6 Ways to Take Control of Your Smartphone

Your smartphone is arguably the most powerful tool in your life. But it can also be one of the most distracting. You pick it up to check one quick email, and suddenly, 20 minutes have disappeared into a scrolling frenzy. If it feels like your phone is running you instead of the other way around, it’s time to take back control.

Here are some practical ways to reclaim your time, attention, and peace of mind by managing your smartphone more intentionally.

1. Audit Your Apps

Apps on smartphone

Source: primeitconsulting.ch

It’s easy to let your phone turn into a digital junk drawer filled with apps you downloaded on a whim. The first step in taking control is to do a full audit of what’s on your phone.

Go through your apps one by one and ask yourself:

  • Do I use this regularly?
  • Does it improve my life or just waste my time?
  • Is it necessary for work, communication, or another priority?

Delete anything that doesn’t pass the test. Be ruthless – those games you only play to kill time and social media apps that leave you feeling drained have no place on your phone.

Once you’ve decluttered, organize the remaining apps in a way that promotes intentional use. Keep essential tools like email, calendars, and productivity apps on your home screen and bury distractions in folders or move them off the main screen altogether.

2. Turn Off Non-Essential Notifications

Non-Essential Notifications

Source: geekrumor.com

Every ping, buzz, or banner notification pulls your attention away from what you’re doing. And let’s be honest – do you really need to know the second someone likes your Instagram post?

Go into your phone’s settings and turn off notifications for anything that isn’t urgent or necessary. This includes social media, shopping apps, and even email accounts if they aren’t critical to your day.

Keep notifications for things that genuinely require immediate action, like calls, texts, or calendar reminders. By silencing the noise, you’ll reduce unnecessary interruptions and feel more in control of your time.

If you find that your phone is getting spammed with random texts and robocalls, don’t accept this as your reality. There are consumer protections available that are supposed to make these invasions of privacy illegal. Meet with a TCPA attorney to find out the best way to put an end to these.

3. Set Boundaries With Screen Time Limits

Smartphones are designed to keep you hooked, but you can flip the script by setting boundaries on how much time you spend using them. Most phones have built-in screen time tracking and limit features– use them to your advantage.

Start by identifying the apps or activities that consume the most time. Is it social media, games, or endlessly checking your email? Once you know your biggest culprits, set daily limits for those apps.

For example, you might allow yourself 30 minutes a day for Instagram or limit news browsing to 15 minutes in the morning. When you hit your limit, your phone will remind you, giving you a chance to pause and refocus on more productive activities.

4. Create Tech-Free Zones

Tech-Free Zones

Source: blog.firststophealth.com

Your phone doesn’t need to follow you everywhere. One of the best ways to take control is to designate certain areas or times as tech-free zones.

For instance:

  • The bedroom: Keep your phone out of reach (or out of the room entirely) to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your sleep. Use a traditional alarm clock if you need one.
  • The dining table: Make mealtime a chance to connect with family or friends without distractions.
  • Work meetings: Turn off or silence your phone to stay fully present and engaged.
  • Your kids rooms: You don’t need your phone with you when you’re playing with your kids or putting them down for the night. Keep it outside their room and give them your undivided attention during those moments.

5. Use Your Phone for Good, Not Just Distraction

Your smartphone doesn’t have to be a time-waster. Used correctly, it can be a functional tool for improving your life. Shift your focus toward apps and features that help you grow, stay organized, and build healthy habits.

Here are some ideas:

  • Use productivity apps like task managers, calendars, or note-taking tools to streamline your work and personal life.
  • Download fitness or meditation apps to support your physical and mental well-being.
  • Listen to audiobooks or podcasts to learn something new or stay inspired during commutes or downtime.

6. Take Regular Digital Detoxes

Digital detox

Source: muchbetteradventures.com

Sometimes, the best way to regain control of your smartphone is to step away from it entirely. A digital detox can give your mind a break, reduce stress, and help you reconnect with the world around you.

Start small by doing mini-detoxes throughout the day. For example, leave your phone in another room while you focus on a task, go for a walk without it, or turn it off during dinner.

Retake Control

For most of us, our phones control us – not the other way around. But if you want to be less stressed, happier, and healthier, you need to figure out how to shift this balance of power in your favor. Start with the tips highlighted above, and let us know how it goes!

Darinka Aleksic
Darinka Aleksic

Darinka Aleksic, editor at websta.me, boasts 14 years of successful website management. Transitioning from traditional journalism to digital marketing, she now thrives in this dynamic field. Despite her demanding job, Darinka finds time to coach tennis, rejuvenated by working with children. An avid cook, she delights in hosting friends. Above all, she cherishes her role as a mother to two beautiful daughters

WebSta.ME
Logo