How Much We Use Our Phones
The UK is one of the most smartphone-dependent countries in the world. As of 2024, 93% of UK mobile users own a smartphone, hitting 100% for 16-24 year olds.
The average person in the UK now spends 3 hours and 50 minutes per day on their phone. That's more time than we spend eating, exercising, or commuting combined.
More Connections Than People
At the start of 2025, there were 88.4 million cellular mobile connections in the UK, equivalent to 127% of the population. Many people now carry multiple devices, juggling personal and work phones.
More devices means more batteries to manage and more stress when power runs low.
The Age Breakdown
Smartphone ownership varies by age, but not by as much as you'd think:
- 100% of 16-24 year olds own smartphones
- 98-99% of those aged 16-54 own smartphones
- 82% of those 65+ own smartphones
- 61% of children aged 8-11 now own smartphones
5% of millennials admit to spending 10+ hours on their phones daily. And 30% of Gen Z report feeling anxious when separated from their device.
Where We Use Them
The data shows we're rarely without our phones:
- 39% use their phone while watching TV
- 23% primarily use their phone in bed
- 12% use their phone most at work
Phones drain throughout the day, not just during dedicated phone time.
What This Means for Venues
When 17% of UK adults feel anxious without their phone, and the average person is on their device for nearly 4 hours a day, the picture is clear:
- Customers arrive with varying battery levels. Someone who's been navigating to your venue may already be in the red.
- Longer visits mean more drain. Restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues see heavy phone usage during visits.
- Charging access matters. More and more customers factor in whether they can charge their phone when deciding where to go.
A charging station at your venue addresses all three.
Sources: Uswitch, Statista, Finder UK, Compare and Recycle, Cybercrew UK