25 Creative Things to Do on Your Phone When You’re Bored

Bored and stuck with just your phone? You’re definitely not alone. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through the same apps, why not turn those slow moments into something more fun or useful? There are so many things to do on your phone when you’re bored that go beyond the usual routine — from learning something new to getting a little creative.

Whether you’ve got five minutes or a whole afternoon to kill, your phone can be the perfect tool to keep your mind engaged and entertained. Here’s a list of easy ideas to make your screen time way more exciting.

1. Learn a new language with Duolingo or similar apps

Turn boredom into brainpower by learning a new language right from your phone. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise make it super easy and fun to practice vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar a little at a time. You can even set daily goals and earn rewards for your progress.

Whether you dream of visiting Paris, Tokyo, or Mexico City someday, starting now builds a foundation for real conversations later. Plus, it’s a lot more satisfying than just scrolling endlessly — and you’ll actually be working toward a skill you can show off.

2. Watch a random TED Talk on YouTube

TED Talks are packed with inspiring, interesting ideas about everything from technology to personal growth. Pick a random one on YouTube or use the TED app, and you might find yourself learning about creativity, resilience, science, or leadership in just a few minutes.

These talks are short, powerful, and often delivered by some of the most brilliant minds in the world. Instead of losing time to random videos, you’ll walk away with new perspectives and motivation. Plus, some talks are so fascinating you’ll want to share them with friends.

3. Edit photos creatively using PicsArt or Lightroom Mobile

Instead of letting those hundreds of photos just sit in your camera roll, why not give them a creative upgrade? Apps like PicsArt, Lightroom Mobile, or Snapseed offer tons of filters, frames, collage options, and color adjustments.

You can create professional-looking edits, artsy collages, or funny memes. Editing your photos sharpens your visual creativity and gives you amazing images to post, print, or save as memories. Plus, learning basic photo editing is a cool skill that could even lead to future creative gigs.

4. Create a fun TikTok dance or skit

If you love movement, humor, or storytelling, creating a TikTok is a fun way to kill time and express yourself. Find a trending sound or challenge, learn a quick dance, or act out a funny scene.

You don’t have to post it publicly if you’re shy — just making videos for yourself can be hilarious and a great creative outlet. Plus, participating in trends or inventing your own ideas sharpens your creativity and connects you to a massive global community of creators.

5. Play brain-training games like Lumosity or Peak

Instead of mindless tapping, challenge your brain with games designed to improve memory, focus, problem-solving, and even mental flexibility. Apps like Lumosity, Peak, and Elevate offer daily exercises that are genuinely fun and scientifically designed to boost brain health.

Plus, they’re quick — you can play one or two rounds whenever you have a spare minute. Strengthening your mind while having fun is way more satisfying than another hour of mindless scrolling, and you might even notice yourself getting faster and sharper over time.

6. Write a short story or poem in your notes app

Use your boredom as a chance to flex your creative writing muscles. Open your notes app and challenge yourself to write a quick short story, a piece of flash fiction, or a poem. It doesn’t have to be perfect — the goal is just to get your ideas flowing.

You could write about your day, a funny dream, or invent a whole new world. Even if you only write a paragraph, you’ll be building creativity, sharpening your writing skills, and maybe even discovering a new hobby.

7. Listen to an inspiring or funny podcast

Podcasts are like having a radio show or deep conversation in your pocket. Browse Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Pocket Casts for something that fits your mood — from inspiring self-improvement shows to hilarious storytelling series.

You can learn about history, psychology, business, or just laugh at true crime comedy shows. Listening to podcasts while chilling, walking, or doing chores is a great way to turn downtime into a chance to learn something new or simply unwind.

8. Clean out your old screenshots and duplicate photos

Your camera roll is probably filled with random screenshots, blurry photos, or duplicates you don’t need. Cleaning it out doesn’t sound exciting at first, but it’s super satisfying once you start.

It frees up storage, helps you find your best memories more easily, and makes your phone feel way less cluttered. Put on music or a podcast while you swipe and delete, and before you know it, your phone will be cleaner, faster, and much more organized.

