This post was last updated on January 5th, 2026 at 09:44 pm
This guide is “almost ultimate” because the topic is too complex to adequately cover in a single post. It aspires to be the ultimate and, as I make additions, maybe someday will. I’m speaking to the roughly 5% of us who embrace dumphones. (And I’m reaching out to anyone who wants to give up their smartphone but might be a little afraid. I want you to know it is possible.)
Dumbphone living can be tricky because most people nowadays assume you and everyone else uses a smartphone. People don’t like to have their assumptions questioned. It creates more work for them. But oh well!
The easiest thing, of course, would be for you to join the rest of the world and throw out your dumbphone. But you’re not reading this post because you’re ready to give up. No, no, no.
You don’t want to become one of those people who stare at their devices for hours and hours. You don’t even want to be tempted. That’s why you’re keeping your dumbphone. Here’s some advice on how to make dumbphone living work.
Overcoming the biggest challenge: digital gates
Dumbphone living requires confidence that you can navigate through the increasing number of what I call “digital gates.” These gates are barriers to any product or service whose access is linked to a software program or app. Uber or Lyft, for example, employ digital gates. You can’t use them without their app.
Many people think nothing of these gates because they live their lives through smartphones. These devices have become extensions of their persons. If you’re going to continue using a dumbphone, you need a strategy for dealing with both the gates and the people who maintain them.
What I’ve included here is a list of gates and advice for navigating them. I start with some general advice and then examine different types of gates.
What to do if you’re asked to scan a QR code
You never know when someone might ask you to scan a QR code. That’s why it helps to have a prepared response, so you’re not caught off guard. It’s important to be polite but don’t be apologetic. When someone asks me to scan a QR code, I say simply, “I don’t have a smartphone. Is there another way to do this?” Give this person a moment to process the fact that you’re asking them to rethink their assumption that every adult uses a smartphone. You’ve thrown them a curveball.
Most of the time, they will be able to offer you an alternative to scanning a QR code. I recently encountered this situation while visiting a trampoline amusement park for a child’s birthday party. The park operator expected everyone to scan a QR code and sign a liability waiver. When I mentioned that I didn’t have a smartphone, I could see the employee’s mind cranking. But after a few moments, she grabbed a company tablet and had me sign the waiver with it.
If it’s a QR code that can be scanned later, ask for the QR code link and access the website at home on a desktop or laptop computer. Or, take a photo of the QR code with your dumbphone and access it later with a tablet.
Use a tablet to run apps
Along with never owning a smartphone, I’ve never owned a tablet. However, I’ve encountered more and more services that work exclusively through apps, which download only to a smartphone… or tablet.
This problem became apparent during our son’s little league season. The coach wanted the parents to use an app known as gamechanger to communicate with each other. The website version of this service lacked many of the features that come with the downloadable app. I managed to stay in the loop through texting and email, but being able to download the app would have been easier.
If I had had a tablet, I could have run the app on it. Problem solved. However, I consider the tablet a last-resort option because tablet use can also become problematic, with many people simply treating them as jumbo-sized smartphones. Proceed with caution on this solution.
How to defeat other digital gates
Any “almost ultimate guide” should act as an encyclopedia of sorts for addressing any topic related to its subject. In this case, I’m providing only a handful of examples and plan to add to this section as time goes on.
Stadiums and concert venues that use e-tickets
The problem: Many sport teams and concert venues now require e-tickets to access events. This means you need to download the team’s or the league’s app to buy tickets and gain admission.
Possible solution: Some stadiums and venues still produce physical tickets, though they might not advertise this service. Call the stadium or venue and let them know you don’t have a smartphone and ask them how you can buy a ticket. There may be an additional fee for a physical ticket, but at least it’s a ticket in. If the stadium or venue still operates a will call, where you can pick up your ticket once you arrive, they likely accept physical tickets.
For venues that don’t offer any type of physical ticket, you may be able to simply print the digital ticket and present the printed ticket. Some venues may not accept any type of printed ticket, so call in advance to ensure they will accept it.
When all else fails, you can always ask a friend or family member who uses a smartphone to hold your ticket. This is not ideal, of course. It also may trigger admonishments about your stubborn refusal to use a smartphone. 🙂
Restaurants with menus available through QR codes
The problem: Some restaurants try to save on printing costs by publishing their menu online. You must scan a QR code to access it.
Possible solution: Politely explain to the waiter or host that you don’t have a smartphone. There’s a good chance the restaurant keeps some physical menus on hand for people like us. Also, they will likely have physical menus in the event that customers cannot access the internet for whatever reason.
Social gatherings facilitated through apps
The problem: Certain hobbies or sports have led to the creation of apps to organize gatherings. If you don’t use the app, you may not know when and where others are meeting.
Possible solution: Try to steer your group toward communicating in a group chat via text. Most dumbphones support group chats.
Otherwise, you may need to resort to downloading the app to a tablet.
Stores that generate digital coupons
The problem: Some stores offer discounts via digital coupons, which dumbphones cannot access.
Possible solutions: The possible solutions depend on how the store provides access to these coupons. Some stores allow you to store these digital coupons in an account, which you can access at checkout without having to use a smartphone. Any discount is automatically applied.
If you’re required to present an actual coupon, you may be able to print it out in advance like a concert ticket. The cashier can then scan the coupon.
Finally, explain to the cashier that you don’t have a smartphone but would like the store to honor the digital coupon, and the cashier might be able to instantly access that coupon for you. No phone required!
Another solution is to shop at stores that don’t accept coupons and don’t have loyalty programs. My personal favorite is ALDI. This store keeps prices low without having to resort to marketing tricks, namely loyalty programs. ALDI doesn’t accept brand coupons, so there’s no fear of missing out on a deal.
The more people embrace anti-smartphone devices, the less likely companies will build their identities around smartphones and their apps
Consider advertising your decision to use a dumbphone
My feelings about not owning a smartphone have evolved over the years. As the smartphone became widespread in the 2010s, I began to feel like I was being left behind and my dumbphone became an embarrassment.
However, over the past five years, I’ve become unapologetic and borderline boastful about my dumbphone. I no longer feel I’m behind the times but actually ahead of the times.
While many companies continue to erect digital gates to try to force people onto their apps, another set of companies is proudly helping people stay offline. Two of my favorite companies are Light and Sunbeam. They both make dumbphones for people who share my concerns about the unhealthy effects of habitual smartphone use.
The more people embrace anti-smartphone devices, the less likely companies will build their identities around smartphones and their apps. By letting the world know you use a dumbphone, you are informing these companies that they risk alienating potential customers.
Whenever you have an opportunity to provide feedback to a company or organization, consider reminding them of your dislike for app-driven services. Remind them that some people don’t use a smartphone and don’t want to be forced to download an app or scan another QR code.
Finally, feel free to contact me with any thoughts on the digital gates in your life and tell me how you work around them. I’d like to consider adding your idea to this “almost ultimate guide”!