Here’s how much time people in the UK spend on their phone each day
British adults (aged 15+) are spending more time on their mobile phones than in front of the TV set, the latest IPA TouchPoints report shows.
The data shows British adults now use their mobile phones for an average of 3 hours and 21 minutes per day. By comparison, they watch a TV set for an average of 3 hours and 16 minutes per day, marking a significant media shift.
This tipping point has been driven by a steady rise in mobile phone usage over the past decade. Average adult mobile phone usage time has increased from 1 hour 17 minutes per day in 2015. By comparison, TV set viewing has remained relatively stable over the same period, measuring 3 hours 23 minutes in 2015.
The younger generation is the driving force behind this change. Those aged 15–24 now spend almost five hours daily (4 hrs 49 mins) on their mobile phones and under two hours (1 hr 49 mins) watching the TV set. Conversely, those aged 65–74 spend 4 hrs 40 mins watching the TV set and under two hours (1 hr 47 mins) on their mobile phones, highlighting a clear generational divide.
When all screen-based activities are combined, including mobile phones, TV sets, laptops, tablets, and games consoles, British adults now spend an average of 7 hours and 27 minutes per day consuming screen-based media. This represents an increase from 6 hours and 36 minutes in 2015.
TouchPoints also tracks emotional states throughout the day. The data reveals that British adults are 52% more likely to feel relaxed when watching the TV set compared to viewing video on a mobile phone. Conversely, viewers are 55% more likely to report feeling sad when watching video on a mobile phone versus on a television set.
“It’s a clear signal of how embedded mobile phones have become in our daily lives – always on, always within reach and increasingly central to how we consume content, connect and unwind,” said Dan Flynn (Deputy Research Director at IPA).
