How to perfectly customize your Android smartphone so that it doesn't distract you from important things

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

So that the phone really helps you, and does not take time and attention.

The vast majority of users do not change the default settings in their smartphone. The problem is that built-in apps and endless notifications constantly demand your attention. It's hard to stay productive and enjoy life in this environment.

Several years ago I reviewed gadgets and mobile apps. Then I realized how much free time phones take away. The entire industry is built around your focus. And only you decide who to give it to.

This guide will help you take control back into your own hands. The settings on different devices may differ slightly, but the essence is the same. Go!

Clear your lock screen

One of the reasons Android is so popular is the ability to customize the lock screen. Some people like to add widgets, notifications, and other information to the screen. But all these things distract your attention from the tasks for which you pick up your smartphone.

Remember: the lock screen is just a security measure. You don't need notifications on it - just unlock your phone and move on to more important things. Here's what to do to turn off all notifications.

Open Settings → Security & Location

Go to the "Lock Screen Settings" tab

Select "Don't show notifications."

Remove unnecessary things from your home screen

Most Android smartphones have apps that the manufacturer found useful. In addition, some developers pay money to have their application on the device's desktop. And you, along with the phone, buy an advertisement for someone else's product. Is not cool!

The home screen is everyone's personal business. It is different for everyone, and that's good. There is nothing on my screen other than Google search, date, weather, and navigation buttons.

Whenever I unlock my smartphone, I see a relaxing live wallpaper. It doesn't have any notification icons or news widgets that I won't even read. All applications are hidden in the phone menu, and I can still easily open them.

A clean home screen = a clean mind, and that makes me more productive. Notification icons on apps are an example of how companies try to control your behavior.

Disable most notifications

Notifications have become a real problem. People are constantly checking their smartphones for the next dose of dopamine. The novelist Linda Stone coined a term for this phenomenon - "continuous partial attention."

There are many reasons to turn off notifications. I know that this thought can bring anxiety, but only in this way will you be free.

Start with social media apps. Check your news feed whenever you want, but don't be distracted as you work. Over time, you will realize that all these notifications were completely unimportant.

Then turn off notifications from other apps. These may be reminders of photos you took four years ago. Perhaps you installed the game, and now you have to go into it every hour to collect crystals, coins and other resources.

After that, go to the mail applications. Yes, checking your mail is very important. However, this does not mean that you should be distracted by trifles. “I need mail for work,” you argue. This is certainly true, but will clients or colleagues not be able to contact you in another way? Train yourself to check your email several times a day, such as morning, lunchtime, and evening.

But notifications from instant messengers and SMS can be left. Of course, you don't need to drop everything and reply to every message. Just so you can be sure not to miss anything important.

Here's how to turn off notifications.

Go to "Settings" → "Apps and notifications"

Go to the "Notifications" tab

Select unnecessary apps and turn off notifications

The good thing about this method is that you don't have to go all-in and turn everything off. I'm just giving advice, and you decide which apps distract you the most.

Turn on Do Not Disturb mode

We all need a break from gadgets to regain energy and collect our thoughts. Use the Do Not Disturb mode for this. It can be installed at certain hours, when you most of all do not want to be distracted by your smartphone. I would recommend turning it on an hour before bed and turning it off an hour after waking up. Here's what you need to do for this.

Go to "Settings" → "Sound"

Click the Do Not Disturb Settings tab

Set the time you want

Night filters

The harmful effects of blue light emitted by a smartphone screen have been talked about more than once. The ideal option is not to use the gadget at night. Hardly anyone is capable of such a brave step, so it is enough to install a color filter.

Some smartphones already have this option built in by default. Here's how to turn it on.

• Open "Settings" → "Display".
• Go to the "Night mode" tab.

Set the time and intensity of the color filter

For everyone else, there are apps on Google Play. My favorites are CF.lumen and Twilight.

Final thoughts

Try to implement these tips in life, but without fanaticism: what works in my case may not work in yours.

Android is a flexible operating system. Try to find a balance between productivity and convenience. Just because you like the idea of a blank screen doesn't mean you will like the color filter either. Only use what really helps and makes you happy.