Surviving Without My iPhone: A Five-Day Challenge
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Chapter 1: Introduction
How long do you think you could manage without your smartphone? Back in December 2019, I switched to an iPhone 7 after using a flip-top Samsung and a Nokia. My partner suggested I try an Apple smartphone, and I quickly fell in love with it. The vibrant icons, user-friendly interface, and easy messaging made it a delightful upgrade. However, it took me some time to adapt to making calls.
One Thursday, while visiting a friend, I accidentally left my phone at her house. Rather than making the trip back, I decided to spend three days without it. When I finally returned to retrieve my iPhone, I was surprised to find that I had grown accustomed to life without my device.
During those three days, I relied on my desktop computer for online messaging and found that checking my inbox once a day was more than sufficient. Without my phone constantly at my side, I felt more present and less tempted to check for notifications every few minutes. I even had my old iPad ready for any necessary Google searches.
Additionally, my phone rarely rings, so I didn’t worry much about missing calls. My family and friends could always reach me on our landline, which is a great backup option.
A landline phone is a traditional device that connects to the phone network via copper wires or fiber optics, as opposed to mobile networks. It's essential to have this backup, especially if you live in areas supported by the National Broadband Network (NBN) in Australia. The NBN project is replacing outdated copper lines for better internet access.
If you're in Australia and lack NBN service, an old rotary phone can still be plugged directly into a wall socket. It requires no electricity, making it reliable in emergencies. I remember using one as a teenager, relying on pulse dialing to make calls—an experience that feels like a distant memory today.
Chapter 2: Reflections on the Experience
When I finally retrieved my iPhone, I recalled a previous incident where I inadvertently activated Voice Over after downloading iOS 15. I had spent hours trying to disable it, dreading being without my phone while seeking support from Apple.
To my surprise, I found myself in a similar situation when, during another visit to a friend, I forgot my phone at home for an additional two days! I had my laptop, so I messaged my partner to turn off my phone, knowing that any incoming messages could wait.
The lesson here is to remain calm when you find yourself without your smartphone. Consider why you might need it and explore your alternatives:
- Retrieve your phone if necessary.
- Inform important contacts to reach you through other means.
- Report the phone as lost if it’s truly missing, especially if sensitive apps are involved.
- Use a landline or your desktop computer for online messaging.
- Create a checklist to avoid leaving your phone behind in the future.
Ultimately, it's essential to embrace the unexpected freedom that comes with disconnecting from your mobile device. Thank you for reading! If you’re interested in issues related to missing apps, check out my article on the Amazon Music app disappearing from iPhones.