Samsung

• I've noticed suggested apps appearing in the recent apps (or multitasking) view on my Samsung device. How can I remove these icons?

  Unfortunately, the minimalist phone app can't control or hide this Samsung-specific app panel. However, you can easily remove it yourself. To do so, simply tap on the three dots located in the multitasking view, then navigate to Settings and disable the "Show recommended apps" option. (see attached screenshot)Few readers

General

• How can I uninstall minimalist phone?

  If you wish to uninstall minimalist phone, you have a couple of options. Firstly, you can go to the minimalist phone settings by tapping on the gear wheel icon located on the page with all apps. From there, select 'More' and then 'Exit' to uninstall the app. Alternatively, if you have not enabled the admin mode, you can uninstall minimalist phone directly from the Google Play Store. Simply open the Play Store app on your phone, search for minimalist phone, and select 'Uninstall'. Either methodPopular

• Is my data safe with minimalist phone?

  Absolutely. At minimalist phone, we are deeply committed to ensuring your data privacy. Our commitment: We respect your privacy and do not sell any of your personal information to 3rd parties. The app does not have access to your personal files such as photos, messages, or any text that you type with the exception of precision mode. If you have enabled precision mode, the app has access to the content of your screen, however, this data doesn't leave your device, and it is also not colSome readers

• I would like to delete the account associated with my email. How can I proceed?

  To delete your minimalist phone email account, please send a request to hello@care.minimalistphone.com. Be aware that if we proceed with deleting your account, you will lose access to any purchases you have made, regardless of their current duration or validity. Stored data includes your email address and the history of your purchases. Data retention period: indefinitely. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate tSome readers

• My phone occasionally freezes since I updated to Android 14. What can I do?

  This freezing issue is a known bug associated with Android 14. It's something that has been affecting various third-party home screens, not just the minimalist phone. This particular bug is something only Google can fix. Description of the issue: When this bug occurs, users are typically unable to swipe left from the main home screen to access the list of all apps.Few readers

• I want really hard restrictions. Can minimalist phone be made so that I can't uninstall it or bypass it?

  The objective of minimalist phone is to encourage mindful phone use rather than enforce absolute restrictions. We believe that positive change comes from conscious decisions and self-motivation, not from stringent controls. While minimalist phone provides several tools to help you manage your smartphone usage, its effectiveness relies largely on your cooperation and willingness to improve your habits. It's important to note that even if we were to impose absolute restrictions, there will alwaysFew readers

• Will I be able to use all my apps after installing minimalist phone?

  Yes, after installing minimalist phone, you will still be able to use all your apps. The minimalist phone application doesn't remove or restrict access to any of your installed apps. Instead, it provides a different home screen interface and offers additional features designed to promote mindful use of your apps. However, through the App Blocker feature, you can choose to temporarily block access to certain apps for specified durations, but this is entirely at your discretion. The main goal ofFew readers

• Can I use gesture navigation instead of the 3-button navigation with minimalist phone?

  Gesture navigation is a feature where you use specific movements, or gestures, on your device's screen to navigate (such as swiping from one side to go back, or swiping up to go home), instead of tapping the three on-screen buttons. Yes, minimalist phone does support gesture navigation. However, please note that Android only supports the combination of a custom home screen and gesture navigation from a certain version onwards. Depending on your device's Android version or the manufacturer'sFew readers

• I cannot switch between apps using the recent apps button on my Google Pixel. What can I do?

  This is a recognised bug on Google Pixel devices, impacting not just minimalist phone but also all other custom home screens. We recommend trying one of the following measures:Few readers

• What is the best way to contact minimalist phone support?

  If you encounter any problems, the best way to contact support is through the app. Go to minimalist phone settings (gear wheel on the page with all apps) → More → Contact support.Few readers

• What is the circle around the clock on my home screen?

  The circle around the clock represents your battery level. A full circle indicates a fully charged battery (100%). As your battery drains, the circle shrinks accordingly. This feature is also explained in the app onboarding.Few readers

• Will my favorite apps still work while using minimalist phone?

  Yes, you will still be able to access all your apps with minimalist phone. However, some apps may need active notifications to function correctly. If your app isn't behaving as expected and you have the minimalist phone notification filter turned on, try enabling notifications by going to minimalist phone settings (gear wheel on the page with all apps) → Notification filter → Settings. Allow notifications for the app that's not working properly. If you encounter any issues, you canFew readers

• Will I receive calls if I get called via social media apps?

