16 Things Kids Used to Do with Phones Before Smartphones Existed
Before smartphones became the center of daily life, kids used phones in ways that now feel like ancient history. Landlines, flip phones, and even payphones shaped how children played, communicated, and passed the time. Exploring these old-school habits offers a fun and nostalgic glimpse into how technology has changed the experience of growing up.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Smartphones have completely changed how kids use phones, but things were very different just a couple of decades ago. From playing simple games to memorizing phone numbers, kids used phones in creative and practical ways. These forgotten habits reflect a time when technology was more limited, yet still exciting. Discover 16 things kids used to do with phones long before touchscreens and apps ruled the world.
1. Memorizing Everyone’s Phone Number
Boris Hamer on Pexels
Kids had to remember the numbers of their friends, family, and even their favorite pizza place. There were no contact lists or speed dial shortcuts. Knowing numbers by heart was part of being independent.
2. Using a Landline in the Kitchen
Fotostudio - All Eyes On You on Pexels
The family landline was often in the kitchen, attached to the wall with a long cord. Kids would stretch the cord around corners to get some privacy during calls. That corded dance was the only way to keep conversations secret.
3. Waiting for a Turn on the Family Phone
Connor McManus on Pexels
Phones were shared by everyone, and kids had to wait for their turn. Long phone calls often led to arguments among siblings. It taught patience, or at least how to eavesdrop quietly while pretending not to.
4. Making Prank Calls
KoolShooters on Pexels
Before caller ID was common, prank calling was a favorite way to pass the time. Kids would dial random numbers and try not to laugh while pretending to be someone else. It was harmless fun until someone’s parent picked up.
5. Collect Calling Friends from Payphones
Atahan Demir on pexels
Payphones were a lifeline when kids were out and needed a ride home. Some would cleverly say their name as the message, like “MomComePickMeUp,” to avoid charges. It was a quick and creative workaround for a tight budget.
6. Playing Snake on a Nokia
Masood Aslami on Pexels
Before touchscreens, the game Snake was a big deal on early cell phones. Kids spent hours trying to beat their high scores using simple buttons. The graphics were basic, but the fun was real.
7. Sending T9 Texts with Just a Number Pad
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Texting meant tapping each number key multiple times to get the right letter. It took skill, speed, and plenty of patience. Kids became fast typists without ever touching a keyboard.
8. Talking on the Phone for Hours
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Instead of texting all day, kids would spend hours talking after school. Long chats were part of the social routine, especially with best friends or crushes. A busy phone line meant someone was deep in conversation.
9. Using Phone Books to Find Numbers
Robert-brook on Wikimedia
Before search engines, kids looked up numbers in giant printed phone books. It was how you found your friend’s house or the number for the movie theater. Flipping through those pages felt like grown-up detective work.
10. Creating Voicemail Greetings with Music
phreakindee on Wikimedia
Kids would record fun voicemail greetings using songs and silly intros. They tried to sound cool or funny so their friends would be impressed. It was a creative way to show personality using just a phone.
11. Getting Yelled at for Being on the Phone Too Long
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Parents kept track of time spent on the phone, especially when bills were involved. Kids often heard, “Get off the phone!” during long calls. Minutes were precious, especially with limited plans.
12. Three-Way Calling to Gossip with Friends
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Three-way calling let kids include another friend in the conversation. It was perfect for sharing secrets, planning sleepovers, or just chatting in a group. Sometimes, it was used to secretly listen in on someone else.
13. Passing Notes Instead of Texting
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Without smartphones, kids couldn’t text during school. Instead, they folded paper notes and passed them when teachers weren’t looking. Phones weren’t allowed in class, so writing was the only way to stay connected.
14. Listening to Ringtones with Real Songs
Arthur A on Pexels
Downloading real song ringtones was exciting, even if they sounded rough. Kids would play them loud in hopes someone would notice. Picking the right ringtone felt like choosing a theme song.
15. Sharing Phones with Siblings
Edmond Dantès on Pexels
Phones weren’t personal devices, so kids often shared one family phone. They had to take turns and keep each other’s calls private. It taught sharing, even if it caused plenty of arguments.
16. Waiting by the Phone for Someone to Call
Necip Duman on Pexels
Before messaging apps, kids literally waited by the phone for important calls. Whether it was a friend, a crush, or a call back for a job, it was all about timing. The sound of the phone ringing brought real excitement.