9. Organize your apps into neat folders

If your home screen is a jumbled mess, it’s time for a cleanup. Create folders like “Social,” “Games,” “School,” and “Health” to group similar apps together. Delete anything you haven’t used in months — you can always reinstall it later if needed.

Having an organized phone screen not only looks good but also saves time when you’re trying to find something quickly. Plus, it’s surprisingly satisfying to give your digital life a little makeover!

10. Make a dream travel bucket list on Pinterest

Use Pinterest or a notes app to start planning your dream adventures. Search for destinations you want to visit, save beautiful photos, and create a travel board full of ideas. You can pin everything from must-see landmarks to cool local foods you want to try.

Even if you can’t travel right now, dreaming and planning can boost your mood and give you goals to look forward to. Plus, it’s fun imagining all the amazing places you’ll explore one day!

11. Update and customize your playlists for different moods

Music can change your mood instantly. Spend some time creating or updating playlists — one for workouts, one for chill study sessions, another for dance parties. Explore new songs, rediscover old favorites, and organize them into perfect soundtracks for different moments.

Having personalized playlists ready makes future moments — whether you’re feeling energetic or mellow — way better. Plus, exploring new music broadens your tastes and can lead you to artists you never knew you’d love.

12. Try a trivia quiz app like Trivia Crack

Turn your phone into a mini game show by downloading a trivia app like Trivia Crack or QuizUp. Challenge your friends or random players around the world to test your knowledge in categories like history, sports, movies, and science.

It’s a fun way to spark your competitive side, learn weird facts, and keep your brain active. Plus, a quick trivia match is way more rewarding than endlessly scrolling — you’ll walk away a little smarter every time.

13. Watch relaxing ASMR videos

If you’re feeling stressed or just want to chill, search for ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) videos on YouTube. These videos often feature calming sounds like whispering, tapping, and gentle movements that many people find incredibly relaxing.

Watching ASMR can help you unwind, reduce anxiety, and even fall asleep more easily. Just pop in some headphones, pick a video that sounds soothing, and let yourself relax completely — it’s like a mini spa treatment for your brain.

14. Challenge yourself with a crossword puzzle or Sudoku app

Give your brain a little workout by solving a crossword puzzle, Sudoku, or logic puzzle on your phone. Apps like NYT Crossword, Sudoku.com, and Brain Training offer hundreds of puzzles ranging from easy to mind-bendingly hard.

These activities help you improve vocabulary, critical thinking, and patience, all while having fun. Plus, it feels super rewarding to finally crack a tough puzzle — way better than scrolling through the same old feeds.

15. Meditate for five minutes using Calm or Headspace

Meditation might sound serious, but you can start with just a few minutes a day using free apps like Calm, Headspace, or Insight Timer. These apps guide you through simple breathing exercises, body scans, or gratitude sessions.

Even five minutes of meditation can lower your stress, clear your mind, and help you feel refreshed. It’s a small habit that has huge benefits over time — and it’s a perfect reset button when you’re feeling bored or overwhelmed.

16. Try a virtual museum tour through Google Arts & Culture

You can explore famous museums and cultural landmarks without leaving your bed. Apps like Google Arts & Culture offer virtual tours of places like The Louvre, The British Museum, and even NASA’s research centers.

Walk through exhibits, zoom in on paintings, and learn about world history and art — all from your phone. It’s a fascinating way to beat boredom and discover new interests, especially if you love travel, art, or science. Plus, it’s completely free, and you can hop between places in seconds — a true global adventure at your fingertips!

17. Make a vision board using Canva or a collage app

Feeling stuck or daydreaming about your future? Turn those ideas into a vision board. Apps like Canva, Picsart, or Pinterest let you easily pull together photos, quotes, and designs that represent your goals — whether it’s travel, career dreams, hobbies, or lifestyle changes.

Vision boards are proven to boost motivation because they keep your dreams visible and real. You can set it as your wallpaper, print it later, or just save it to glance at when you need a boost. Plus, the process of designing it is super fun and inspiring.

