentionally creating a music library with the music you enjoy. This would make you be able to listen to specific songs when you feel like it and also (if your car allows it) plug it into your car to listen to whatever playlist you want. For me music is really important and also out and about I enjoy listening to music to pass the time on train rides or sometimes while waiting on something

[@soniateach]

Thank you so much for making this video and answering my questions! I've been using my sunbeam as my primary device (thanks to your videos) since June.

[@jordanalexander1992]

I got the Nokia Tough 800. Great phone with wifi hotspot for when you need to tether to a device on the go.

[@freetobe15]

This video is super comprehensive! Thank you for sharing! I want to switch over to a flip phone, and this answered basically all of my questions!

[@sherlock1895]

WOW! I’ve gone 76 years without a smartphone. Do I win a valuable prize? Cheers!

[@taube9389]

Love this video, thanks for the inspiration and insight. I will make the switch to a LP2 this week. Much love from Germany 🙂

[@rckshrmn]

Thank you, I love your message! I have a flip phone and love it!

[@sambigus1]

Much like a couple others here in the comments, for music, I've been using an mp3 player (technically called a DAP, but same thing that is just able to play audio formats other than mp3). I think I get a lot more out of music this way than I did when I was largely using Spotify on my iPhone. First, for anyone where high fidelity audio is important (I know it's not a majority, but still), even a really cheap DAP will get better quality sound than an iPhone playing from Spotify. Secondly, the limitations on what music I own on my DAP gives each album loaded more meaning. It's a lot closer to ownership of the music than streaming, which makes something as simple as listening to music a lot more special and less something I just take for granted in being able to call up any song I want. Also buying hi-fi audio from artists on a platform like Bandcamp is a way better form of support than the micro pennies an artist will earn on streams from Spotify.

[@LLG47]

Which one did you choose?

[@sambigus1]

@@LLG47 I chose the Hi-Fi Walker

[@C.Brown5150]

After watching a couple of your videos and hearing how it has seemed to bring back a normal life to you.. I've become entirely to stressed and acting a bit to aggressively.. So I'm seriously thinking about going full Dumd Phone.. Enjoyed your videos .👍

[@cpcnw]

Even if you scale back, the temptation is always there. At 3 supermarkets now, every time I checkout the cashier says "Have you got the app? You could of saved £4 on that shop...." - the Matrix has You!!!

[@tamarabrozovic6680]

So true 💯

[@gracetrumpslaw]

Awesome! Congrats on breaking the chains!!!! Thanks for sharing. Traveling without the gps mapping is fascinating. I read an article how not using your brain for that really stifles the creativity part of our brains also.

[@jeffj318]

Great comments, Ashton. Simple living is the best. I liked your comments about picture taking. I know people that get upset if you don't take them looking good. Too many people are depressed by social media and what others think of them. I do park my phone and have recently purchased an inexpensive Casio watch for knowing the time.

[@lexi0006]

Thanks to you, Ashton, I have a Sunbeam Orchid arriving tomorrow. I've been wanting to do as you have for a few years. Thank you for showing the way. // alex

[@ashtonwomack]

Thank you! Hope you enjoy the sunbeam 😊

[@coeurgourmand]

How do you like that phone so far?

[@lexi0006]

@@coeurgourmand I like it and I would recommend it. I've been using it about a month now and this is my experience: I purchased the Orchid with maps/gps nav and weather. I don't have cell service where I live. So, that is a known frustration. Everywhere else, it has been excellent. Some points I didn't know until I had the phone and played with it, (1) you can attach a bluetooth keyboard to it and type notes and texts on it. (2) My cell service (Verizon) supports texting over wi-fi. That helps. Maybe this is the phone itself. I'm not sure at this point. The maps are totally useable and navigation is reasonably good. (3) Weather reports are standard and an animated radar image is supported along with hourly and daily forecast. (4) I subscribed ($40) to one year of premium service for voice-to-text. ABSOLUTELY A MUST HAVE. Worth every penny. On the down side, batter life is not good. I wouldn't call it terrible either. I'd love to see a brick phone from Basic LLC / Sunbeam Wireless with a larger battery. I'm an amateur radio guy and I wish I could attach an external antenna to the phone for better transmit/receive service. I live in an area where service can be spotty. Lastly, I like the feature set of the phone and wouldn't change a thing. Simplicity achieved while maintaining functionality. Mission Accomplished! // alex

