As of 2023, it is estimated there are 6.92 billion smartphones in use on the planet.

With a population of approximately 8 billion; that means 86.11% of the world owns a smartphone.

Of course, this percentage figure isn’t entirely accurate as some people have more than one smartphone.

But, it does show how prominent they have become in the modern digital society.

Naturally, Western countries have a higher reliance on smartphones.

They are used for work, social connections, and simply for pleasure.

With that in mind, you may not be surprised by the answer to ‘how much time does the average American spend on their phone?’

However, you will find some of these statistics impressive.

Post Contents

1 Key Statistics
2 How Much Time Does The Average American Spend On Their Phone?
3 How To Reduce The Time You Spend On Your Phone
4 Summing Up

Key Statistics

The average American spends 5 hours and 25 minutes on the phone daily
Mobile phones are used to access the web 52% of the time
The average American will check their phone 58 times in a day
Approximately half of global internet access is for social media accounts
Generation Z spend closer to 9 hours on their phones daily
By 2028 there will be 7.8 billion smartphone subscriptions
There are nearly 300 million smartphone users in the US
81% of Americans access the internet via a mobile daily
The average American looks at screens for 10 hours a day
50% of US teenagers feel they are addicted to their phone

How Much Time Does The Average American Spend On Their Phone?

1. The Average American Spends 5 Hours And 25 Minutes On The Phone Daily

According to research the average time across the globe spent on the web per day is 4 hours and 25 minutes.

The latest research shows the average American spends 5 hours and 25 minutes online via their phone daily.

That doesn’t mean they don’t spend more time online via a different device.

Unsurprisingly, this is one of the highest usage times on the planet, although the Philippines are known to spend even more time on their phones.

The exact amount of time will vary according to which generation you fall into.

In general, older generations go online less.

(Zippia)

2. Mobile Phones Are Used To Access The Web 52% Of the Time

Over the last five years mobile internet access has gradually overtaken desktop access.

It’s not just a matter of convenience.

Mobile phones have become significantly faster and more efficient at processing web pages, images, and even videos.

Alongside this, an increasing number of websites are ensuring their site is configured to appear properly on a mobile.

Today, accessing the internet via mobile has become more popular than desktop.

In 52% of cases it is the preferred option.

(Zippia)

3. The Average American Will Check Their Phone 58 Times In A Day

The biggest downside of mobile phones is that you keep them with you at all times, meaning you never really switch off from them.

Whether you’re waiting for a message from a client or boss, or simply curious about the process of a specific event, you’ll be able to check at any time via your mobile.

This has led to over-checking. In effect, someone turns their phone on periodically just to check for messages or other items of interest.

Adopting this approach quickly escalated and you find yourself constantly checking your phone.

Today, that equates to the average American checking their phone 58 times a day, approximately half of those times are within working hours.

This issue is likely to get worse.

(RescueTime)

4. Approximately Half Of Global Internet Access Is For Social Media Accounts

A recent study showed that the average American goes on social media sites for two-and-a-half hours a day.

As the average mobile daily usage is five-and-a-half hours, it’s fair to say that nearly half the time spent on the phone is simply on social media sites.

While social media can be fun and help you to connect with others, it is worth questioning whether this amount is excessive.

It should be noted, globally, the average amount of time spent on mobile phones is four-and-a-half hours.

That means accessing social media accounts is over half the time spent online.

(Zippia)

5. Generation Z Spend Close To 9 Hours On Their Phones Daily

Different generations will be more or less dedicated to using the internet at every possible opportunity.

This is reflected in the number of people that go online daily.

It’s estimated 28% of those in Generation Z will go online daily.

The figures are lower for other groups, 11% of Millennials, 13% of Generation X, and 12% of Baby Boomers.

But, it’s the amount of time spent online that will really blow you away.

Generation Z will, on average, spend 9 hours online via their phones.

Millennials are worse as 13% of them are likely to spend 12 hours or more on their phones daily. This may not all be online but the majority is.

(Demand Sage)

6. By 2028 There Will Be 7.8 Billion Smartphone Subscriptions

For a world with a population of 8 billion, 7.8 billion is a substantial number.

Current estimates suggest that this will be the number of people who own a smartphone contract by 2028.

