39 | How to live without a smartphone in 2026
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I’ve been smartphone-free for a month and a half now, and my life has changed! I want to share what brought me to this decision, what life is like in 2026 without a smartphone and some tips if you want to try this too.
Why I Decided to Get Rid of My Smartphone
Ten years ago, if someone didn’t have a smartphone, I would’ve thought they were crazy. Now, when I find out someone doesn’t have one, I feel jealous. It seems progressive and makes me wonder if I can do that too.
I was listening to the Now That We’re a Family podcast, and they mentioned neither of them had smartphones for years. It was like a light bulb went off. We’re allowed to just get rid of our smartphones??!! And still have a presence online?
My biggest argument for keeping mine was creative work like this podcast. But I realized I was listening to them on a podcast, and they don’t have smartphones. That probably means I can still be creative online without one!
My “New” Dumb Phone
I started looking at non-smartphone options and planned to do this as a 30-day experiment. I didn’t want to spend much money, and then I realized I already had an old phone, a Nokia Lumia 610, that still worked.
The only thing I had to buy was a new SIM card that works with my current phone company.
I switched my SIM into the old phone, and that’s what I use for texts and calls. I still own a smartphone and use it as a tool, but I keep it turned off and tucked away in a drawer unless I actually need it.
Since this is an experiment, I make my own rules. I can use the smartphone during set times for things like groceries, banking, or email as long as I’m using it with a clear purpose and then getting back off. I even started writing a to-do list before I turn the phone on so that I hold myself accountable to only doing those tasks.
My Why
The main reason I wanted to do this was to get back time. Anytime I do a tech experiment like this, I get so much time back. I don’t have time to waste right now. We’re in a busy, all-consuming season of motherhood.
My screen time was about two hours a day. Somehow it added up, and I don’t have that time to lose. I want to be intentional and present with my kids.
When my smartphone was my main phone, I would check it first thing in the morning. I’d get distracted reading emails, monitoring stats, scrolling YouTube shorts, clicking random apps for a dopamine hit and then I’d feel irritable when my kids “interrupted” me.
I wanted to see if I could truly live without a smartphone.
I also wanted to be more intentional about what I’m putting into my mind. It is so easy to overconsume and mindlessly scroll. I didn’t want to treat my mind that way anymore.
Life without a smartphone
The first few days, I almost wanted to cry because I felt so FREE! I felt relieved not having the whole world in my pocket.
I also felt like I had so much time. I read more, create more, and pursue hobbies. Minimal input makes me want to be more creative.
My kids are more at peace. When I’m not distracted, the tone of our home changes. As moms, we set the tone, and my presence impacts them deeply.
Sometimes I miss texts or photos, and honestly, it’s fine. People can call me. They’ll figure it out. I no longer feel pressure to be constantly available.
The Inconvenient side of using a dumb phone
Of course, using a dumb phone is less convinient. But I’m okay with that! I love that my brain needs to work a little harder these days.
I can’t Google things mid-conversation, and I actually love that. We get to wonder and sit with questions.
Shopping is less convenient, but it’s made me more intentional. I write things down or realize later I don’t need them. I even cancelled Amazon Prime!
I take fewer photos, but more intentional ones. I’ve been using my camera again and enjoying photography more. The photos feel richer and more meaningful.
I’m using paper calendars, printing recipes, and slowing down. These inconveniences feel good.
One day, the kids played in the sandbox for over an hour. I had my little purple phone with me, and there was nothing to scroll. No dopamine hit.
I was just alone with my thoughts, and it felt refreshing. I had space to think, pray, and breathe.
Am I Switching Back?
I don’t know, but I have no intention of switching back anytime soon. I want to keep this through the rest of my pregnancy and postpartum.
I still need boundaries with my old smartphone, especially at night, but I much prefer intentional use over accidental scrolling.
Final Encouragement
If you are curious about life without a smartphone, try it! Try it as an experiment for a week, a month, whatever you think you can handle. Everyone I talk to about this seems to say something like, “I would do that, but I need my phone for this one thing…” but I challenge you to explore living without one anyways. There is almost always a workaround. Use a laptop, an iPad, or a phone that isn’t your everyday device.
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