New Detox Mode on HMD Skyline helps rein in screentime

Digital fatigue, a reality check

Raise your hand if your relationship status with your phone is “it’s complicated”. You’re not alone. The numbers are in, and many of us are feeling it. Nearly 40% of 16–24-year-olds worry they’re spending too much time on social media.¹ It can be especially challenging for those that rely on smartphones to stay competitive and relevant. Everything from creative side hustles where you need to edit photos and reply to clients on-the-go, to tracking menstrual cycles or calming down with a meditation before sleep, a smartphone feels essential to “making it”. But what’s the cost of all this connectivity? Like, what’s the catch?

For instance, doesn’t it bug you when you’re trying to have a meaningful catch-up with your BFF at brunch and they must check every notification that pings? Or how about those beauty sleep hours you lose too often to late night doom scrolling on social media. You love being a part of those fun group chats, but sometimes the pings just never stop.

The catch is this… phone overload.

Symptoms of phone overload can include...

How many do you have?

• Tired eyes
• FOMO
• Poor sleep quality
• Increased stress
• Shortened attention span
• Impaired productivity
• Tech neck
• Self-esteem issues

Most of us struggle with quite a few of these. But don’t worry, you don’t need to swear off your smartphone and go live in the woods. We believe it’s possible to enjoy all the benefits of smartphones without suffering from so many of the consequences.

In fact, we’re so committed to this idea that we launched The Better Phone Project, which focuses on finding entirely new solutions to reduce the potential downsides of smartphone usage. Meanwhile, we’ve also introduced a new feature called Detox Mode—a helpful tool to take breaks from your phone in the short term as we work toward more permanent solutions through The Better Phone Project.

Why you should digital detox

Did you know the average 20-something spends 4.5 hours per day online on their mobile phone?¹ As fun as it is to stay updated with the latest trends, there really is such a thing as ‘too much of a good thing’. Especially when it starts to affect your ability to focus. When we overindulge in other areas of our lives, a detox is a nice way to reset. And it's no different when it comes to overindulging with your phone.

Stepping away from the pressure of instant communication and access to everything at your fingertips is one of the best things you can do for your mental health.

In Detox Mode, with a few clicks, your most addicting and distracting apps just disappear from your screen—e.g., your favorite social media app can no longer eye tease you when you open your phone. Out of sight, out of mind.

All that energy you used to spend on maintaining self-control not to open those apps can now be funneled toward finishing that side hustle or joining that local charity walk. Bonus points for all the quality time you get to spend with friends and family.

What is Detox Mode?

Not everything in the digital world can be as pretty as your social feed. With that said, nothing cramps flow like a clunky tool that has like a million steps, right? This is why we’ve made this feature as streamlined and simple as possible. In fact, we think it’s even kind of pretty.

Detox Mode has now landed on HMD Skyline phones, and when we say it’s easy to use, we mean it. In just three clicks, you can make the pressure of social media apps disappear. That makes it super handy for staying focused on last-minute plans, like an unscheduled meeting at work or an impromptu catch-up with an old friend. And, because you’re in control of which notifications Detox Mode will turn off, you won’t miss that precious ping telling you you’re now off the wait list for that yoga class you’ve been dying to attend.

You can set up time limits with one click: 1 hour, 2 hours, or 4 hours.

Soft and hard locks

We know how easy it can be to toggle off “focus” modes, which is why we added in a “freezing that credit card in a cup of water” level of accountability. With a hard lock, you’ve disappeared your lovely yet distracting apps for a set amount of time and unless you restart your phone, you’re committed. Sayonara instant gratification. Hello full detox.

We’ve also added a soft lock capability that allows you to toggle it off without restarting your phone. Perfect for a last-minute meeting or spontaneous coffee with a yoga buddy.

Benefits of digital detoxing

When you’re trying to live your best life, lack of sleep and being on-the-go can feel like a rite of passage, but constant connectivity can actually lead to serious long-term problems. Weakened relationships and a decline in mental wellbeing are why it’s so important to disconnect. Detox Mode encourages you to take breaks in a way that feels integrated with your tech-forward life.

• Work Mode: Helps you focus while working on your latest project or side hustle.
• Personal Time: Disconnect during self-care moments or social outings.
• Mental Wellness: Offers moments of calm and clarity, allowing you to reset and recharge without digital distractions.

Potential short-term benefits:

• Improved focus and productivity
• Reduced stress
• Better sleep
• More quality time with loved ones

Potential long-term benefits:

• Better overall wellbeing, physically and mentally
• Strengthened relationships
• Increased creativity
• Better self-esteem and confidence
• Sustainable habits and work-life balance

Life can sometimes feel like you have no control, and not much is up to you. But in Detox Mode, we’re giving the chance to be more deliberate and mindful with your screen time.

Peace and Quiet Button

Detox Mode is currently available as a feature on HMD Skyline phones, and will be available on HMD Fusion phones by the end of the year. By quickly helping you reduce the digital noise, these phones help you stay grounded and intentional without losing your style. These phones have Gen2 repairability, making them easily repairable, but it’s easy on the eyes too. Form AND function. With a friendly price tag.

If you’re struggling with creativity and waking up tired every morning, it might be time to consider adding some digital detox blocks into your day. We know you’ve gotta hustle while you can, so we’ve built this feature to complement your need for speed in an aesthetically delightful user experience.

So what are you waiting for? It’s your life. Get intentional.

Hello boundaries.