The Selection of the Moment

Phone Without Internet: Stay in Control of Your Digital Habits

As we become increasingly aware of the consequences of uncontrolled smartphone use, more and more people are choosing to go back to basics by adopting a phone without internet. Whether driven by nostalgia for a bygone era, a desire to disconnect, or the wish to pass on healthier digital habits to younger generations, we take a closer look at the return of the mobile phone without internet (or "dumbphone"), and how Crosscall is responding to this new trend. Why choose a phone without internet? Constant notifications, endless scrolling, too much screen time... In 2026, more and more people are seeking to reduce their dependence on smartphones. This approach takes two distinct but equally legitimate forms. On one side are those who make this choice consciously: people aware of the challenges of digital technology, its impact on our attention, sleep, and mental health, as well as on the environment (digital pollution and data energy consumption). For them, returning to a simple mobile phone is a considered act of digital moderation. On the other hand, there are parents, faced with an increasingly common question: how can they ensure their child or teenager can be reached without exposing them to unrestricted access to the internet and social media? In both cases, the answer may be the same: a mobile phone without internet, reliable, simple, and built to last. Mobile phone, featurephone, dumbphone: what are we talking about? A classic mobile phone (or "button phone") lets you make calls and send text messages, without access to complex apps or the internet. The term featurephone is the technical term used to describe these phones positioned between smartphones and basic phones, offering a few additional features (a simple camera, radio, calculator…). The word dumbphone ("dumb phone" in English) has become a trend on social media and in the press, referring to this movement toward returning to intentionally simple phones, popularized by a generation seeking to disconnect. Whatever term is used, the goal remains the same: an essential communication tool, without the distractions and risks associated with permanent internet access. The benefits and limitations of a phone without internet The benefits Fewer distractions : without social media or constant notifications, attention and concentration naturally return. better battery life, without energy-intensive apps running in the background. Protection for younger users : no access to social networks or inappropriate online content. An environmentally responsible choice : fewer components, more sustainable manufacturing, and an often longer lifespan. An approach that fully aligns with Crosscall's commitments.  Limitations to be aware of Less convenience in everyday life : no advanced GPS, banking or carpooling apps, and no instant messaging services such as WhatsApp. Reduced digital capabilities for professional or administrative tasks that require an internet connection. A balance to find according to actual needs: for some, a feature phone is more than enough; for others, a hybrid solution will be better suited. The important thing is to choose a device that suits a considered use, without being subjected to pressure to be "always connected." CORE-S5: the mobile phone by Crosscall The CORE-S5 is our practical response to this pursuit of digital sobriety, designed for those who need a durable, simple, and 100% reliable phone. ULTRA TOUGH DURABILITY; Compliant with the most demanding military standards, the CORE-S5 withstands drops, impacts, and extreme weather conditions, from -20°C to +60°C. Complete waterproofing: IP68/IP69K certified, it withstands immersion, dust, and high-pressure water jets. An ideal companion for the harshest environments. Exceptional battery life: Without energy-intensive apps, the CORE-S5 offers battery life that can last several days, or even weeks on standby — ensuring you remain reachable without having to recharge constantly. Discover Only the essentials, with no unnecessary extras: No social media apps, no internet browser, no intrusive notifications. The CORE-S5 focuses on essential communication features: calls, text messages, contacts, calculator, and alarm clock. A phone that does what it is asked to do—nothing more, nothing less. 4G-compatible: An essential technical feature at a time when 2G and 3G networks have been gradually shut down in France since early 2026. The CORE-S5, meanwhile, is designed to remain fully operational in the long term. Uncompromising reliability, guaranteed for 5 years: a more durable phone designed to remain reliable in the most challenging environments and for a long time.  Who is the CORE-S5 designed for? People committed to a digital simplicity approach, looking for a communication tool stripped of unnecessary extras Parents who want to give their child or teenager a first phone, without having to use parental controls to limit access to the internet and social media.  Anyone looking for a  reliable and durable phone with essential features that will not become obsolete when 2G/3G networks are shut down FAQ: Phone Without Internet What is a phone without internet? It is a mobile phone (or "feature phone") that allows you to make calls and send text messages without access to the internet, social media, or complex applications. It is also called a "dumbphone", a term popularized by the digital disconnection movement. What is the difference between a feature phone and a dumbphone? Feature phone is the technical term for a phone that falls between a smartphone and a basic phone, with a few simple features (camera, radio, calculator). Dumbphone refers to the same type of device, but as part of a deliberate approach to digital simplicity. Does a phone without internet still work in 2026? Yes, provided it is 4G-compatible. With the gradual shutdown of 2G/3G networks in France since 2026, only 4G phones like the CORE-S5 will remain fully operational in the long term. Is a phone without internet suitable for children? Absolutely—it is even recommended as a first phone. It allows you to stay in touch with your child without exposing them to social media or inappropriate online content. What are the advantages of a phone without internet? Fewer distractions, significantly longer battery life, better control over digital habits, and a reduced environmental impact thanks to more sustainable manufacturing.

