Month Offline > DIY Guide > Dumbphones

Why dumb down?

most of us have learned the hard way that we need more than just self-control, grayscale screens, and private resolutions to reduce our screen time. ppl get the most out of MO when they fully abandon their smartphones for the month.

why? every device has an opinion about how we should be relating, attending, and spending our time -- an opinion expressed in the form of its hardware and software design. beginning in the '90s, a couple of companies decided it would be a good idea to try combining telephones and computers into one all-purpose pocket communicator. the dumbphone says nah. its intentionally-limited functionality leaves room for mind & body wandering, for fruitful friction, for glorious glitches.

What are the dumbphone deets?

all dumbphones are welcome at Month Offline, but most ppl use the dumbphone 2 from dumb.co. the company was started by two of MO's founders and some of the very first participants. inspired by everything they learned during MO, they built a dumbphone that makes it easy (but not too easy) for ppl to flip off.

MO participants have a few options when it comes to acquiring a dumbphone:

• borrow a refurbished dumbphone 2 for free (with $10 shipping) and mail it back at the end of the challenge -- recommended for ppl who are testing the waters
• get a new dumbphone 2 for $20 + 4-month minimum phone plan -- recommended for ppl who want to dive right into dumb life
• bring a dumbphone they already own or try an alternative from Dumbphone Finder

make sure participants order their phones at least 1 week before ur challenge begins, to allow enough time for shipping.

organizers will receive a free phone from dumb.co plus 3 months of free phone service. when u submit an interest form, we'll also share with u the (private) link where ppl can order a refurbished dumbphone.