18. Send a nice text to someone you haven’t talked to lately

Brighten someone’s day — and your own — by reaching out with a quick, kind message. Text an old friend, a relative, or someone you haven’t chatted with in a while. It could be as simple as saying “Hey, just thinking about you! Hope you’re doing well!”

Reconnecting reminds people that they’re valued and can spark wonderful conversations you didn’t expect. Plus, it makes you feel more connected and supported, even if you’re physically far apart. Small gestures like these often mean more than you realize.

19. Learn simple guitar chords through a music app

Always wanted to play guitar? You can start learning basic chords right from your phone with apps like Yousician, Ultimate Guitar, or Simply Guitar. They offer step-by-step lessons, tuning help, and practice exercises that are beginner-friendly. Even learning a few chords like G, C, and D can unlock dozens of popular songs.

Practicing a little bit each day is not just productive — it’s rewarding and relaxing too. Plus, once you master a song or two, you’ll have a new creative outlet to enjoy anytime you’re feeling bored.

20. Start a private journal entry in a notes app or journaling app

Sometimes you just need a space to dump your thoughts, dreams, or frustrations. Open your Notes app, or download a journaling app like Day One or Journey, and start writing whatever’s on your mind. You could list what you’re grateful for, document a funny thing that happened today, or reflect on your goals.

Journaling clears your head, reduces stress, and helps you get to know yourself better. Plus, it’s cool to look back later and see how much you’ve grown over time — a secret record of your life that’s just for you.

21. Download a new audiobook and listen while chilling

Reading books is amazing — but sometimes, you just want to close your eyes and listen. Audiobooks are perfect for lazy afternoons or multitasking during chores. Apps like Audible, Libby (library app), or Spotify have huge selections in every genre imaginable.

Whether you’re into fantasy, self-help, mystery, or biographies, you can dive into a whole new world without lifting a finger. Listening to audiobooks not only keeps boredom at bay but also improves your focus and comprehension skills, and it’s an easy way to absorb amazing stories or information without staring at a screen.

22. Try digital doodling or coloring apps like Procreate Pocket or Pigment

You don’t have to be a professional artist to enjoy doodling or coloring. Apps like Procreate Pocket (for more advanced design) or Pigment (for relaxing coloring pages) offer tons of creative tools. Spend a few minutes sketching something random, coloring beautiful mandalas, or designing digital art.

Drawing digitally helps you relax, stimulates creativity, and gives you a real sense of accomplishment. Plus, you can save or share your creations instantly! It’s a super soothing way to pass time and way more fun than just scrolling endlessly.

23. Explore funny memes and videos on Instagram or Reddit

Sometimes laughter really is the best cure for boredom. Set a timer and allow yourself to dive into the world of funny memes, viral videos, and wholesome content on Instagram or Reddit (r/funny and r/mademesmile are great starting points).

It’s a quick way to lift your mood and feel connected to millions of people laughing at the same silly things. Just be careful not to fall too deep into the endless scroll — a few good laughs are perfect, but balancing it with other activities keeps your day feeling even better.

24. Plan an imaginary perfect day or event using a planning app

Ever daydream about the ultimate birthday party, road trip, or staycation? Use planning apps like Trello, Notion, or even simple Notes to sketch out your dream day. Map out the activities, the food, the playlist, and even little details like outfits or decorations.

Planning something imaginary boosts creativity, lifts your mood, and might even inspire a real event you can organize later. It’s a light, positive way to turn your free time into something imaginative and motivating.

25. Start a tiny business idea brainstorm in your notes app

Ever thought about starting a small business, side hustle, or creative project? Open your Notes app and brainstorm wild ideas — maybe selling digital art, baking custom cookies, offering tutoring, or designing T-shirts. List out names, services, things you love doing, and how you could market them.

It doesn’t have to be serious — just getting ideas down boosts your entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. You never know — one day, one of those quick notes could turn into your next big passion project or even a real business.