4 FREE Device Hacks to Boost Productivity (Easy & Effective)

In today’s hyper-connected world, staying productive is harder than ever. Billions of dollars are spent on apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to keep you distracted—no amount of willpower alone can combat that.

But what if you could hack your devices to eliminate distractions and reclaim your focus?

In this guide, we’ll cover four free, science-backed techniques to help you stay productive. No expensive tools or complicated routines—just simple tweaks to your phone and computer that actually work.

1. Turn Off ALL Notifications

Notifications are designed to interrupt you. Every ping pulls you out of focus, and studies show it takes over 20 minutes to regain deep concentration after a distraction.

How to Disable Notifications:

For iPhone Users:

1. Open Settings → Notifications.
2. Toggle off “Allow Notifications” for non-essential apps.
3. Alternative: Use Focus Modes (Settings → Focus) to silence apps during work hours.

For Android Users:

1. Open Settings → Notifications.
2. Disable notifications app-by-app.
3. Alternative: Enable “Do Not Disturb” mode (swipe down → tap DND icon).

🔹 Pro Tip: Only allow notifications for urgent apps (e.g., messages from family). Check emails and social media on your own time.

2. Switch Your Phone to Grayscale

Bright colors trigger dopamine, making apps addictive. Grayscale mode reduces this effect, making your phone less enticing.

How to Enable Grayscale:

iPhone:

1. Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Color Filters.
2. Toggle “Color Filters” → Select Grayscale.
3. Bonus: Create a Shortcut (Shortcuts app → “Set Color Filters”) for quick toggling.

Android:

1. Settings → Accessibility → Color Correction → Grayscale.
2. Some phones allow an accessibility shortcut for one-tap grayscale.

🔹 Result: Less urge to mindlessly scroll—your brain won’t crave the colorful rewards.

3. Block Time-Wasting Websites & Apps

Even with notifications off, you might still manually check distractions. The solution? Block them entirely.

Best Free Tool: AppBlock (Browser & Mobile)

• Blocks websites (e.g., social media, gaming sites).
• Keyword blocking (e.g., “shorts” to stop YouTube Shorts).
• Works on Chrome & Firefox (as an extension).

How to Use AppBlock:

1. Install the AppBlock extension.
2. Add sites to block (e.g., Reddit, Twitter).
3. Enable keyword blocking (e.g., “shorts” for YouTube Shorts).
4. Start blocking—no more accidental time-wasting!

⚠️ Limitation: The free mobile version has a 4-hour limit (but still useful for short focus sessions).

4. Lock Down Distractions with Session Blocking

For bulletproof focus, use Freedom—a free app that blocks distractions across all devices.

How Freedom Works:

• Blocks apps & websites (even desktop apps like Slack).
• Syncs across devices (start a session on your laptop, and it blocks distractions on your phone too).
• Custom blocklists (e.g., “Social Media,” “News Sites”).

How to Set Up Freedom:

1. Sign up at freedom.to.
2. Create a blocklist (e.g., add Instagram, Twitter, YouTube).
3. Start a session (e.g., 90 minutes of deep work).
4. Try to open a blocked app? Freedom stops you.

🔹 Perfect for: Writers, students, remote workers—anyone who needs unbreakable focus.