WE BOUGHT DUMB PHONES! How it’s honestly going.

[@DianaKerr]

Want more inspiration to live boldly and radically? Check out my video, 47 things I don’t do, Mom edition:kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6fJloV_hc5lgZI

[@jaclyndekay6741]

I remember when smart phones first came out I was SO proud of how long I avoided getting one. Then I finally caved and have slowly become more and more addicted to it. Detoxing from it and making it be a tool for us rather than us being a tool for it is certainly where I need to go with it.,

[@DianaKerr]

You're not alone! I mean, look around--even our grandmas are addicted to these things! haha It's CRAZY to me to think that 10 years ago when I got married very few people had smart phones (my husband and I printed out paper maps from Mapquest for our honeymoon LOL) and now they have COMPLETELY changed the way we live and have been adopted by most people in less than a decade. What do you think your first step in detoxing might be, Jaclyn?? :)

[@Gangst3r4ever]

I never caved. My dad forced me to use one. He bought one for me. In 2015

[@wyoag12]

What a great discussion!

[@DianaKerr]

Thanks for watching!

[@marianichelle]

Thank you for this!!! Seriously! It's never hit me so hard until this video, and honesty, I have not even made it halfway through your video yet. But, thank you. ❤ Especially all the bits about our children. I give so many other things, people, and families, my attention, and completely push away my own life right in front of me. But no one ever wants to admit this! And I really do think this may have done it for me now. Thank you. Even if it was just to yank my eyes open so much more to see what I'm doing, not just to me, but my own family, loved ones, and children!!! If I could help prevent them from becoming half as bad as I am at times, then I'm all for it. Sorry, so long of a comment. I wanted to show my appreciation. ❤

[@johnonebigscribble]

Love this honest video, I have had a similar journey and it was nice to listen to both of you 🇬🇧

[@DianaKerr]

Thank you! 🙂

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

I made my iPhone a dumb phone by deleting everything except texting, phone, and Spotify. I also removed any ability to do an internet search, the web browsers, and blocked the app store so I don't download anything else. It dropped my screen time from two to three hours a day to an average of 30 minutes.

[@candellina6]

I am in the deepest part of my phone addiction right now. I've been binging these pro dumb phone videos. They couldn't have come at a better time

[@DianaKerr]

I hope they're a blessing to you!

[@Whatsbrewingwithb]

Super motivating video!! A year and a half ago I left IG (& deleted my FB account, though I didn’t go on there much) and I stopped blogging because I felt like I was missing out on life with my kids that were right in front of me. I did this with the intention of taking a two-week break but I haven’t looked back. It’s been the best decision! You have now motivated me to take it further and remove more apps from my phone to make it more of a dumb phone. I think I will love it! Thanks for the encouragement. ❤️

[@DianaKerr]

Haha that makes me want to quit YouTubing! haha I love that you tried out the blogging break and then never returned! It sounds like it's going awesome for you!

[@halvardlundnorway]

I want to switch, but need a group or something to talk around the ways I can do it...

[@DianaKerr]

I would make a list of your specific challenges/questions and then one by one start Googling or asking around how you could work around it! :) You are not alone!

[@paulinacomesclean]

My husband has been talking about this for several months now too! Maybe we will be weird like you guys soon :)

[@DianaKerr]

Haha come join the club! :)

[@Tidybitz]

It's not weird, it's it's being sensible.

[@jeannettecleveland5233]

I recently removed the browser off my phone (maybe two months ago) and it’s been a game changer. In the past I’d remove social media apps but then just go to the browser to log into say insta or fb so it totally defeated the purpose. This has been so different and I don’t miss it. Every once in awhile it’s a little inconvenient but still worth it. I love the idea y’all shared about deleting email. After watching this I just moved that app to be less convenient and might end up deleting. Thanks for sharing this; it’s a message that needs to be heard in the church for sure!

[@DianaKerr]

Jeannette, I'm chuckling because I used to do the same thing! Go to instagram.com or facebook.com without the app on my phone! Huge high 5 to you for taking the browser off!

[@FrumpFighters]

Wow loved that insight... those who get dumb phones are basically seeking to reduce their phones to the tools that serve them without the apps they end up serving. This was very practical and helpful! Have thought about getting a dumb phone, but realizing I can turn my smartphone into a dumb phone while keeping the truly helpful tools, and camera, smart!

