The number of unused phones and smartphones in German households continues to decline, although it remains at a high level. According to the industry association Bitkom, they reported on Wednesday that there are currently 167 million old devices kept in drawers, down from 195 million in the previous year. For comparison, the number reached 210 million unused mobile phones and smartphones by the end of 2022, was around 206 million in 2021, and approximately 199 million in 2020. Despite this reduction, 86 percent of Germans retain at least one unused phone or smartphone at home.
The primary reason cited for keeping old devices is the possibility of needing them again; 48 percent give this reason. Another group, 28 percent, expresses concern about personal data falling into the wrong hands. An additional 25 percent are attached to the devices for emotional reasons, while 19 percent report having insufficient time in their daily lives to dispose of or donate the equipment. Furthermore, 11 percent are unsure about where or how they can dispose of an old device.
Differences were noted across age groups. Young people under 30 are more likely than average to feel an emotional attachment to their old devices (30 percent). Conversely, a relatively high percentage of individuals over 65 are unaware of proper disposal channels for these devices (16 percent).
This data is based on a survey conducted by Bitkom Research, which polled 1,004 people aged 16 and older across Germany via telephone. The survey took place between the ninth and twelfth calendar week of 2026.