18 Things You Had to Do Before Smartphones Existed
This is a throwback to the everyday struggles and habits people had before smartphones made life easier.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Life before smartphones was a mix of creativity, patience, and a lot of extra steps. People had to memorize phone numbers, print out directions, and carry actual cameras just to capture a moment. This list takes you back to the things everyone had to do before everything became just a tap away.
1. Memorizing Phone Numbers
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Before smartphones could store everything, people had to memorize numbers or write them down. Forgetting someone’s number meant checking a phone book or asking a friend. Losing your address book was a disaster.
2. Using Physical Maps
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Getting lost meant pulling out a massive paper map and figuring things out. Wrong turns were common, and asking for directions was typical for travel. GPS? It used to be only in sci-fi movies.
3. Calling a Landline and Hoping Someone Picked Up
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If you wanted to talk to someone, you had to call their house and hope they were home. If not, you had to leave a message and wait for a callback. There were no instant replies, just patience.
4. Developing Film to See Your Photos
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Taking pictures meant waiting days to see how they turned out. Every shot mattered because the film was limited, and blurry photos were just part of the experience.
5. Printing Out Directions
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Road trips required printed step-by-step directions. If you missed a turn, you had to pull over and re-read the instructions. If you lost the paper, you would have had trouble finding your way.
6. Using Payphones in Public
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If you were out and needed to make a call, payphones were the only option. Carrying spare change was essential. If the line was busy, you had to wait.
7. Carrying a Separate Music Player
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Music on the go meant carrying a Walkman or Discman. Skipping songs required fast-forwarding or flipping the tape. Running out of batteries could ruin your day.
8. Renting Movies from a Video Store
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A movie night meant a trip to the video store. Finding the last available copy of a popular movie felt like winning the lottery. Late fees were a real struggle.
9. Checking the Newspaper for Movie Showtimes
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Finding out what was playing in theaters required checking the newspaper. You had to note the showtimes and plan accordingly. There were no instant trailers, just posters and descriptions.
10. Setting an Alarm Clock Instead of a Phone Alarm
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Waking up on time meant using an actual alarm clock. If the power went out, you could be in trouble. Hitting snooze required real effort.
11. Passing Notes in Class
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Texting was not an option, so secret messages were written on paper. Getting caught meant confiscation or embarrassment. Some notes even had creative folding techniques.
12. Waiting for Your Favorite Song on the Radio
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Making a mixtape required patience and good timing. You had to listen carefully and hit record at the right moment. DJs talking over the intro was frustrating.
13. Using a Phonebook to Find Contacts
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Finding someone’s number meant flipping through a massive directory. Businesses and full-page ads stand out. If you lost it, you would be stuck guessing.
14. Carrying a Notebook for Important Info
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Without note apps, people kept addresses, schedules, and reminders in a small notebook. Losing it meant losing everything. Good handwriting was a must.
15. Writing Directions for Someone by Hand
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Helping someone find a place in the past required writing down step-by-step directions. Some even sketched maps for extra clarity. Misreading the handwriting could lead to an accidental detour.
16. Using Encyclopedias for Research
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Before Google, research meant flipping through thick encyclopedias. Libraries were the go-to place for information. New editions were needed to stay updated.
17. Checking the Weather on TV or in the Newspaper
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If you wanted to know the weather, you had to watch the news or check the paper. No hourly updates, just a general prediction. If it was wrong, you got wet.
18. Waiting in Line to Buy Concert Tickets
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Scoring tickets meant camping outside a box office. Because online sales did not exist, tickets were sold on a first-come, first-served basis. If you were too late, you missed out.