Set Up Crosscall Parental Controls: Our Complete Guide

Giving your child their first phone often raises legitimate concerns: inappropriate content, intrusive notifications, poorly managed screen time, risks of cyberbullying... These concerns make it important to properly supervise their first digital experiences. At Crosscall, all our smartphones include built-in parental controls that are easy to activate, allowing parents to establish clear boundaries from the very first use. In this guide, we'll walk you step by step through setting them up, as well as Android parental controls, for complete protection. Why set boundaries for children's first digital experiences? Children don't have the maturity to understand and assess everything they encounter online on their own. Without guidance, these first digital experiences can quickly slip beyond parents' control. Setting age-appropriate boundaries allows children to discover the digital world gradually and confidently, without constant monitoring. That's the goal of Crosscall parental controls: simple tools to keep your child's everyday digital experience safe. Set up Crosscall parental controls step by step Step 1: Go to Settings > Crosscall Parental Control. Step 2: Set an access code known only to you. This code protects all parental control settings. Step 3: Enter your child's age.The system will use this information to automatically filter the available apps. Step 4: Block access to internet browsers if you wish, for even stricter control. That's it! ✅  Once the setup is confirmed, you'll see that the phone's menu displays only apps suitable for the selected age. Simple and effective: Crosscall parental controls help you stay one step ahead of your child's digital habits, with peace of mind. Take Android parental controls further Our smartphones run on Android, so you also benefit from Google's built-in parental control and digital wellbeing features. An additional layer of protection, particularly useful for fine-tuning settings on an app-by-app basis. Set up Android parental controls Step 1: Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls. Step 2: Activate a second layer of parental controls to manage access to apps individually, and define the Google Play Store access rules (the type of content allowed for download). Step 3: Set usage time limits for certain apps: select an app and set a maximum daily usage time. Once this time has elapsed, the app will automatically lock until the next day. Remember to set a specific code for managing these time limits: you will be asked for it each time you make a change. Step 4: Activate "Bedtime" or "Distraction-free" modes to set time periods during which notifications from certain apps will be suspended. Ideal for protecting your teenager's sleep or concentration at school. 5 tips for supporting your child's first experiences Set up parental controls before your child uses the smartphone for the first time. This makes the rules an integral part of the experience from the outset, limiting frustration and the feeling of "deprivation." Use different codes for Crosscall parental controls and Android time limits. This dual protection prevents a single compromised password from providing access to all the settings. Know the phone's unlock code. Set it up with your child, and also register your fingerprint on the biometric sensor so you can access the phone's content if necessary. Enable weekly screen-time reports. Your child will receive a notification summarizing the time spent on each app, an excellent starting point to help them become aware of their digital habits and gradually learn to regulate them. Limit non-essential app notifications. Lessential notifications can disrupt concentration and encourage your child to return to their screen when they do not need to. By limiting notifications, you limit temptations. User safety: an ethical approach At Crosscall, user safety is not limited to the reliability of our smartphones in harsh environments. It also includes protecting younger users online.  That is why we developed native parental controls, available across our entire range, offering effective features with no technical expertise required, fully aligned with our commitment to responsible practices. Crosscall Parental Controls FAQ Are Crosscall parental controls available on all models? Yes, Crosscall parental controls are natively integrated across all our smartphone ranges, except phones without internet access. Can I change the age setting later? Yes, you can return to Settings > Crosscall Parental Controls at any time to adjust the age and permissions, provided you know the access code initially set. What happens if my child tries to install an unauthorized application? The application cannot be installed or launched if its PEGI rating exceeds the age you have set, or if Play Store settings restrict it. Do parental controls also block calls and SMS messages? Crosscall parental controls focus on filtering applications according to their PEGI rating. For managing calls and contacts, the additional Android features can be used.

