Why Is My Boyfriend Always on His Phone? (Explained)

Is your boyfriend always on his phone?

If he is, you’re not alone.

Cell phone addiction is a real problem – and it’s one of the major causes of arguments in a relationship.

It also causes insecurity, as it means that he might be texting other women or doing things you wouldn’t approve of.

If you want a healthy, trusting, and fulfilling relationship you need to get your boyfriend to put his phone down, and here’s how.

Why Is My Boyfriend Always on His Phone?

This is a question many women are asking themselves in this modern age, and it’s one that can cause a lot of arguments.

If your boyfriend is always on his phone, you have to find a way to help him put a stop to it.

Here’s why:

Cell phone addiction is a real problem. It’s not healthy for him to spend hours staring at his phone and I’m sure I don’t have to tell you he’s neglecting you.

It’s also a major cause of insecurity in relationships. If he’s always on his phone, it makes you think he’s doing something more enjoyable than spending time with you, doesn’t it?

He’s building up a dependency. The more he gets involved in texting, online communities, and keeping up with stuff online, the harder he’s going to find it to break free.

If you want your boyfriend to give you attention, which is what he should be doing, then you need to understand why he’s always on his phone.

Is he bored? 

Is he avoiding speaking with you?

Does he have something to hide?

Does he feel like he needs an escape from reality?

Once you know why he’s addicted to his phone, it’ll be easier to find a solution.

Related – Tips for spotting when a guy is texting a crush or being a player online.

How Serious Is Cell Phone Addiction?

Cell phone addiction (also called nomophobia) is a serious problem because it’s not just about the amount of time he spends on his phone.

It’s also about the way he uses his phone.

For example, if he’s always on social media, he’s more likely to get caught up in comparing himself to other people.

This can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

If he’s constantly texting other women and flirting, it’s a sign that he’s not happy in the relationship.

Guys can get hooked on flirting online because it’s so easy and they don’t have to put themselves out there – but it’s still a form of cheating.

It’s also possible he has a problem with online compulsions. He might be gambling, shopping, or bidding on stuff and hooked to the rush of spending money he doesn’t have!

Whatever he’s doing on his phone, it’s not healthy.

And the fact that he’s addicted also shows that he has a dependency, which is going to lead on to anxiety and other mental health issues whether he tries to break away or not.

How Cell Phone Addiction Affects Relationships

If your boyfriend is always on his phone, I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that it’s going to have a negative effect on your relationship.

It’s not just that he’s neglecting you – although that’s definitely part of it.

It’s also that he might be doing things that are harmful to the relationship without even realizing it.

For example, if he’s always on social media he’s more likely to compare you to other women.

He might start thinking that you’re not as pretty/funny/interesting as his friends’ girlfriends, and that can lead to him feeling dissatisfied with the relationship.

It can also make him more likely to cheat, either physically or emotionally if he’s getting attention from other women.

Then there is the anxiety that comes with not being on his phone. This is distracting him from being completely present with you.

Much like any kind of addict, your boyfriend is probably consumed with thoughts about when he can next get on his phone, even when you think you’re enjoying your time together.

Related – Examples of dry texting and signs your man is texting other women.

How Do I Get My Boyfriend to Stay Off His Phone?

If you’re reading this, then I’m assuming you want to know how to get your boyfriend to stay off his phone.

And the truth is, it’s not going to be easy.

Cell phone addiction is a serious problem and it’s not something that he can just stop overnight.

It’s going to take time, patience, and effort.

But if you’re willing to put in the work, then there are things you can do to help him break away from his phone addiction.

Here are a few ideas:

• Encourage him to take breaks from his phone. Maybe help him set a rule where he can only use his phone for a set amount of time when you’re together.
• Try and get him to delete the most problematic apps. If social media is the problem, then get him to delete Facebook, Instagram, etc.
• Talk to him about his phone addiction and how it’s impacting your relationship. This is a difficult conversation to have, but it’s important.
• Make sure you’re spending quality time together without phones. This means no phones at the dinner table, during movie nights, etc.
• Encourage him to find other hobbies and activities that don’t involve his phone. This can help him to break the habit of being on his phone all the time.

Like any addiction, ultimately your boyfriend needs to admit he has a problem and that he wants to change if he’s going to make any changes.

He also needs to admit if he needs help and not be afraid to reach out and ask.

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Image credits – Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash