5 ways to make better use of your mobile phone

As of 2024, 96% of Brits own a smartphone, yet many of us only use a fraction of what it can actually do. No matter if you want your work or family life to feel a bit smoother or want some help to getting things done quicker – think of it as turning your device you already rely on into something that can support you through any busy patches, as well as the slow ones. Nothing complicated, nothing techy for the sake of it, just a few simple changes.

1. Streamline your daily tasks
   

A tidy phone can save you surprising amounts of time. Start by reshuffling your home screen so your most-used apps sit front and centre and secondary ones land in a specific folder. Shortcuts are another underrated gem. Most phones let you create quick actions that cut out the faff, like tapping one icon to call a partner, open a work folder, or launch your favourite notes app. It’s a tiny thing, but when you repeat that action every day, it shows

If you tend to lose track of ideas, use your phone like a pocket notepad. Jot things down the second they appear. Even a half-written thought is better than trying to remember it hours later. And if your to-do list looks overwhelming, set reminders for just the next few steps rather than everything at once.

2. Stay connected
   

Your phone can smooth out a lot of the back-and-forth of staying in touch, as long as you set it up in a way that works for you. Group chats are brilliant for organising both social plans and quick work updates, as they keep everything nicely in one place. Most people stick to one app for video calls out of habit, but you might find another platform offers clearer audio or more reliable connections, especially if you’re working on the go.

It’s also helpful to set quiet hours for notifications, so you aren’t pulled into conversations when you’re trying to focus. Muting a lively chat keeps it friendly, not frantic. If you’re someone who regularly forgets to reply (you’re in good company), turn on pinned conversations for the people you speak to most.

3. Entertain yourself
   

Your phone can play a quieter role when the day’s been full-on, or a louder one if you’re looking for some action. A quick playlist can reset your head before the next thing, and a podcast is handy when you want company without the chatter of group chats. Audiobooks are another easy win; you can dip in for ten minutes while cooking or tidying and pick up right where you left off. If you prefer something slower, mindfulness apps keep things simple with short breathing sessions you can do on the sofa.

Finding games you genuinely enjoy takes a tiny bit of curation. Start by checking the charts in your app store; they shift quickly, so you’ll spot fresh picks without digging through pages of filler. If you prefer something calmer, avoid anything that pushes you into constant popups. Pick something light, throw in a round of 75-ball bingo. That’s the trick – find those that feel easy to drop in and out of.

4. Learn something new every day
   

Your phone is full of quiet opportunities to stretch your mind without blocking out half your evening. A few minutes on an app can take you from curious to competent surprisingly fast. If you prefer smaller bites, follow accounts that actually teach you something, like industry voices or clever explainers. Skimming one or two posts over breakfast can leave you feeling sharper than scrolling the same headlines again. You can also save articles or videos for later so you have a ready-made stash of things worth your attention.

5. Keep your digital life secure
   

Security settings aren’t the most exciting part of owning a phone, but they’re the thing you’re grateful for when something goes wrong. Start with the basics: strong passwords that you don’t recycle, and two-factor authentication wherever you can switch it on. Make a habit of installing updates as they appear.

It’s also worth taking a slow scroll through your app permissions. Plenty of apps ask for far more access than they need, and trimming that down gives you more control over your own data. A few minutes here keeps your phone feeling like your space, not the internet’s.

Try one small tweak this week and see if it sticks. Phones change shape when you use them with intention. And who knows, maybe you find a trick that genuinely makes life easier.

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