Changing this setting in our smartphone helps improve focus and mental ability

Smartphones have become the ultimate pocket tool—offering maps, music, messages, and more at just a tap. But with constant access to the internet, there's a growing concern among scientists that this digital convenience could be silently harming mental sharpness and focus. The brain, when frequently interrupted by notifications or social media scrolls, struggles to stay attentive. Thankfully, there’s one simple smartphone setting that can bring noticeable changes to cognitive well-being—and it's all backed by science.


The one change that will change our brain

One of the most powerful steps toward better focus involves disabling mobile internet access on the smartphone. That means turning off cellular data while keeping basic functions like calling and texting active. This doesn’t mean giving up the internet entirely—it just limits access on the go, which helps reduce the temptation to scroll endlessly or check apps unnecessarily.


A recent randomised controlled trial published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the National Academy of Sciences tested this exact change. Participants were asked to block mobile internet for two weeks. Surprisingly, 91% of them showed improvement in at least one key area—mental health, focus, or emotional well-being .




Improved focus and attention span

Without the lure of notifications and infinite online distractions, the brain begins to refocus on the task at hand. The same study found that people who removed mobile internet access had better sustained attention compared to those who stayed constantly connected.


This is because the brain works best when it can concentrate deeply without being interrupted. Constant access to the web fragments attention, leading to what's called “ cognitive overload.” Turning off mobile data acts like a detox for the mind, allowing it to recharge and function better.


Better mental health and emotional balance

Participants in the trial also reported feeling less anxious and emotionally drained. Researchers believe this is linked to how people spent their time without mobile internet. Instead of doom-scrolling or switching between apps, participants naturally gravitated toward healthier activities like walking, face-to-face conversations, and even hobbies.



Disconnecting, even partially, gives the brain space to rest from the endless comparisons, alerts, and information dumps that dominate much of daily smartphone use.


Better use of time

One of the key observations in the study was how time use shifted. People began spending more hours being active, going outdoors, and engaging in real-world experiences. These behaviors are known to be directly associated with better mental clarity and emotional resilience.


Blocking mobile data nudges users toward more mindful choices—like reading, exercising, or spending quality time with loved ones—which collectively boost cognitive abilities over time.



A practical step for a sharper mind

Disabling mobile internet access isn’t about rejecting technology—it’s about using it more consciously. Calls and texts remain functional, so there’s no disconnect from essential communication. Internet access on a laptop or desktop is still available, but the habit of impulsively checking updates on the go is broken.


Even a temporary switch-off—like disabling mobile data for a few hours each day—can bring noticeable changes in concentration levels and mental peace.