  Yes, you can still receive calls through social media apps. To ensure you don't miss calls, make sure their notifications are allowed. To do this, go to minimalist phone settings (gear wheel on the page with all apps) → Notification filter → Settings. If the Notification filter is active, allow notifications for the apps you want to receive calls from.Few readers

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Features

• Where can I find my hidden apps? How to unhide apps?

  To open a hidden app or to unhide an app, go to minimalist phone settings (accessible via the gear wheel icon on the page with all apps) -Home screen -Hidden apps.Popular

• I accidentally blocked an app that I need to access immediately. How can I unblock it?

  Please reach out to our support team for assistance. Go to  minimalist phone settings (gear wheel on the page with all apps) → More → Contact support.Popular

• What does app hiding do? Which apps should I hide?

  The "App Hiding" feature in minimalist phone allows you to make certain apps less accessible, thus helping to reduce potential distractions and the urge to mindlessly open certain apps. When an app is hidden, its name is removed from the main list of apps on the home screen, meaning you have to go through a few more steps within the minimalist phone settings to access it. To open a hidden app or to unhide an app, go to minimalist phone settings (accessible via the gear wheel icon on the page wiSome readers

• How does minimalist phone work?

  minimalist phone is an application designed to help users gain more control over their smartphone usage, reduce screen time, and cultivate a more mindful digital lifestyle. Here's how it works: Custom Home Screen: minimalist phone replaces your typical home screen filled with colorful app icons with a clean, text-based layout. Each application is represented by a simple text entry rather than an icon. This discourages mindless app opening, based on unconscious learned behavior associatedSome readers

• After installing minimalist phone, my lock screen remained unchanged. Is this expected?

  The minimalist phone app doesn't modify your lock screen's content. It does, however, have the capability to set a new, matching wallpaper for your lock screen if you decide to enable this feature. You can do this by navigating to minimalist phone settings (accessible via the gear wheel icon on the page with all apps) -Display -Automatically set matching lock screen background -Enabled.Some readers

• I'd like to use an image as my wallpaper. What can I do?

  Currently, it's not possible to add an image as a background to minimalist phone as we aim to maintain a minimal user interface devoid of visual distractions for all users. However, there's an alternative you might want to try - you can set an image as your lock screen wallpaper. Just ensure that you first disable the automatic wallpaper setting in minimalist phone. To do this, go to the minimalist phone settings (gear wheel icon on the page with all apps), navigate to 'Display' -'AutFew readers

• I don’t want to see the permanent notifications from in-app time reminder and notification filter. What can I do?

  Unfortunately, the display of persistent notifications is a requirement set by the Android OS. Without them, the In-app Time Reminder Service or Notification Filter Service could be arbitrarily stopped by the operating system, causing these features to cease functioning. This is akin to when you're listening to music on your phone - the app also needs to display a notification, otherwise, it could be interrupted at any time. However, you do have the option to hide these notifications manuFew readers

• I keep extending the in-app time reminder instead of leaving the app. What can I do?

  If you find yourself regularly extending the in-app time reminder, we recommend trying the "Mindful launch Delay" or "Mindful extension Delay" features. These options can be enabled from the in-app time reminder dialog when initially setting the time you intend to spend in the app. Just click on the "down arrow" to access these settings. If, even with these adjustments, you're still finding it challenging to limit your time in certain apps, you might want to consider using the "Few readers

• What is the difference between minimalist phone in-app time reminder and Android built-in app time limit?

  minimalist phone's "In-app Time Reminder" and Android's built-in "App Time Limit" both aim to manage app usage, but their approaches differ significantly. Let's compare: minimalist phone's In-app Time Reminder: 1. Custom Time Selection: This feature prompts you to select a desired usage time each time you open an app, encouraging you to set mindful usage limits for every session. 2. Time Extension: Once your selected usage time expires, a popup offers the choice to either leave thFew readers

• What do “mindful launch delay” and “mindful extension delay” features do?

  The "mindful launch delay" and "mindful extension delay" features are designed to help you be more deliberate and intentional about your app usage. "Mindful launch delay" introduces a brief pause before an app launches, giving you a moment to consider if you really want to open it. This can be particularly helpful for apps that might be distracting or addictive. "Mindful extension delay" comes into play when your allotted time for using an app has run out. Before you can extend your tiFew readers

• What does Precision Mode do?

