7 Things to Do on Your Phone While You’re Waiting for Coffee

You’ve ordered your latte, the barista is working their magic, and now you’ve got a few minutes of downtime. It’s easy to open Instagram and scroll without thinking, but those moments can be more fun (or useful, or fun and useful) than that. Your phone can turn a short wait into a little pocket of entertainment, productivity, or calm. Instead of letting those minutes slip away, think of them as bonus time; a chance to sneak in a laugh, learn something new, or clear a tiny task off your list. Here are seven quick things you can do while you wait for your name to be called.

1. Catch Up on News Briefs

Waiting in line is a great time to get a snapshot of the world. News apps now serve headlines in bite-sized pieces so you don’t need to dive deep. NPR’s Up First podcast usually runs about 10 to 15 minutes, so even a short listen gives you the top stories of the day. Many outlets also send push notifications with quick one-paragraph summaries. Skim one or two, and you’ll walk away smarter by the time your drink is ready. A couple of headlines can give you talking points for later in the day, or simply help you feel more connected to what’s happening outside the coffee shop.

2. Play Quick Online Games While You Wait

One of the quickest ways to make time fly is with a game you can start and stop instantly. Some people go for strategy games, others prefer tap-and-play options, while many enjoy California online poker, which offers fast sessions, a wide variety of tables, and the chance to test your skills against other players from anywhere.

However, if you’re looking for other fresh ideas, try Snaky Cat, a quirky 2025 release where your cat slithers around eating donuts in short matches. Destiny: Rising is built so you can dip into small activities instead of marathon sessions. These quick games are made for short bursts, making them perfect for your coffee break. It’s about giving yourself a pause that distracts you just enough to make waiting feel like playtime instead of dead time.

3. Listen to a Bite-Sized Podcast or Audiobook

Not in the mood to scroll? Go hands-free. Short podcasts are everywhere, alongside the longer 20-to-40-minute shows you can always pause and come back to. The Newsworthy, for example, keeps its daily episodes under 10 minutes. On Audible, Editors’ Select highlights short listens, and the Clips feature lets you save moments to revisit later. Perfect for filling just a couple of minutes without losing your place. These little audio bursts are great for learning something new or simply adding a bit of story to your morning.

4. Practice Mindfulness or Breathing

A coffee shop may be noisy, but it’s still a good place to reset your head. Apps like Headspace have one to three-minute breathing sessions that fit neatly into a wait. Close your eyes, tune out the milk frother, and take a few slow breaths to find a moment of calm. It’s a simple way to swap restless scrolling for a quick mental recharge. Even 60 seconds of slowing down can shift your energy for the rest of the day, turning a rushed moment into one of calm presence.

5. Learn Something Small

Little lessons add up over time. Duolingo’s 2025 perks like Early Bird, Night Owl, and Triple XP boosts encourage you to squeeze in a short practice session whenever you can. Brilliant’s Daily Challenge drops a new brain-teaser each day that only takes a few minutes. These quick hits of learning fit perfectly into a coffee break, and they give your brain a wake-up alongside the caffeine. The beauty is that you leave not only with your drink but also with the satisfaction of building a small habit.

6. Knock Out Quick Tasks

Those tiny to-dos you never quite get to? The coffee line is perfect to tick off some “snackable” tasks. Delete a few spam emails or unsubscribe from a newsletter. Clear some storage using CleanMy Phone, which spots duplicate shots automatically. On iOS, Smart Lists make it easy to add errands or groceries the moment they pop into your head. Or just peek at your bank app and log a receipt. It’s amazing how much lighter you feel when you check something small off your list. Clearing one or two micro-tasks in line gives you a head start on the day before your first sip.

7. Connect or Create

You don’t need much time to reach out or spark an idea. Send a quick “thinking of you” text or reply to that message you’ve been putting off. BeReal’s 2025 relaunch added video and chat, making it easier to share in the moment. Spotify Jam lets you drop songs into a group queue instantly, while the new Google Keep design is handy for jotting down a note before it slips away. Small connections brighten your day, and even a tiny step toward creativity makes the wait feel purposeful.