First phone: how to choose the right one before the start of the school year?

The moment you were dreading has arrived… Your teenager has asked you for a smartphone. But between their desire for independence, your need to be able to reach them, and your fear of misuse, it can be difficult to find the right compromise. This guide will take you step by step through choosing a first phone suited to your needs, without sacrificing either your peace of mind or your budget. Should you give your teenager their first smartphone? The answer is, of course, specific to each parent. But starting middle school often marks a turning point in a child’s independence: traveling alone, extracurricular activities, new friends. A first phone can primarily meet a simple need: staying in touch. Staying in touch and knowing where they are: Being able to reach your child at any time and feel reassured about their location thanks to an integrated GPS remains parents’ primary motivation. A simple text to report a schedule change, a call in case of an unexpected event: the phone becomes an everyday safety tool. Supporting digital independence: Giving your child a first phone is also an opportunity to teach them how to use it gradually, with clear rules. Establishing a framework from the outset makes it easier to develop good digital habits, rather than discovering unstructured use later on. A tool that also makes parents’ daily lives easier: Coordinating schedules, sending a group message to organize a carpool, calling at the end of an activity: a middle-schooler’s phone quickly becomes a practical tool for the whole family. What type of first phone should you choose? There are two main types of phones to choose from, depending on the level of digital independence you want to give your child: The basic mobile phone (Featurephone / Dumbphone) : Without internet access, it covers essential functions: making calls, sending texts, and staying reachable. A reliable solution for a first phone experience, without the risks associated with social media or inappropriate content. The limited-access smartphone : An appealing compromise, with internet access that is strictly supervised by parental controls filtering apps and content. Your child gradually discovers the digital world, but always under your supervision. Choosing the right first phone depends above all on how much independence you want to give your child: gradual, supervised access or use deliberately limited to essential functions. What criteria should you consider when choosing a first phone for a teenager? Phone and messaging: the essential basics Above all, a first phone must fulfill its primary purpose: making calls and sending text messages. These simple uses meet 90% of a middle school student's actual needs. Outstanding durability and water resistance This criterion is too often underestimated, even though it should be one of the first on the list. A teenager's day is far from calm for a phone: Banned in most middle and high schools, the phone spends the day in a backpack, jostled among a pencil case, notebooks, a water bottle, and sports gear. Impacts, friction, crushing: the phone takes quite a beating without anyone realizing it. Drops are common: a phone slipping out of a pocket, falling from a locker, or ending up on the pavement when taken out of a bag. Rain on the way to school, a water bottle leaking in the bag... : even accidentally, their phone can easily get wet. A rugged smartphone, designed to withstand repeated drops and certified IP68 waterproof, handles this hectic daily life without damage, unlike a more fragile conventional smartphone. A real source of peace of mind for parents, who no longer have to repeatedly explain usage precautions and, above all, will not have to replace the phone after just one term. Long-lasting battery life to always stay reachable A teenager does not always remember to charge their phone. A battery life limited to one day increases the risk of the phone being switched off and unreachable. A long-lasting phone makes up for forgotten charging and ensures that the child remains reachable in all circumstances. Music, Streaming, Internet... Which access should be allowed? Certain uses, such as music or content streaming, can be enjoyed without posing any particular risk if they are properly configured to block content unsuitable for young audiences. Other school services, such as online report cards, as well as public transportation services, require an internet connection and a web browser to function. The aim is therefore not to block everything, but to adjust permissions according to the child’s maturity—an area where advanced parental controls make all the difference. Advanced parental controls: the non-negotiable feature For a first phone, this is not often the most sought-after criterion, and above all, it is not always the best understood. Yet advanced parental controls are essential for properly managing a child’s first digital experiences.  