  Precision Mode is a feature designed to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the in-app time reminders and app blocking functionalities in minimalist phone. Here are the key benefits of using Precision Mode: Ensures Timely In-App Time Reminders: If you experience issues where in-app time reminders are not showing up or are delayed, Precision Mode can help resolve these problems, ensuring reminders are displayed on time. Prevents False In-App Time Reminders: Precision ModeFew readers

• Can I modify which app is opened by the swipe-up gesture?

  The swipe-up gesture triggers the app currently designated to manage search actions. To change this, you'll need to clear the defaults in the settings of the app currently being opened. For instance, for Google, long-press on the app name (Google), then go to App Info, and choose 'Clear default'. If you don't find the 'Clear default' option, please follow these steps: Go to your device's Settings -Apps -Default Apps -Opening links. Find and tap the app that is being opened, then select 'CFew readers

• Can I create app shortcuts with minimalist phone?

  Absolutely! minimalist phone supports the creation of app shortcuts, offering you quick access not only to your favorite websites via Chrome or other supportive browsers but also to a wide range of actions or destinations within different apps, like specific locations in Google Maps. To add a shortcut, look for the “Add to home screen” option within the app you're using. It's important to note that the ability to create shortcuts will depend on the features supported by the third-party apps thFew readers

• Does minimalist phone support the creation of folders for grouping apps?

  Yes, it does. To create a folder, simply long-press on any app in the all-apps list and select "Move to Folder". Additionally, you can add folders to your favorite apps. To do this, long-press on any folder and select "Add to Favorites".Few readers

• Scrolling through the app list to find the apps I need is time-consuming. Can you suggest a solution?

  There are a few solutions that might help. Firstly, you could activate the "Automatically Open Keyboard" option in the minimalist phone settings. To do this, go to the gear wheel icon on the page with all apps, navigate to Home screen -Automatically Open Keyboard. If the app name isn't memorable for you, you can rename it to something more recognizable. Just long press on the app in the all apps list and choose "Rename". Pro tip: you can even add emojis to the app name to makFew readers

• Why doesn't the "Exit when time is over" feature work on my Xiaomi/Redmi phone?

  Unfortunately, many Chinese manufacturers, including Xiaomi and Redmi, use a modified version of the Android OS, leading to compatibility issues with apps designed for the standard Android OS by Google.Few readers

• I have enabled the "Automatically set matching lock screen background" feature, but nothing seems to happen. What could be the issue?

  It appears that your phone is encountering a common problem shared by certain Chinese phone models like Xiaomi, Redmi, or Huawei. These particular phones do not support the automatic changing of wallpapers, even when the "Automatically set matching lock screen background" feature is activated. This issue has been documented in a relevant discussion that can be found here. To work around this limitation, you cFew readers

• Can I rearrange the order of my favorite apps?

  Certainly! To reorder your favorite apps, simply long-press on any of the apps you wish to rearrange. Once you have long-pressed, you can easily reorder the apps by dragging and dropping them into your desired position.Few readers

• Is there a way to disable the in-app time reminder for specific apps?

  Yes, the in-app time reminder is activated by default for all social media apps and games, but you can customize the settings for each app. To activate or deactivate the in-app time reminder for a specific app: Option 1: Long press on the app in the list of all apps, then select "time reminder" to adjust your preferences. Option 2: Go to minimalist phone settings (gear wheel on the page with all apps) → In-app time reminder → Apply to following apps and manage yourFew readers

• For which apps does the in-app time reminder work?

  The in-app time reminder is active by default for social media apps and games. However, you can enable it for any app of your choosing. To do so, simply long press on the desired app in the list of all apps, then toggle the "Time Reminder" switch.Few readers

• The time I selected for the in-app time reminder expires even when the app was not open the entire time. Why does this happen?

  The time set for the in-app time reminder is always "per session" and continues running even when the app is not open. This is by design. For example, if you set a social media app to 10 minutes and spend 5 minutes in the app, then click an advertisement that opens a browser, the session timer keeps running while you're in the browser. When you return to the social media app after 5 minutes in the browser, your session time is over, even though the social media app itself was only open forFew readers

• I use the “exit when time is over” mode of the in-app time reminder, but the app is still visible in the recent apps after exiting. Why does

  On Android OS, one app cannot stop the process of another app; it can only move it to the background. This is why you may still see the app in the recent apps view after exiting.Few readers

• Can I choose a custom amount of time for in-app time reminder?

