Ed Sheeran made a surprising revelation during his recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, revealing that he hasn’t used a phone since 2015. The 42-year-old singer, known for his chart-topping hits and four Grammy wins, explained that nearly a decade ago, he made the conscious decision to disconnect from his phone—and hasn’t looked back since.
Sheeran opened up about his decision on March 26, during a candid conversation with Jimmy Fallon. He shared that the turning point for him came during a legal battle over his hit song “Thinking Out Loud,” where he was required to hand over his devices as part of a copyright case. Fortunately, the case was resolved in his favor in 2023, but it was during this time that he made the decision to leave his phone behind.
“I switched it off in 2015 and left it in a box,” Ed explained, reflecting on the moment that changed his relationship with technology.
Sheeran recalled the emotional and poignant texts that were waiting for him when he turned his phone back on. “The first text was from a friend who passed away the year before. The second was an argument with an ex-girlfriend, the third from a family member I hadn’t spoken to in 10 years,” he said. “The fourth was another friend who had died.”
These deeply personal memories led Sheeran to write the song “Old Phone,” which explores both the emotional impact of loss and the little annoyances of everyday life. The track reflects his journey of moving on from the past and embracing a simpler, phone-free life.
The decision to quit using his phone has not only impacted his personal life but has also influenced his music, allowing Sheeran to reflect on the deeper aspects of life and human connection. Fans are now getting a glimpse of his emotional journey through his latest work, inspired by the lessons he’s learned from his time away from the screen.
As Ed Sheeran continues to evolve as both an artist and a person, his decision to step away from his phone remains a defining moment in his life. Whether it’s through his music or his personal story, Sheeran reminds us of the value in disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with the more meaningful aspects of life.
