Pockets?
WORD ASSOCIATION - 9th May 2026
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How do people manage to keep track of their mobile phones
(135 Posts)Forthe last 3 months, because of the vagaries of Vodaphone and Openreach we have had no telecomms at home so I have had to be dependent on my mobile phone.
The problem is I do nto always have it onme or close to me. When i go out I put it in my handbag, and when i return Iput the bag under the stairs, and if the phone rings I do not hear it. Alternatively it is on my desk - and if I am not near my desk, and I often aren't , it rigs and I do not hear it. Ditto whenit is in the car.
I tried putting it in a little bag slung round my neck, but the phone kept resetting itself and one of the things it reset was whether it would ring or not, so it kept turning off sound.
Carrying around in my hand all the time gives me cramp and anyway, I need both hands to do things.
There is nowhere in the house to put my phone where I can hear it all the time, and so many clothes lack pockets.
In our last home we had a VOIP (pretend landline) and that had a loud ring and we had three handsets, all of which rang in different parts of the house.
We have decided not to have fibre to the house, I do not quite understand what we have but it is some wireless gizmo that provides an excellent internet service, but no phone.
So I am utterly perplexed as to what to do to make sure I pick up all my calls.
Like other posters I wear a smart watch, not an Apple Watch, which I can use to make and take calls. It will also locate my phone for me by making it ring. It is a good safety gadget too. My balance is awful and I live alone. If I fall I can use the watch to call for help. I wear the watch 24/7.
I used to carry my phone tucked into my bra but apparently doing that all the time is not safe.
Not having had a landline for over 25 years my mobile is always there
On the very rare times that I can’t find it I ask Alexa to ring my number.
I have the same problem and have no desire to be a constantly monitoring my phone. My land-line I can hear all over the house and I can understand people clearly so why would I want to cart a mobile round the house all day? I know many people have got rid of land-lines presumably to cut costs but a nice long chat in the armchair with a comfortable receiver is for me preferable to trying to keep a mobile in the right position for good reception. Yes I am a bit of a Luddite I suppose! I use it when out of the house but if it rings at home, if it is important a message will be left.
I don’t have ADHD or anything, but I’m still endlessly wondering where my phone is. Dd1 is even worse - I’ve suggested glueing it to her head!
I misplace mine all the time, and it is black on one side and pale green on the other, so if I put it on a surface that matches whichever way is up I often can't see it easily, which doesn't help. I'm less bothered about getting calls - my children are much more likely to text anyway - but sometimes I want to make a call, or just mess about on it. I use my watch to find it most days.
I use my mobile phone for lots of things but I see no reason to use it at home for calls. I've been with BT for so long that the deal I have allows me so many free calls from my landline I rarely have to pay extra. I use "one penny" for my mobile - I send loads of what'sapps, texts and make calls when I'm out. I use plenty of apps. I've just topped it up - first time since end of July - £10. Works for me!
Do you have an Alexa?
If so you can synch your phone, Alexa will then call people in your contacts on demand and she will ring when you have a call.
Until I retired I was always available on a land line during the day so the only time I used my mobile was to suit me.
I really resent it now and object to having to be contactable.
Therefore I’m not. That doesn’t please me either!
I speak to family and friends on the mobile. If they don’t get me then they leave a message on my home phone. I can’t call it a land line now we are on full fibre. (Don’t do it until you have to!)
I spend half my life looking for the wretched thing but I do have a glasses case that I put a strap on so I just put it over my shoulder if I’m expecting a call.
dont have one . not that special
check the messages once in a while
dont need a umbilicalcord
Umbilical cord? What a strange thing to say.
How do you check the messages on a phone you haven't got?
dotpocka
dont have one . not that special
check the messages once in a while
dont need a umbilicalcord
How can you check messages on a phone you claim not to have? And not all of us are attached to our phones like an umbilical cord...
One of the things I think about in having my mobile on me is the ability to call for assistance in any area of the house, garden, car etc. should I need it.
Exactly Jax.
Living on my own now, I think it’s essential to be able to contact help. Yes, I know, in extreme circumstances one could have an aneurysm or stroke and not be capable of using the phone at all, but I imagine that’s quite rare. I’d carried mine everywhere for many years since DD1 got her first phone and car, then when DD2 returned to school after her stroke. When my Dad’s health began to fail, I bought him a simple mobile to keep in contact several times a day. So when DH was first diagnosed with his cancer, it was already a habit that just continued and does to this day.
I bought a wrist strap for my mobile to take on holiday in case I dropped it while taking photos etc. I don't use it at home but it might be a solution for you M0nica
You can armbands for carrying a phone about. This is just an example, there are loads of others out there. www.decathlon.co.uk/p/kiprun-unisex-smartphone-and-big-phone-running-armband-blue/_/R-p-340526?mc=8759901&c=smoked%20black
Mine is in a phonecase to protect it if it gets dropped and also you can't push the buttons by mistake. I then shove it in my trousers pocket. If I don't hear it ring I feel it vibrate. I have a large garden and like to have the phone on my person in case I have an accident whilst working in it.
I still have a landline. I use it to call my mobile to locate it.
Doodledog
ViceVersa
I just take mine with me from one room to another. Simple.
It's not simple if you have ADD, or have any other reason why you are likely to forget where you put it. If it were as easy as that, the OP wouldn't have posted.
I have ADHD. Yes, I sometimes misplace my phone. But mostly, I remember to be mindful - I put the phone down in the same place every time and stare at it a few moments, repeating a 'mantra' e.g. 'phone's on the coffee table'.
Jaxjacky
"I wear jeans or shorts all the time, it’s in my back pocket, on the rare dress days it’s in the front of my bra."
Please don't put it in your bra. I developed a lump which I'm certain was caused by this. I now have only one breast.
dotpocka
dont have one . not that special
check the messages once in a while
dont need a umbilicalcord
It’s a badge of honour on GN not to use 21st century tech devices 🤦🏼♀️
I don't buy clothes without pockets! In the past I used to make little fabric bags and sew them inside the waistband of sports gear.
If you lose your phone there's a tracking app called find my phone. I can go on my laptop and as my devices are linked, it will show me the precise location of my mobile.
I was directed to the bathroom and found it in the laundry basket, despite it being switched off!
Last time I used FMP it just showed me a map and that my devices were in the house. It wasn’t more specific than that. I must try it again if it’s been upgraded.
I have the same problem, tried many solutions. My latest is to have mine on a cord around my neck. It's a flip phone, so I can flip it over the cord, which is long enough to then put the phone in my pocket to keep it out of the way. I find anything attached to my body an encumbrance when doing chores.
OldEnough2knowbetter thank you, the last time I wore a dress for an evening was March, before then it was two years, but I’ll heed your advice.
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