[@alecharper515]

Such an important video for our time. Very helpful. Wow… the questions alone are scary! Frightening how we’ve changed. This information helps tip the balance back to simpler tech and richer living. 👍🏼

[@russianbot88]

Thank you for this in-depth q&A, you answered a lot of questions that I would have had, as I explore this lifestyle. I have started using my phone last s going outside more. Making my free time about healthy activities inside and outside, no screen time. And the result of this lifestyle is that I am healthier than I've been since high school, I'm actually at my high school weight where I could dunk. I have clearer skin, the dog is happier. The wife is happier. The children are happier. We've been playing frisbee outside in the evenings, reading books, reading. Praying meditating taking walks and just like you said, spending time with your own thoughts is so valuable to me. Nowadays. With the crazy world around us I want to be able to slow down and enjoy the moment because I realize so starkly they may be the last moment we ever have to enjoy. My children will grow old. I will change. My parents will die. I only have today to live. So what am I doing? Spending it on a phone? Or living.

[@thelthrythquezada8397]

I started to hate smartphones when I heard of this young lady (in her 20s) that didn't bother looking up when on her phone and got hit by a BUS!!! Like come on!!!! Then I noticed how people I talk to do have the mental capacity to stay in a conversation for longer than 30 secs, or they don't listen to you when you are talking to them cause they are busy scrolling.

[@wetokebitcoins1769]

before smartphones but after the internet we used to go to sites like mapquest and have websites do the route but then print out a paper version of the route to your destination. your car also has a resettable trip odometer that you can use to gauge how far you have gone since your last poi on the route paper.

[@Atheria444]

I used to love Thomas Guides in the 1980s -1990s! I used one in Los Angeles and it was great.

[@theashleybash]

I loved those too! I miss having to look up the street in the index and then find the page and grid. 😂 I think using that while learning to drive is why I have such a good sense of direction now.

[@arthurw8054]

The audio is vastly improved over the 6 month video. Great content thanks.

[@samhartfieldlewis5247]

This was really interesting, my iPhone hasn’t been working properly for ages and haven’t been too fussed with it. Been wondering about just a normal call someone phone and watched this. Brought up some good points and had a think about them and the work arounds, brilliant thank you Sam .

[@beas_spanish_class]

I admire the way you can live without your smartphone but it would definitely not work for me. I deleted social media from mine in the past but I keep coming back to them (I am learning to manage that) but my smartphone helps me in my minimalist life since I have my health trackers, boarding passes, calendar, cards and a reliable GPS on it. I guess I got too comfortable with the way you just click on an app and you can get a cab or take away food within minutes haha.

[@WeKnowIslam94]

A very easy way to listen your fav music just use a pen-drive or sd card to just copy your fav song from your laptop to pen-drive. I personally do it.

[@kakashi1988]

I watched your experience talk in " Cold fusion Tv". Me & my some friends are using this type of phone from last year as a second phone. So much peace of mind because of that.

[@nmb17341]

thanks for good content in your video. I myself use a nokia 8000 as my main mobile and with an extra sim card for data only which is in my iphone, which I only turn on to take pictures, pay, park, find the way otherwise it stays switched off all the time.

[@JasonHuebel]

While I didn't trade in my smartphone for a dumb phone, I did turn off all the notifications except text messages. That has been a good compromise for me. In fact, I don't consider it a compromise. It's been a good SOLUTION. I still have access to the apps and services I need while limiting distractions.

[@demonprincess5634]

i've gone cell phone free and only do landline, I'm loving the freedom

[@ALROD]

Even though I've thought about using a dumphone, for me that would definitely be a more difficult task because I'm from Brazil and we use WhatsApp a lot, not the regular messaging app that comes preinstalled on our phones. It's a must to have WhatsApp installed. So a simpler phone that got a few apps installed on it could be a solution.

[@Badger-w8u]

Ashton , I have NEVER had a "smart" phone , and never will . I own a TT970 flip and love it . I do not do social media on my phone nor email & I do not live for my phone. It is not connected to the web . My choice . I detest touchscreens block of plastic .

[@anthonyborrelli2380]

Just ordered my sunbeam! I’m so damn excited to be disconnected more

[@stormtrooper684]

I definitely resonate with great ideas showing up during downtime. We need to give ourselves more opportunities for that to happen!

[@wallacefootrot6054]

As a delivery driver, I am curious about you going deeper into the GPS part of the video.

