Our Mission

Offline Friendly is a public-interest initiative to ensure that participation in society does not require constant connectivity. We advocate for businesses, public services, and institutions to provide accessible, human-first options—without requiring apps, QR codes, or mobile devices. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, Offline Friendly focuses on preserving inclusive access to essential services so everyone can participate, regardless of technology use.

Want to be Offline Friendly? Check out the:

Offline Friendly Guide

The Problem

Smartphone-Dependent Services Contradict the Screen-Free Movement

Across society, essential services are increasingly shifting to smartphone-only access—QR codes, apps, and mobile check-ins have become the norm. Yet, this trend directly opposes a growing awareness around the mental and social harms of constant screen time. Here are some key examples of how digital-first services conflict with the movement to reduce smartphone dependency:

Area	Smartphone Requirement	Why It’s a Problem
Public Transit Access	Many cities now require transit riders to download an app or use a QR code to board buses or trains.	People trying to reduce device dependency are forced into digital interactions just to use public services.
Restaurant Menus & Ordering	Many restaurants have eliminated physical menus, replacing them with QR codes and app-based ordering.	Families and individuals trying to engage in more mindful, in-person interaction are forced to bring out phones during meals.
Healthcare	Booking appointments, filling out forms, and even checking in at clinics often now require a smartphone or app access.	Those intentionally limiting screen time for mental health or addiction reasons must still use a smartphone to access critical care.
Event Tickets & Check-Ins	Live events (concerts, sports, etc.) frequently require mobile ticketing via proprietary apps or digital wallets.	Attendees can’t participate without a phone—even when choosing to live more present, analog lives.
Parking	Many parking meters now work only through mobile apps or QR codes.	People looking to reduce app dependency or those without smartphones are penalized or excluded.
Retail Loyalty & Payment	Discounts, loyalty points, and even payments are often tied to apps like Apple Wallet or store-specific mobile apps.	Those reducing app usage or deleting social commerce apps are locked out of savings and participation.
School & Classroom Communication	Many schools now rely on app notifications or smartphone-based platforms for parent-teacher communication and assignments.	Parents trying to reduce family screen time feel forced to re-engage with devices or risk missing important info.
School Systems & Curriculum	Some schools now require students to use apps for logging in, accessing textbooks, or completing assignments.	Students who are trying to reduce screen time or avoid smartphones are forced to use them for basic education access.

These examples highlight why Offline Friendly advocates for universal access—services that don’t require a smartphone. In a truly inclusive society, people should be able to opt out of digital dependency and still fully participate in everyday life.

Do you know of other smartphone-dependent services?

We want to hear from you.

Share Your Story

Have you encountered app-only barriers to services or benefits? Let us know!

Champions

The Champions page celebrates businesses, organizations, and services that offer inclusive, app-free ways to access what they provide. These are the services that ensure everyone can participate, regardless of smartphone use.

Submit a Champion

App-Only Services & Benefits

The App-Only Services and Benefits are services or benefits (such as discounts) that require customers to use an app—with no real offline alternative. These organizations keep us glued to screens and dependent on constant connectivity.

Report an App-Only Service or Benefit

Offline Friendly Orgs

Businesses and institutions that commit to offering Offline Friendly services. Are you offline friendly? Let us know.

Supporters of the Cause

We appreciate all support and contributions we receive to advance our mission!
Contribute today.

Members of the Movement

Our movement is growing!
Sign up for updates.


“Participation in society shouldn’t require a smartphone — America needs offline accessibility” (The Hill)	“Our Smartphone-Dependent Culture Is Repeating the Mistakes of Car-Centric Infrastructure” (Next City)