[@DianaKerr]

Yeah, doesn't that just totally shift the way you think about your phone? When we started pouring over internet articles and seeing that theme, a light bulb went off! It makes so much sense!

[@sretzlaff6389]

I don't think I could go to a dumb phone for a few reasons, but I love the idea of scaling it back for sure. I am going to see how many apps I can do on my computer or if not, on the web (through the website) vs. having them on my phone. :) Super fun--and inspiring! Thanks for sharing. :)

[@DianaKerr]

I was surprised how many things you can do on a computer vs. using an app! Or like how when I told Whole Foods I couldn't give them my Prime code on my phone for them to scan, they were like, "Oh, you can just type in your phone number on the key pad!" And all these years I was using my phone (and then likely getting distracted by other things on it lol) when I didn't need to. :D

[@michaeldhondt368]

I totally discounted and canceled my home internet, cable, all subscriptions and got a rugged flip phone. When i need to use internet i hotspot my flip phone over to my smart phone. i am watching this videos and typing this on my flip phone

[@DianaKerr]

Dang, love it! That's awesome!

[@angeliegreen8915]

You can also do with tracfone... we have. it is so good. GABB phone is what we use for our kids.

[@DianaKerr]

I just heard about GABB somewhere else recently! That sounds like such a great option for kids! Not familiar with tracfones? What are those like?

[@rkcthatsme]

y'all should try the Gabb Wireless dumb phone!! I tried the light phone for a couple of months but I wanted to be able to send photos. With the Gabb Phone you can only text and call but you can also send photos/group text. It's marketed towards kids but I'm 27 and I love it lol

[@DianaKerr]

I haven't heard of that one but it sounds amazing!

[@hawaiifiles]

I often use my $20 Alcatel Flip phone as my daily use phone vs. my Pixel 4a which mostly stays at home.

[@DianaKerr]

So smart! I love that it's $20! Way cheaper than the Light Phones! :)

[@Tidybitz]

Kudos to you two. I've never been really 'addicted' to my smart phone and don't do social media apart from KZbin. The only time I take my mobile phone to bed is if I need an extra alarm the next morning. I really want a nice dumb phone, preferably a flip phone which is a quality device and not a flimsy plastic one. I find it extremely rude if I'm in company and someone is constantly checking their phone or reading their Facebook crap. Grrr! Enjoyed your video.

[@katiejensen9345]

I would love to hear what apps you use to coordinate/ share with each other (i.e. lists, calendar, photos, etc)

[@DianaKerr]

Google Calendar and Todoist (for shopping lists) are the main ones! :) We put all our photos into Google Drive from our phones!

[@soniateach]

How did you manage scheduling, calendars and to-dos when you were using light phone? I just bought flip phone and I'm trying to figure out the logistics!

[@DianaKerr]

So I was going to keep using Google Calendar and Todoist but obviously I wouldn't have access to those away from home!

[@RBT_DATOS]

Do you still use the flip phone and you haven't returned to the networks?

[@DianaKerr]

The video explains where our journey ended up! :) Although my husband just bought a cheap dumb phone again last week, so we'll see where that goes!

[@RBT_DATOS]

@@DianaKerr I bought a Blu Tank Flip, which only uses WhatsApp and nothing else. 2 weeks ago to get rid of stopping looking at the phone all the time and to get rid of social networks forever

[@2too]

Can`t remove web browser in iphone or android. How to remove that? It becomes a temtetiatin to use that, if that is still there.

[@DianaKerr]

No you cannot uninstall it; just disable it. Perhaps parental controls could work? Not sure. My husband and I hold each other accountable to not enable Chrome because we're in this together! :)

[@ameliainva]

What had you choose between the light phone for several hundred dollars or something like the Nokia 105 for $41. Is there a difference? Both don’t have a camera.

[@DianaKerr]

Great question! I don't remember exactly. Probably the GPS option on the Light Phone had something to do with it. :)

[@TH-eb5ro]

"Smartphone' played with our egos 'dumbphone' will also. DM phone, digital minimalism plays out easier. Thanks for sharing this.

[@DianaKerr]

Thanks for watching!

