Have you ever wondered how much time you spend on your phone daily? Or how does your screen time compare to others in your family?
You might think you know, but the real numbers could surprise you.
Want to know how often you pick up your phone? How much time do you spend on social media and other apps daily?
Depending on your phone’s operating system (OS), there’s a simple way to find out.
The steps differ depending on whether you’re using an Android or iOS device. Most smartphones, including those from Google, Samsung, and Motorola, run on Android, while iPhones run on iOS.
As of May 2022, Statcounter reported that Android held 71% of the global market, compared to iOS at 28%.
How can you check the total time spent on Android?
Android users can access their phone usage data through the Digital Wellbeing feature. This tool offers daily and weekly usage stats and includes parental controls.
It lets users see time spent on individual apps and set limits for websites and apps.
To check your usage on Android:
- Open Settings.
- Select Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls.
- Under Your Digital Wellbeing tools, tap Show Your Data.
Note: The first time you use Digital Wellbeing, you must set up your profile.
You can check the Android support page for more details on advanced features.
How can you check the total time spent on iOS?
iPhone users can monitor their screen time through Apple’s Screen Time feature.
Like Android, this tool provides app usage stats, and parents can secure screen time limits for their children with a passcode.
To check your usage on iOS:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Screen Time.
- Select Turn On Screen Time.
- Tap Continue.
- Choose either This is My iPhone or This is My Child’s iPhone.
For more detailed options, visit the Apple support page.
Did mobile phone usage increase during the pandemic?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, phone usage surged as people relied on their devices more than ever to stay connected.
A 2021 report found that 68% of respondents used their phones for at least 3 hours daily outside of work.
The pandemic also blurred the lines between work and home life.
With many working remotely, people needed help to disconnect from work, often checking their phones outside of typical work hours.