[@JeansRSDSlife]

Since switching to a flip phone I use a Garmin GPS unit. I can put the unit into whatever vehicle I am in.

[@LLG47]

If you do delivery, there is still the separate GPS option. I have had a dumbphone and now have a smartphone again and am planning to move back, but I have a Garmin unit and often I find on trips its a better option. Besides the lack of traffic data, its a better display of information anyway. I would say a Garmin unit, even used, is a good option.

[@1fishinghuman208]

I have a cheap smartphone. 5 yrs ago I uninstalled all social media apps, and all other apps I could except gps and camera. I can also still get my wife's texts and I can still pay bills and bank stuff. Other than that, I've gotten very comfortable not ever thinking about a phone unless it rings.. 5 years later. Lower blood pressure, more exercise, less stress and more time to spend doing the things that are most important in life.very happy with things.

[@Cyberj3ts]

The questions folks asked her prove more smartphone users need to ditch the newer devices and smell the real world. Great video !

[@jadef1531]

For music maybe you can download the tracks and put them on a MP3 player, or the dumb phone and use a double jack cable to listen in the car, it depends on your car radio of course, if there is the jack imput. You can also use a USB key for that.

[@kathrose336]

honestly i’m thinking increasingly lately that i could really go for a phone that has a physical qwerty keyboard (don’t think i could do t9 again but i love the idea of physical buttons on a phone so much) alas, there just aren’t that many to choose from, especially being in australia

[@johnnyloveee]

It’s funny how many excuses I’m trying to make to keep using my iPhone even though I know that my brain is for some reason clearer when I don’t have this iPhone in my pocket. I’m gonna commit and start using my flip phone for at least a month and see how that goes. Lol. Thanks

[@bvd_vlvd]

I'm probably late but for the music question there are cheap mp4 players everywhere on the internet, I bet you could find a good one. I'd recommend one with a memory card and a screen so you can fit a bunch of hq songs and you can actually select what song you want to play. Even then, they should be a lot cheaper than a dumb phone!

[@emilymclean6541]

I grabbed a $30 Sandisc MP3 player off Amazon and download entire albums onto MP3 files or burn CDs. I love Spotify and still use it on my laptop, but the MP3 player lets me own my own msic and untethers me from my smartphone.

[@anikasalterations7865]

The music situation would be a dealbreaker. I would use a basic iPhone and keep your Spotify active, id also use it for the calendar because I rely on mine for work.

[@JoseBriones]

Great update!! Keep it up!

[@tomato010010]

Music reminded me of something funny: many years ago (About 9 years ago or even more) I was walking somewhere outside and I saw someone had dropped their MP3 player on the ground. I picked it up, out of curiosity I tried to turn it on. Now, about 9 years or even more later I'm still using that mp3 player and it works just fine still :)

[@TerryGrier]

I just got my Sunbeam Daisy today ... I need to get it setup!

[@prknride453]

I got my Daisy on April 1st! I’m either an April fool or really trying to change my life for the better 🤣 Let me know if you have any newbie questions and I’ll see if I can help.

[@Sonicstillpoint83]

Thank you for the inspiring video. Dave Cullen has one KZbin channel left called The Dave Cullen Show. His start was as a tech reviewer. The interesting thing was to watch Computing Forever give up his iPhone 4s for a flip phone and move all his work to a set time on a PC. He said that it was a great feeling to leave work at an office without the pressure of feeling like you have to respond to or interact with work 24/7. The ability to be more present with the people around you is something I am trying to cultivate in my social circle.

[@michellemarie1197]

I feel like my life was and can be happier when i wasnt so plugged into being online stuff like tik tok and instagram etc are addicting so is youtube, but i miss just going to the library like when i was 16 when i had a dumb phone and using limited time online and checking out books/dvds, and i miss specifically entertainment and making memories without having to stream or having to go on instagram

[@FeliciaCrunk]

Get an MP3 player! I found one online that had 32gb space with 128 expandable storage and a lot of them now also have bluetooth, they just dont connect to car bluetooth but speakers and earbuds are great and it was like $30

[@rosemariebongiorno5860]

For driving directions to a new place, someone told me you can look up directions online and send them to your Kindle which you take with you.

[@Coverswithchords1]

I was one of the first to walk around here with a mobile phone and looked at strange by people. Now I don't use a cellphone any more and people look strange at me.