[@Atheria444]

I think the Light Phone 2 is too pricey for what it is. Like what you ended up doing, I've been telling people to dumb down their smartphones by deleting most apps, turning off data, etc. Granted, I really would like a smaller phone. I'm tired of how huge smartphones are now and I actually have never liked touchscreens. I want buttons! :-)

[@DianaKerr]

I think the Light Phone technology will be amazing eventually! And yes, I am SO with you on preferring buttons vs. touch screen! Glad I'm not the only one! haha

[@redshed2020]

I too miss buttons.

[@jameshjacksonjr]

im team lightphone 2 as well im on year 2 and not going back to smartphone!!!

[@DianaKerr]

Amazing!!! Rock on!

[@franthonycornett1742]

Did you use voice to text at all? I'm not sure which software version you were running but you can also use the cursor to edit text messages. I haven't jumped over yet but preparing to at least in part. I have google calendar events texted SMS to my phone number.

[@DianaKerr]

Voice to text isn't a feature on the Light Phone as far as I know! :( But great idea!

[@franthonycornett1742]

@@DianaKerr It definitely is. Click the mic button on the text screen, unless you are running an old software?

[@mauriesmith6854]

Yes! I am planning on trying a light phone when my iphone dies (it's three years old!), but I have done a lot of what you mentioned in this video. The key for me was switching off color (there's a black and white setting option on the iphone). That alone changed my screentime from an hour plus down to 30-45 minutes a day. Something about the lack of color makes doing anything unnecessary much less appealing! It does make it harder to take good photos, but I prefer to stay in the moment rather than document it 95% of the time, so it's not a bad thing for me. I have a film camera for taking photos when there is something I want to document, and I can still take the occasional iphone photo. (It also has a side benefit of making photo storage/organization much less intimidating. I take about 36 photos/month on film and maybe another 10-12 on my phone. Dropping those into a folder for each month is simple and it's easy to find a photo when I need one!)

[@DianaKerr]

YES! Can't remember if I mentioned that in this video, but we both have put our phones on grayscale and that definitely makes such a difference! Kudos to you for these changes! Sounds like they're working well for you!!

[@mm7411]

Great idea!

[@brianwestbrook2113]

Turning your smartphone into a 'less than' smartphone is the way. Jumping into a cold mountain stream is not appealing, at least to me. Also switching your phone from colour to B&W is the first I heard of it. This is a brilliant idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@nicks2528]

So let me get this I have just spent 20 minutes on my phone learning how to spend less time on my phone 😕

[@DianaKerr]

Hahahaha! The irony!

[@laudemgloriae3]

Anyone know of a possibility of using rideshare apps with any of the simple phones out there? That's my one hang up for making the switch back to my flip phone. I was thinking of switching also to only a smartwatch for that too until I found out you can't use Uber anymore with them either. Could these simple phones do that? But otherwise, I'm liking the idea of just making my smartphone as basic as possible. Also, when you guys say taking the internet off your phone in this video, do you mean like a web browser? Thanks!

[@DianaKerr]

That's a great question! When we switched to the Light Phone initially, we kept our smart phones because you can just pop the sim card back into your smart phone anytime you need it and it works beautifully. Our plan was that we'd take a smart phone along on vacations to have access to ride sharing, Internet as needed, etc. And yes, we removed the browser! So Chrome is disabled. If someone sends me a link in a text, I can't open it on my phone. :)

[@ThirdEyeGoat369]

Uber has a phone number to call to request a ride now.

[@whichypoohs]

Addicted. Just taken out my 18 year old Nokia. I woke up four times last night; no scrolling. No iPhone, so i simply went back to sleep.

[@DianaKerr]

Isn't it amazing how you realize your addictive tendencies when you can't do them anymore? 18 year old Nokia--that's baller! Love it!

[@philipdove1705]

What brand are these phones? And do they have a nice camera that's my only question

[@DianaKerr]

Light Phones do not have a camera at this time. Our Google Pixels (very inexpensive smart phones compared to other options out there) have amazing cameras though!

[@simplegiftsandtruths8263]

What's the name of these phones? It was hard to hear when you mentioned the name. Thanks 🙂

[@DianaKerr]

Sorry about that! They're called Light Phones!