  Yes! When opening an app with the in-app time reminder active, you’ll be prompted to choose your session length. Tap the down arrow to enter a custom time (e.g., “20min”), then select the “Use” button to open the app.Few readers

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Monochrome mode

• What does minimalist phone monochrome mode do? Is it the same as setting everything to black and white in Android settings?

  It’s not the same. The minimalist phone's monochrome mode is a feature that allows users to view selected apps in black and white. This selective approach, which differs from applying a device-wide black and white setting through Android's developer options, is particularly useful for certain apps like Maps or Whatsapp that are more difficult to use without color. Moreover, monochrome mode can contribute significantly to reducing screen time. By rendering certain apps, especially those focusedFew readers

• Is there any other option to activate monochrome mode besides using Windows PC or Mac?

  Currently, the activation process for the monochrome mode requires the use of a Windows PC or a Mac. Please note that this is a one-time requirement. After activation, the computer is no longer needed for this feature. If you don't have access to a Windows PC or Mac, you might consider borrowing one for this one-time setup.Few readers

• While trying to activate the monochrome mode by running a script, I encounter a message stating, "Neither user 2000 nor current process has

  While trying to activate the monochrome mode by running a script, I encounter a message stating, "Neither user 2000 nor current process has android.permission.GRANTRUNTIMEPERMISSIONS". What should I do? It seems you may need to modify an additional setting in the developer options of your phone before connecting it to the PC. Refer to step number 6 in the PDF instructions we've provided. This particular setting is typically labeled as "USB debugging (security settings)", "Disable permissiFew readers

• How to activate monochrome mode for minimalist phone?

  To activate monochrome mode on your smartphone, you need to run certain files on a desktop device. You can do this using the following operating systems: Windows Mac Linux The full tutorial (for Windows and Mac) can be found in the PDF document or the videos belowFew readers

Payments and purchases

• Why is minimalist phone not available for free?

  minimalist phone is a product that has been carefully designed and developed to provide users with an effective tool to reduce screen time and cultivate a mindful relationship with their smartphones. It has been crafted with intention and a significant amount of research, time, and resources have been invested into its development to ensure a top-quality user experience. In order to maintain, improve, and continuously update the app, as well as provide prompt customer support, we have choseFeatured

• How can I request a refund or cancel a free trial?

  For both monthly and yearly subscriptions, you can cancel your free trial directly in the minimalist phone settings. Just navigate to the page with all apps, tap on the gear wheel icon for settings, then select 'More' -'My Payments'. Alternatively, you can manage your subscriptions in the Google Play Store app. To do so, tap on your profile image in the top right corner, then go to 'Payments & subscriptions' -'Subscriptions'. If you've made a one-time purchase and wish to request a refund,Popular

• When will I be charged for buying minimalist phone?

  1. Monthly subscription: You will be charged for your subscription following the 7-day free trial, starting from the seventh day, unless you cancel the trial within the free trial period. 2. Yearly subscription: Similar to the monthly subscription, you will be billed on an annual basis starting from the fourth day after the 7-day free trial, unless you cancel within this trial period. 3. One-time purchase: Unlike the subscription options, the one-time purchase option will charge youPopular

• How can I change my plan or subscription?

  To change your plan, you have two options at the moment: Write to us at hello@care.minimalistphone.com, along with your Play Store email, and request a plan change. Cancel your current plan in the Play Store, wait until it expires or until your trial ends, and then choose a new plan inside the minimalist phone app.Popular

• Can I use my minimalist phone purchase on multiple devices or a new device?

  Absolutely! Your purchase of minimalist phone is linked to your Google account. This means you can use it across multiple devices or even on a new device. Just ensure you're logged into the same Google account that you used to make the original purchase, and you'll be able to access the full version of minimalist phone with ease.Few readers

• I purchased the app, but I'm being asked to buy the plan again. What should I do next?

  This is a known Play Store bug that affects all apps, particularly users with multiple accounts. If your purchase hasn't loaded, please contact our tech support. Please reach out to us by following these steps: Go to minimalist phone settings (gear wheel on page with all apps) –More –Contact support via email.Few readers

• What is the price of minimalist phone? How much will I pay?

  The pricing for minimalist phone varies by region and local taxes. To view the current pricing, please download and open the app. We offer monthly, annual, and one-time purchase options, each including a free trial.Few readers