Introduction

As a software developer, I’ve always had a smartphone by my side. It’s an incredible tool: I can check emails on the go, receive messages from my family instantly, watch videos while traveling, and use essential apps like banking and two-factor authentication. In short, it feels impossible to live or work without one.

But there’s a downside. Smartphones are built to demand our attention. Studies show that the average person checks their phone over 140 times a day, often without even realizing it. I know this pattern well: one moment I unlock my iPhone to check the weather, and twenty minutes later I’m still scrolling through social media feeds. Constant notifications, dopamine loops, and endless distractions make it harder to focus and more difficult to disconnect, even after work hours.

At some point, I thought about buying a classic Nokia dumb phone to escape digital overload. But in today’s world, it’s nearly impossible to give up essential features like a good camera, mobile banking, or security apps. That’s when I discovered something surprising: iOS already includes a built-in feature that can transform your iPhone into a distraction-free device no third-party apps required

What Is Assistive Access on iPhone?

Assistive Access is a feature introduced with iOS 17 that provides a simplified version of the iPhone interface. Apple originally designed it to support users with cognitive disabilities by making the device less overwhelming and easier to navigate.

For anyone looking to reduce distractions, though, Assistive Access is a hidden gem. It allows you to redesign your iPhone into a minimalist, distraction-free device that focuses only on what really matters.

With Assistive Access you can:

• Choose only the essential apps you want available, such as Phone, Messages, Camera, Notes, or Maps.
• Leave out distracting apps like social media and streaming platforms.
• Select a simplified layout (either a grid with large icons or a clean row list) for easier navigation.
• Add extra customization, like showing or hiding the date and battery level, or deciding whether to display notification badges.
• Secure the setup with a passcode, so switching back to the full iOS experience becomes an intentional choice, not a reflex.

In practice, it transforms the iPhone into a calmer, more focused device one that still gives you access to the tools you truly need, without the constant pull of endless apps and notifications.

How to Set Up Assistive Access on iPhone

Open Assistive Access

Go to Settings → Accessibility → Assistive Access and tap Set Up Assistive Access

Verify Your Account

Confirm your Apple ID and follow the on-screen prompts.

Choose Your Layout

Pick between Rows (list style) or Grid (large icons).

Select Essential Apps

Add only the apps you want to keep available. Apple has optimized some apps such as Calls, Camera, Messages, Music, Photos, Bank.

Customize Options

Adjust additional settings like wallpaper, volume buttons, silent switch, showing date and time, battery indicator, or notification badges.

Set a Passcode

Create your Assistive Access passcode. You’ll need it to enter or exit this mode.

Start Assistive Access

Tap Start Assistive Access and enter the Passcode to launch the simplified mode.

How to Enter and Exit Assistive Access

• Enter Assistive Access
  Go to Settings → Accessibility → Assistive Access, tap Start Assistive Access, then enter your passcode.
  Tip: you can also enable the Accessibility Shortcut so that a triple-click of the side or Home button activates Assistive Access instantly.
• Exit Assistive Access
  Triple-click the side button (Face ID models) or the Home button (Touch ID models), tap Exit Assistive Access, and enter your passcode.
• When you must exit
  Some actions require leaving Assistive Access, such as:
  • Installing iOS updates.
  • Downloading apps from the App Store.
  • Changing system or Assistive Access settings.
  • Adding or customizing apps in Assistive Access.
  • Viewing certain system status icons (network, Bluetooth, Location, Focus).
• Emergency use
  Triple-clicking also lets you start an emergency call without needing the passcode.
• Forgot your passcode?
  You can use your Apple account to reset it and regain access.

Limitations and Things to Keep in Mind

Emergency services: you can still call emergencies via triple-click or button combos, but SOS via satellite is not available in Assistive Access.

Permissions: apps won’t ask for permissions in this mode. To change them, you need to exit Assistive Access.

Software updates: you must exit Assistive Access to install iOS updates, since there’s no Settings app inside.

Privacy and device info: some icons (network, Bluetooth, Focus, Location Services) are hidden while in Assistive Access.

Calls and messages: you must define in advance who you’re allowed to contact. If a person isn’t on the list, you need to exit Assistive Access to reach them.

Conclusions

There’s no doubt that today’s app economy thrives on capturing and monetizing our attention. Every notification, badge, and endless scroll is designed to pull us back into the screen. For those of us who also work in tech, disconnecting from our smartphones is even harder because the same device we use for leisure is also essential for our professional life.

Removing social media apps can certainly help, but for many people that isn’t always an optionespecially if your job depends on them. That’s why I’ve found Assistive Access to be such a practical solution. During my workday, I keep my iPhone in Assistive Access mode. This way, I only have the tools I truly need and I’m not tempted to open other apps out of habit. In the evening, I exit the mode and can use the phone more freely if I choose to.

The effect is powerful: less distraction, more focus, and greater peace of mind both at work and at home. At first, it can feel unusual even uncomfortable to limit yourself this way. But give it a little time and it quickly turns into a habit, one that helps you regain control over your attention.

If your goal is to be more present, less distracted, and more intentional with your smartphone use, I highly recommend giving this method a try. It’s built into iOS, it’s simple to set up, and it might just change the way you relate to your phone.

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