CGP Grey Blank Home Screen Audit

Rebuild your smartphone environment using the CGP Grey phone setup. Remove visual clutter from your main screen, restrict notifications, and require intentional search to launch apps.

6 time blocks, 35 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Clear Main Home Screen: 5 min
Move every app icon off the primary screen onto secondary pages
Strip the Dock: 5 min
Remove social and media icons from the bottom dock
Switch to Solid Neutral Wallpaper: 3 min
Set a plain black or neutral background to cut visual noise
Silence Non-Human Notifications: 10 min
Turn off badges and alerts for every app that is not a real person
Adopt Search First Launching: 5 min
Practice pulling down to type app names instead of browsing icons
Offload Unused Apps: 7 min
Delete or offload tools you have not opened in the past month

About this routine

Podcaster and creator CGP Grey popularized the concept of the completely blank main home screen as a tool against digital distraction. In his CGP Grey phone setup, the opening screen of your phone contains zero app icons, no widgets, and no badges. Unlocking the phone presents a clean slate, removing the immediate triggers that pull you into passive scrolling.

The system relies on increasing friction between intent and action. Instead of tapping colorful icons out of muscle memory, you launch applications exclusively through system search or gesture search. Notifications are strictly trimmed to direct human communications, preventing algorithms and news apps from competing for your attention.

This audit walks through resetting your device to match that minimal framework. By moving icons off the main screen, stripping down the dock, applying a dark background, and silencing non-essential alerts, you turn your smartphone back into an intentional utility.

Why this routine works

Eliminates muscle memory app opening by removing visual icons
Reduces passive screen time by introducing typing friction
Cuts visual noise with a plain, neutral wallpaper
Stops non-urgent notifications from interrupting focus

FAQ

What is the CGP Grey blank home screen setup?

It is a minimalist smartphone layout where the primary screen contains no app icons, widgets, or badges. Apps are launched by opening search and typing the app name.

Why leave the phone home screen completely empty?

An empty screen breaks the automatic muscle memory of tapping distracting app icons when you unlock your phone, making device usage deliberate.

Which notifications should remain turned on?

Only notifications from real human beings, such as direct text messages or critical calls. News alerts, social badges, and game updates are turned off.

Sources

How I Use My Phone, CGP Grey (YouTube)
Cortex Episode 1: Primary Screen, Relay FM