7 Tips to Turn Your Phone into a Spanish Super-Learning Machine

I opened my phone and saw a notification that I needed to update fourteen apps. 

I was astonished that I had so many updates available, and out ofcuriosity, I counted how many apps I had in total.

Can you imagine how many?

63. Yes, 63 apps on the phone.

Then I started to count how many of those apps I use to learn Latin, the language I'm learning right now.

Six. 10% of the installed apps are for learning languages.

In addition, I use Spotify to listen to podcasts and stories, YouTube to watch videos of comprehensible input, and I follow several creators on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

This experience made me realize how helpful the telephone can be for language learners.

Here are seven tips to turn your phone into a Spanish super-learning machine.

1. Use Language Learning Apps

Apps like Duolingo offer daily exercises with fun, game-like lessons. For example, you can complete a 5-minute lesson during your coffee break. Babbel, on the other hand, offers conversational practice. You could spend 10 minutes on your commute practicing Spanish greetings and introductions. Here is a review of apps for learning Spanish.

2. Change Your Phone's Language

Switch your phone's settings to Spanish. This simple change can significantly boost your learning. For instance, when you navigate your phone to set the alarm, you'll learn words like "alarma," "configuración," "sonido," or "pantalla."

3. Follow Spanish Content on Social Media

Adjust your Instagram or Twitter to follow Spanish-speaking influencers. For example, follow a Spanish chef to learn cooking vocabulary or a travel blogger from Spain to get familiar with travel-related terms.

4. Consume Spanish Media

Listen to Spanish music or podcasts while jogging or commuting. For instance, try "Coffee Break Spanish" for beginner-friendly lessons. Watch Spanish YouTube channels to improve your listening skills; a cooking channel can teach you recipe-related vocabulary.

5. Use Translation and Dictionary Apps

Download apps like Google Translate or Deepl for on-the-spot help. If you read a Spanish article and stumble upon a new word, quickly look it up. Anki, a flashcard app, is great for memorizing new words. You could create flashcards for new vocabulary you encounter each day.

6. Engage with Native Speakers

Use apps like italki toor speak with native Spanish speakers. For example, practice asking questions about daily routines or hobbies to get comfortable with common phrases.

7. Practice Speaking with Video Recording

Record yourself speaking Spanish using your phone's camera. For instance, narrate your daily activities in Spanish or describe a picture in Spanish. This exercise helps with pronunciation and building confidence, and it can also help you do self-assessments and track your progress.

Your smartphone is a powerful tool for learning Spanish. By integrating these tips into your daily routine, you can make significant progress in your language-learning journey.