Good parental controls should make it possible to: Manage access to apps according to the child’s age Rely on the PEGI rating of apps (minimum age recommendation) to allow or block age-appropriate content Lock settings with a parental code, to prevent the child from changing anything Adjust permissions over time, as the child grows That is precisely what Crosscall’s advanced parental controls, available on all our smartphones, make possible. Which first Crosscall smartphone should you choose? STELLAR-M6: a first smartphone with peace of mind For families who want to give their teenager a true 5G smartphone that can withstand everyday life while keeping control over how it is used. Compact and elegant design Rugged and waterproof 35 hours of real-world use / 400 hours on standby Advanced Crosscall parental controls 5-year warranty, battery included Discover CORE-S5: The essential mobile phone For parents who prefer to delay access to a smartphone and choose a first mobile phone with essential communication features. Simple and practical  4G connectivity  Rugged and waterproof 10 days of standby time 5-year warranty, battery included Discover Comparison table STELLAR-M6 CORE-S5 Type Smartphone Mobile phone / Feature phone / Dumbphone Internet access Yes No Calls / SMS  Yes (5G) Yes (4G) GPS / Location Yes No Parental controls Yes No Drop resistance Up to 1.5 m Up to 1.8 m Water resistance IP68 – immersion for 30 minutes at up to 2 m IP68 – immersion for 30 minutes at up to 1.5 m Battery life 35 hours of talk time, 16 days on standby 12 hours of talk time, 10 days on standby Warranty 5 years, battery included 5 years, battery included How much should you budget for your teenager’s first phone? The “hidden” cost of entry-level smartphones When purchased, a classic entry-level smartphone seems economical and more than sufficient as a first phone. But its fragile design cannot withstand a teenager’s hectic daily routine: the phone gets left in the pocket of a backpack that is itself thrown on the ground, falls onto the floor, gets caught in the rain on the way to middle or high school… Not to mention children who simply leave their phone outside and eventually lose it. As a result, breakages and replacements occur during the school year. To limit damage, some parents invest in additional accessories such as cases, screen protectors, and lanyards, which push the total cost far beyond the initial purchase price. Why is investing in a durable first phone more cost-effective? A phone designed to withstand shocks, water, and the hectic daily use of a teenager drastically reduces replacement and repair costs.  Over several years, a robust model with a 5-year warranty is often a more reasonable investment than replacing a budget smartphone every year. Plus, there is no need for additional protective accessories. FAQ Which first phone should I choose for a middle-school student? It depends on the intended use: a supervised smartphone such as the STELLAR-M6 for gradual, controlled access to digital technology, or a classic mobile phone such as the CORE-S5 to delay internet access while keeping your child reachable. How can I protect a phone from damage? The best approach is to choose a device designed to withstand everyday use: IP68 certification for water resistance and repeated-drop resistance compliant with MIL-STD standards. This avoids having to buy multiple protective accessories, such as cases and screen protectors, which add to the initial cost. How much should I budget for a first phone? It’s a question of balance. A smartphone with essential features may not cost very much, but the cheapest models are often extremely fragile. It is therefore better to choose a durable device with a 5-year warranty rather than a model that needs replacing every year.  How do I set up parental controls for my child? It should filter apps according to their PEGI rating, lock settings with a code, and be easy to adjust over time as the child matures. Crosscall’s advanced parental controls are available on all our smartphones. What are the rules for using phones at middle school? Phones are prohibited during classes in most French middle and high schools and generally must remain switched off or stored in a bag during the day. Check with your child’s school for the exact rules.