[@thejournalingjourney]

I’m a crunchy mama with a circle of crunchy mama friends and many of us have talked about this idea. None of us have pulled the trigger yet. We’ve also all talked about getting rid of TVs which I think would be really nice. It’s surprising to me when I notice how anxious I sometimes get because I feel overwhelmed by all the things I’m consuming on my phone. Minimizing screens is definitely on my radar, but I still don’t know how to practically apply the idea.

[@DianaKerr]

I totally get this! It's like you want things to change, but to actually make the change is scary or overwhelming or feels too over-the-top. haha I would say TEST out the things you're interested in changing and see how it goes! When we wanted to get rid of our microwave but weren't sure we could do without one, we put it in the basement for a while until we were sure--Yep! Give it away! So you could do the same with TV or phones, etc.! You got this, Rachel! :) Be the trailblazer among your crunchy mama friends!

[@TheTuareg]

I left only tool apps on mine. It helps

[@DianaKerr]

Yep, super smart!!

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I've got a sonim xp3 plus flip phone I love it. Only complaints I've got is when my phone is on WiFi at home it cuts out, but over all it makes calls and I don't need a smartphone. I'm approaching my fourth year using a dumbphone this January. Next dumb phone I'm getting will be a candybar style,and if my phone carrier stops supporting it I'll join jitter bug or a cellphone carrier used by senior citizens

[@DianaKerr]

You've really thought it out! Nice!

[@JH-ht2me]

They are and should not be called dumb phones, they are mobile phones. I have Punkt MP02 new generation phone. I also have a MacBook Air and a Samsung tablet which are my computers so why the hell would I need a third computer aka smart phone? I have a standalone SATNAV for my van. I could not be happier and don't feel I am missing out on anything.

[@DianaKerr]

Thanks for your perspective!

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I like using a physical gps unit, mp3 player with pirated songs, tablets and laptops.

[@DianaKerr]

Yeah, the physical GPS unit is a smart workaround!

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I even keep a compass and nap around as a backup

[@bronzedragon18]

Is it just me or do the people who make these switching videos always go extreme and get the most basic dumbphone they can? Personally I need to stay in contact with my people and do some smartphone like things so I plan to get a transition phone as Jose Briones would put it, something like the AGM M7 ,,Blu Tank Flip or the Cat S22 Flip...

[@DianaKerr]

If you watch the whole video you'll see what we did! ;)

[@steventhompson4359]

Suprised y'all haven't come across the gabb phone service. It's exactly what you seem to be looking for and the monthly cost is incredibly low.

[@DianaKerr]

I'll have to look that up! Thanks!

[@joshuafrieze8956]

You should try gabb wireless

[@DianaKerr]

Not familiar with that, but thanks for the rec!

[@ro8inmorgan]

I'm really interested in your expiriences but the audio quality makes this hard to watch. I' m sorry.

[@DianaKerr]

That is totally fair. I'm sorry! Thanks for being honest.

[@darnellmahomes15]

Touch screens are a waist of money

[@alwayscuriousalwayslearnin]

the only things I would prefer on my phone is bluetooth for my fitbit kind of watch talk text and also being able to take a picture or video and transfer files either via USB or tiny card I really dont need access to the internet maybe to update the phone but even then if it had usb or simcard type thing i could update the phone that way. I used my PC and or laptop or tablet for emails and surfing the net I have never used a cell phone to surf the net or access emails .

[@DianaKerr]

That's interesting! It sounds like you're already using your phone for the sake of its tools and not getting sucked in to things that can kind of take over your life. Kudos!

[@DaeViZ0n3]

what if someone back when you were you did have an AC or even a computer. They would probably be addicted of the cool air or the convenience of being ble to access information. I guess it comes down to perspective. when your kids are excessively using their phones, just take it from them and teach them that you will take it again when they fail to listen to what you say or get their job (school) done..

[@DianaKerr]

Yeah, that's one way to do it! :)

[@jennylhenry78]

I absolutely agree. Make your smartphone be a tool for you and not the other way around. My husband and I like to have Google calendar synced to each other's appointments etc. We both have Google keep documents that we can access for lists etc. And I have all of our banking and bills apps on my phone. We've had identity theft in the past so I really appreciate the immediate notification of a charge coming through for that just in case situation. And even other apps you may have on your phone you can turn off all the notifications. Like we use GroupMe for our church but I do not have it make any kind of notification when a message comes through that's a sound at least because then if I want to check the conversation I'll just do that when I want to not as soon as I hear a ding sound. The only social media I have is Facebook still, and my husband and I have a joint account, and I would be fine to completely get rid of it. Otherwise I only use youtube, and because I homeschool I can't be just sitting around watching videos, so I try and only do that during our afternoon quiet time or after children go to bed.

