1
Start with your baseline
Use recent Android unlock data to get a realistic picture of how often you normally check your phone.
Early-stage Android prototype
Your phone.
Your phone.
On your terms.
A gentler way to use your phone less.
Phone Taper helps people gradually reduce habitual phone checking without blocking the apps they rely on. Instead of asking you to quit your phone, it gives you a realistic daily allowance that tapers down over time.
How it works
A gradual approach to changing an automatic habit.
Phone Taper focuses on the number of times you check your phone, rather than simply counting total screen time. The idea is to make checking more visible, then reduce it at a pace you choose.
2
Reduce gradually
Choose a target and timeframe. Phone Taper creates a daily allowance that steadily moves from your baseline toward your goal.
3
Make checking a choice again
See your progress, notice rapid rechecks and longer gaps, and build more intentional habits without blocking everyday tools.
Not another blocker.
Phone Taper is designed around gradual reduction rather than all-or-nothing restriction.
The goal is not to make the phone the enemy. It is to put a little more space between the impulse to check and the decision to pick it up.
Inside the app
See the habit, the taper and the patterns behind it.
These are screenshots from the current Android prototype. Tap any screen to view it larger.
Today
Your allowance, current count and time since the last counted check.
Programme
Follow your planned taper from baseline to target alongside actual checks.
History
Review programme days and inspect what was counted, excluded or reclassified.
Analytics
Understand peak checking times, longer gaps and other behavioural patterns.
App categories
Separate communication and intentional use from the checks you actually want to reduce.
Why Phone Taper
Designed for real life, not perfect behaviour.
The current prototype is built around a few simple principles.
Gradual reductionSmall, steady changes instead of an abrupt digital detox.
No app blockingKeep access to the apps and tools you genuinely rely on.
Meaningful checksCommunication and intentional use can be treated differently.
Behaviour insightsLook beyond the total count to patterns such as rapid rechecks and longer gaps.
Privacy-consciousThe project is being designed with on-device data and minimal collection in mind.
Current stage
Early, testable and open to collaboration.
Phone Taper is currently an early-stage Android prototype. I am developing it as a practical way to explore gradual behaviour change around habitual phone checking, and I want the idea to be tested rather than overclaimed.
I am especially interested in conversations with people working in digital wellbeing, behavioural research, education, public health and organisations that may be interested in feedback or a small pilot.
Research feedback
Prototype evaluation
Small pilot discussions
Digital wellbeing expertise
Get in touch
Interested in the idea?
If I sent you this page directly, the easiest way to reach me is simply to reply to the email that brought you here. I would be very happy to share more about the prototype and hear your perspective.