• Save this image to Photos
  • Settings → Wallpaper → Customize Home Screen
  • Settings → Home Screen → App Icon Size → Large
  • Settings → Home Screen → Show App Labels → Off
  • Arrange your apps to match the labels
  • Move everything else to App Library

    • Background Generator

    Create a custom wallpaper with app labels built-in. Keep your home screen minimal and intentional.

    Setup Guide

    Follow these steps to transform your iPhone into a focused communicator device.

    1

    Download Your Wallpaper

    Use the generator above to create your custom background. Save it to your Photos app and set it as your Home Screen wallpaper only.

    • Open Settings → Wallpaper → Customize
    • Tap on Home Screen
    • Choose your generated image from Photos
    • Position and scale as needed, then Set
    2

    Organize Your Home Screen

    Arrange your essential apps in a single vertical column aligned with your wallpaper labels.

    • Long-press any app to enter "jiggle mode"
    • Set app icon size to Large (Settings → Home Screen → App Icon Size → Large)
    • Turn off app labels (Settings → Home Screen → Show App Labels → Off)
    • Arrange 6 apps vertically on left or right side matching your wallpaper
    • Place 1-4 essential apps in the dock
    • Move all other apps to the App Library (swipe left past your last home screen)
    3

    Configure Notification Settings

    Reduce notification noise by allowing only essential alerts.

    • Messages: Allow notifications from Favorites only
    • Mail: VIP senders only, disable badge
    • Reminders: Time-sensitive only
    • Calendar: Events only (no invitation responses)
    • Social Media: Turn OFF all notifications
    • Enable Focus modes for different contexts (Work, Personal, Sleep)
    4

    Set Up Productive Widgets

    Use the Today View (swipe right from home screen) for glanceable information.

    • Calendar: Show today's agenda
    • Reminders: Display upcoming tasks
    • Weather: Current conditions
    • Battery: Device and accessories status
    • Screen Time: Daily usage summary (for awareness)
    • Remove: News, social feeds, and entertainment widgets
    5

    Enable Screen Time Limits

    Set boundaries for distracting apps and categories.

    • Settings → Screen Time → App Limits
    • Social Networking: 15 minutes/day (or less)
    • Entertainment: 30 minutes/day
    • YouTube: 45 minutes/day (if included)
    • Set a Screen Time passcode and give it to someone you trust
    • Enable "Block at End of Limit" for serious commitment
    6

    Remove or Restrict Distracting Apps

    The nuclear option: delete apps that waste your time.

    • Delete: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter/X, Reddit
    • Keep (with limits): YouTube (for long-form content), Music/Podcasts
    • Replace: Safari → Use DuckDuckGo with strict privacy settings
    • Log out of social media on Safari to add friction
    • Consider using website blockers or focus-mode app restrictions

    Best Practices & Pro Tips

    🎯 Stay Intentional

    Before unlocking your phone, ask: "What am I about to do?" If you don't have a clear answer, put it away.

    ⏰ Batch Processing

    Check email and messages at set times (9am, 1pm, 5pm) instead of constantly. Use Focus modes to enforce this.

    🌙 Digital Sunset

    Enable "Wind Down" focus mode 1 hour before bed. Turn on grayscale mode to make your screen less appealing.

    📵 Phone-Free Zones

    Designate areas where your phone isn't allowed: bedroom, dining table, bathroom. Get a real alarm clock.

    🎵 Music as Focus Tool

    Use your Music app for deep work sessions. Create playlists for different contexts (focus, exercise, relaxation).

    📝 Quick Capture

    Use Notes and Reminders for quick thoughts. Set up Siri shortcuts for hands-free capture without opening your phone.

    🔒 Hide the Library

    Keep only ONE home screen page. This forces you to use search or Siri to open other apps, adding intentional friction.

    📊 Weekly Review

    Check Screen Time every Sunday. Celebrate wins, adjust limits for problem areas, and refine your setup.

    Recommended Device Settings

    Display & Brightness

    • Appearance: Auto (or Dark for less eye strain)
    • True Tone: On
    • Auto-Lock: 30 seconds (shorter is better)
    • Raise to Wake: Off (reduces impulsive checks)

    Focus Modes

    • Do Not Disturb: Allow calls from Favorites only
    • Work Focus: Work apps + essential contacts
    • Personal Focus: Personal apps + family contacts
    • Sleep Focus: Everything silenced, grayscale optional
    • Schedule Focus modes to activate automatically

    Accessibility (Secret Weapons)

    • Display → Color Filters → Grayscale: Makes phone less appealing (use with shortcuts)
    • Per-App Settings: Reduce motion for distracting apps
    • Spoken Content: Have articles read to you instead of scrolling
    • Back Tap: Set double/triple tap for Shortcuts (quick access to tools)

    Notifications

    • Show Previews: When Unlocked (not on Lock Screen)
    • Notification Grouping: By App
    • Scheduled Summary: Enable for non-essential apps
    • Badge Icons: Off for most apps (creates anxiety)
    • Allow Lock Screen notifications for: Phone, Messages (favorites), Reminders

    Screen Time

    • Downtime: 10pm - 8am (adjust to your schedule)
    • Communication Limits: During Downtime, allow contacts only
    • Always Allowed: Phone, Messages, Maps, Music
    • App Limits: Set daily limits for categories
    • Share Across Devices: On (applies to all Apple devices)

    Safari & Privacy

    • Prevent Cross-Site Tracking: On
    • Hide IP Address: On
    • Default Search Engine: DuckDuckGo (privacy-focused)
    • AutoFill: Off for passwords (use external manager)
    • Clear History: Weekly or after distracting browsing sessions

    Communicator Bingo 🎯

    Track your wins as you rediscover life beyond the screen. Click to cross out when achieved!

    B
    I
    N
    G
    O
    B-1 First time bored during a poop
    I-1 Ate meal without screen
    N-1 Made eye contact with stranger
    G-1 Remembered phone number
    O-1 Full album start to finish
    B-2 Conversation without checking phone
    I-2 Waited in line phoneless
    N-2 Invented a game from boredom
    G-2 Read 30+ min straight
    O-2 Walk without headphones
    B-3 Noticed something new nearby
    I-3 Had memorable thought
    ★ FREE SPACE
    G-3 Finished avoided task
    O-3 Called instead of texted
    B-4 10 min silence
    I-4 Played catch 30+ min
    N-4 Solved problem without Google
    G-4 Battery lasted 2 days
    O-4 Coffee without scrolling
    B-5 Lost phone for hours
    I-5 Started new hobby
    N-5 Day under 1hr screen time
    G-5 Resisted phone reach
    O-5 Taught someone else

    Your progress is saved locally on this device