[@DianaKerr]

It sounds like you've really thought this through, Jenny! Kudos for your intentionality!

[@joshuafrieze8956]

You should just a gps for your car.

[@DianaKerr]

Yes, that's what I might have done if I stuck with the Light Phone!

[@mm7411]

My concern is EMF, radiation and info gathering. Smart phones have most ppls, facial recognition, finger print, voice recognition, Health status, sleep status, location at all times... no to mention all your passwords, finacial institutions, access to your soul. No joke, Have you done any research on this before you boought the "light phone" God Bless your family. Time of Judgement is now. God help us all. Repent.

[@DianaKerr]

Yes, I am familiar with much of what you spoke of. :( What would you recommend to remediate those concerns?

[@sunseeker4775]

Sounds to me that people need to develop self control.

[@DianaKerr]

Please share your tips with us! :) We would love to hear! Until then, I will certainly keep trying to cultivate Godly self control and in the meantime I'll use strategies to keep my flesh and my limited daily willpower from being bombarded with temptations. :)

[@sanspeed7592]

Learn put your IPhone & SamSungs down for 35 minute s a day people

[@DianaKerr]

Aww man, if only it was that easy, right?! haha

[@WeinsEarp]

Do you know what the real nonsense time killer is? KZbin. lol

[@DianaKerr]

I know, right? The irony. :D

[@hattan6775]

Thank you so much ❤ I hope you will reaction to Islamic videos you will learn a lot ❤

[@davidwayne9982]

Except for the great camera--- I'd love to go back to a flip phone. I had a Samsung Rugby and that was tough as naisl-- I dropped it off the roof of a 3 story appartment building- it bounced off the concrete twice and INTO the pool- where it laid for 15 minutes or more for me to get down and retrieve it.. Yet when I opened it- wiped it dry- it worked PERFECTLY-- call quality was great- and even in dead spots coming across country!!! I HATE seeing folkd on their phones all the time. I drove tow truck for years and 73% of every accident I worked- and towed away from-- was CAUSED by someone on their cell phone!!! They're just STUPID. they dod NOT make like any better and sure not easier. I'd just hate to lose the really great camera. I think PHONES are for CALLING-- and computers are for email- etc... when you FEEL like it- or NEED to-- NOT all the time.

[@DianaKerr]

Yeah, losing the camera is a bummer! We'd have to go back to just enjoying the moment with a mental snapshot OR carrying around a small digital camera to any photo-worthy occasions like I used to do! haha Definitely not as convenient, but potentially worth it!

[@davidwayne9982]

@@DianaKerr You COULD keep the smart phone ad DELETE the social junk - keep the calculator and couple of NON- addictive things- inclduing the camera.

[@jennylhenry78]

It's really about creating self discipline.

[@DianaKerr]

I try to rely on discipline and willpower as little as possible because I know how weak I am! haha But yes, discipline is DEFINITELY an area to keep practicing and growing in as the Holy Spirit sanctifies us and makes us more like Jesus!! :) (Lord, please give me more discipline!! :))

[@jennylhenry78]

@@DianaKerr I agree that we can become more disciplined as we growing more mature in Christ. But I do believe being disciplined is a practice. So in order to be more disciplined we must choose something to discipline our bodies with; whether that be getting up early, fasting, denying ourselves of something, etc.

[@kathiebaldwin6169]

The only thing I want to comment on is that Kyle said that he leaves his phone home when he takes the kids for a walk. I'm not sure that's such a good idea. Wouldn't it be better to bring it along, even if it's turned off, in case there's an emergency situation while on the walk? There are SO MANY things that can happen, which is one reason that we got cell phones in the first place!

[@DianaKerr]

You make a great point! We live in a fairly urban area so the nice thing is that even if there was an emergency and we didn't have a phone on us, there are neighbors' homes all around or other people who surely have their phones that we could borrow. :)

[@johnonebigscribble]

Love this honest video, I have had a similar journey and it was nice to listen to both of you 🇬🇧

[@DianaKerr]

Glad you enjoyed it!