Apple Communicator

Your phone is a drug.
Time to detox.

Wallpaper Generator

Setup Guide

1

Download Your Wallpaper

Use the wallpaper generator to create your custom background.

  • 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 to match the wallpaper.

  • Long-press any app to enter "jiggle mode"
  • Settings → Home Screen → App Icon Size → Large
  • Settings → Home Screen → Show App Labels → Off
  • Arrange 6 apps vertically matching your wallpaper
  • Place 1-4 essential apps in the dock
  • Move all other apps to the App Library
3

Configure Notifications

Reduce notification noise.

  • Messages: Allow from Favorites only
  • Mail: VIP senders only, disable badge
  • Reminders: Time-sensitive only
  • Calendar: Events only
  • Social Media: Turn OFF all notifications
  • Enable Focus modes for different contexts
4

Set Screen Time Limits

Set boundaries for distracting apps.

  • Settings → Screen Time → App Limits
  • Social Networking: 15 minutes/day
  • Entertainment: 30 minutes/day
  • Set a Screen Time passcode
  • Enable "Block at End of Limit"
5

Delete Distracting Apps

The nuclear option.

  • Delete: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter/X
  • Keep with limits: YouTube (for learning)
  • Log out of social media on Safari
  • Use website blockers if needed

Recommended Settings

Display & Brightness

  • Auto-Lock: 30 seconds
  • Raise to Wake: Off
  • True Tone: On

Focus Modes

  • Do Not Disturb: Favorites only
  • Work Focus: Work apps + contacts
  • Sleep Focus: Everything silenced
  • Schedule Focus modes automatically

Notifications

  • Show Previews: When Unlocked only
  • Badge Icons: Off for most apps
  • Scheduled Summary: Enable
  • Allow Lock Screen notifications for essentials only

Screen Time

  • Downtime: 10pm - 8am
  • App Limits: Set for categories
  • Share Across Devices: On
  • Set a passcode and give to someone you trust

Safari & Privacy

  • Prevent Cross-Site Tracking: On
  • Hide IP Address: On
  • Search Engine: DuckDuckGo
  • Clear history weekly

Accessibility (Secret Weapons)

  • Reduce Transparency: On (prevents App Library from showing wallpaper text through transparent background)
  • Grayscale: Use with shortcuts to make phone less appealing
  • Back Tap: Set for quick Shortcuts access
  • Spoken Content: Have articles read to you

Tips & Best Practices

🎯 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.

🔒 One Home Screen Only

Keep only ONE home screen page. Use search or Siri for other apps, adding intentional friction.

📊 Weekly Review

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

🎵 Music for Focus

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.