That’s despite half of Indian women not being on social media as they are taught it is corrupt.

Additionally, there are millions of people in the world without access to electricity, rendering a smartphone useless to them.

Naturally, the highest concentration of Smartphone subscriptions will be in the US and China.

However, with a rapidly growing population and industry, India is also expected to be a world leader in smartphone usage.

As of 2022, there were 6.6 billion smartphone subscriptions in the world.

By 2028 there is likely to be 1.2 billion more. That’s lucrative for the industry.

(Statista)

7. There Are Nearly 300 Million Smartphone Users In The US

Estimates suggest there are nearly 7 billion smartphones in the world.

They also show that there are 294 million smartphones in the US.

With a population of roughly 333 million, that means the majority of US citizens have a smartphone, and that number is likely to increase.

The use of smartphones covers all generations.

Unsurprisingly, the youngest generation, those aged between 18 and 29, tops the list. 94% of this group have smartphones.

Even the older generation is getting in on the act. It’s estimated that 46% of Baby Boomers, who are now over 65, have smartphones.

That suggests many older people prefer the convenience of a smartphone when getting online.

(Statista)

8. 81% Of Americans Access The Internet Via A Mobile Daily

Almost every person in the US is connected to the internet and, research suggests that everyone goes on the internet at least once a day.

It’s a convenient way of checking the news, creating social connections, or simply having a little fun with a game or two.

What is particularly interesting is that the latest studies show 81% of Americans now go online via their mobile.

It’s natural if you are simply surfing. Your phone is easy to reach, ready to use, and gives you access to a wealth of information.

Alongside using the phone for surfing the web, studies show that text messaging is still popular with some generations.

For example, Millennials spend approximately 48 minutes a day texting, Baby Boomers spend just 30 minutes.

In contrast, Baby Boomers are more likely to email; They spend 43 minutes emailing daily as opposed to the 10 minutes spent by Millennials.

(Pew Research)

9. The Average American Looks At Screens For 10 Hours A Day

We’ve already established that the average American spends roughly five-and-a-half hours on the phone daily.

However, that’s not the only screen Americans are watching.

Most Americans will also spend time watching television and potentially working at a computer.

This can nearly double the amount of time spent looking at a screen, to an impressive 10 hours daily.

Of course, excessive screen time has been linked with an increased risk of obesity, sleeping problems, neck and back problems, and even anxiety.

In severe cases this can cause depression.

(Comparitech)

10. 50% Of US Teenagers Feel They Are Addicted To Their Phone

This is quite an alarming fact as smartphones are not currently being treated as addictive.

However, as with any addiction, there can be serious mental and physical side effects to addiction.

Much of this addiction is due to the fact their smartphone is always with them and they feel the need to respond to any message instantly. It’s associated with a fear of missing out.

Of course, this fear and lack of ability to delay gratification means teenagers will always answer their phone, effectively making them addicted to it.

A recent survey confirmed that 50% of US teenagers feel addicted.

It’s possible this will increase the number of other addictions as teenagers develop addictive personalities.

(Statista)

How To Reduce The Time You Spend On Your Phone

Medical professionals across the planet are concerned about the effects of too much mobile usage on your screen time.

It’s been shown to contribute to obesity, an increase in anxiety, and other issues.

You’ll probably want to reduce your use of mobile phones and create a better balance in your life.

Here are three simple things you can do to help.

Use Do Not Disturb

Every smartphone has a do not disturb function.

It does exactly what it says, stops you from being disturbed by preventing all social media messages from popping up.

For the duration of do not disturb you won’t get any social media messages and won’t be distracted by social media.

It’s helpful when you want to get work done, need to sleep, or simply need some downtime.

Just select the start and stop time.

Turn Off Notifications

Turning off your notifications is another way to avoid being disturbed by your phone.

In this instance, you won’t be notified of any social media messages, phone calls, or text messages.

Without the intrusive beep telling you about a new message, you’ll be less tempted to check your phone and better able to focus on work.

Leave The Phone At Home

One option that may terrify most people is to simply leave your phone at home!

There is no better way of avoiding screen time than to be unable to access it.

Believe it or not, people used to survive without mobile phones. Try heading out occasionally without it, you’ll find it liberating and it will certainly reduce your screen time.