You don't need to spend every IELTS study session sitting at a desk. Your phone can become a useful preparation tool when you use it to access reliable resources, practice regularly and follow a structured routine.
The IELTS by IDP app provides preparation articles, videos, quizzes, podcasts, expert guidance and preparation courses, allowing you to access preparation resources from your mobile device.
Can you prepare for IELTS using your phone?
Yes. Your phone can support many parts of your IELTS preparation, including learning about the test, watching preparation videos, practicing questions, taking quizzes and reviewing English vocabulary.
However, your phone should be a tool within a wider preparation plan. You should also use official sample questions and practice under conditions that reflect your chosen test format. Official IELTS sample materials are designed to help test takers become familiar with question types and the test experience.
7 ways to use your phone for IELTS preparation
1. Learn about the IELTS test
Start by understanding what you will be assessed on.
IELTS assesses four skills:
The test format and some components differ between Academic and General Training, so make sure you prepare for the correct test. Listening and Speaking are the same in Academic and General Training, while Reading and Writing differ.
2. Watch preparation videos
Use your phone to watch IELTS preparation videos when you have a few spare minutes. For example, you could watch:
A Listening strategy video
A Writing preparation video
A Speaking advice video
An explanation of the IELTS test format
The IELTS by IDP app provides IELTS preparation videos and other preparation materials.
3. Take short quizzes
Quizzes are useful when you have limited time. Instead of saying: "I don't have an hour to study today." use 10–15 minutes to complete a quiz and review what you got wrong.
4. Build vocabulary
Create a daily vocabulary habit. Learn a small number of useful words and phrases, but don't focus only on memorising definitions. Pay attention to how words are used in sentences and whether they are appropriate for the context.
5. Listen to English regularly
Use your phone to expose yourself to English through appropriate listening resources. The goal is to become more comfortable understanding spoken English across different topics and accents.
6. Practice Speaking
Record yourself answering IELTS Speaking-style questions. After listening to your recording, ask:
Did I answer the question directly?
Did I speak continuously?
Did I repeat the same words?
Was my pronunciation understandable?
Could I organise my ideas better?
IELTS Speaking assesses areas including fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
7. Track what you need to improve
Your phone can help you maintain a simple study checklist. For example:
This week
☐ Listening practice
☐ Reading practice
☐ Writing Task 1
☐ Writing Task 2
☐ Speaking practice
☐ Vocabulary review
☐ Mock test
A simple 30-minute IELTS phone study routine
10 minutes: Watch a preparation video
10 minutes: Complete a quiz or practice activity
5 minutes: Review mistakes
5 minutes: Write down what you need to practice next
When you have more time, extend the session with sample tests and longer practice activities.
Prepare with the IELTS by IDP app
The official IELTS by IDP app brings preparation materials into one mobile experience, including articles, videos, quizzes, podcasts, expert events and preparation courses.