Haunted Handsets: Brits struggle to let go of old photos, messages from exes and cringe selfies

•  New research from Virgin Media O2 reveals 46% of Brits feel their old phone is like a ‘digital ghost’ they can’t quite lay to rest  
• 1 in 3 people admit they can’t let unused devices go, as they’re packed with memories they’re not ready to delete 
• Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub are encouraging people to donate their old devices to Community Calling so they can be rehomed with people who need them, and are offering a voucher code for a free CEWE PHOTOBOOK (worth £37.99) to those who sign up by 5pm on 31 October
• 29th October 2025 – London, UK: Millions of Brits are still clinging to their old phones this Halloween, haunted by embarrassing photos, long-forgotten videos and messages from exes, according to new research from Virgin Media O2. These “cursed time capsules” are gathering dust in drawers across the country, filled with ghosts of our past lives, but they could be given a second life and rehomed with people who need them via Community Calling. 

Haunted handsets causing shivers down the spine 

For many Brits, old handsets have become digital capsules of regret. From selfies at bad angles (20%) to timelines of bad hair, bad outfits, and worse decisions (39%), almost half of Brits (48%) admit their old phones contain selfies and videos that make them cringe every time they look back.  

 Nearly four in 10 people (38%) admit to keeping screenshots or messages that should have been deleted, while almost a third (30%) still hold onto photos of an ex they can’t bring themselves to delete – but can’t let anyone else find. Almost half (48%) say their old phones feel like secret diaries, but with way more evidence.   

With 46% of Brits feeling their old phone is like a ‘digital ghost’ they can’t quite lay to rest, one in three (33%)would happily have a ‘digital exorcism’ performed on their device to banish them.

Keeping cherished memories safe

For many, however, old devices aren’t haunted – they’re heartfelt. Rather than something spooky, they’re sentimental keepsakes, treasured for the photos, videos and messages they hold. Over a third (35%) describe their relationship with their old phones as either an ‘emotional time capsule’ (34%) or an ‘old friend’ (35%).  

When asked what they still have saved on their old phones, it’s clear sentimentality runs deep. Almost four in ten (38%) say they’re full of memories they can’t bring themselves to delete, while 28% fear losing sentimental photos or messages forever. A further 26% feel emotionally attached to the phone itself, saying it would feel weird to throw away something that once meant a lot to them. 

Among the common keepsakes are photos of loved ones who’ve passed away (37%), and pictures of treasured pets no longer alive (32%).

Recognising just how much emotional value old devices hold, environmental charity, Hubbub has created a simple step-by-step guide to wiping and backing up old devices safely – making it easier than ever for people to keep what matters before donating their tech so they can then help someone else make new memories. 

Helping others get connected

To help give Brits a treat in time for Halloween, Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub are encouraging people to donate their unused phones via Community Calling to help others get connected. To sweeten the deal, Virgin Media O2 is giving away voucher codes for a free CEWE PHOTOBOOK to the first 500 individuals who donate an eligible, working device.

Community Calling has rehomed more than 26,000 devices to people who need them. including refugees, survivors of domestic abuse and disadvantaged communities. Yet, with 59% of UK adults (around 34 million people**) still holding onto at least one unused phone, there’s plenty of life left in Brits’ haunted handsets.

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:
“Too many handsets, haunted by memories of the past, are left gathering dust in drawers even though they could make a real difference to someone’s life. These devices hold special memories, but they can also be a lifeline. That’s why Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub are breathing new life into these forgotten devices – supporting people to get online, access essential services and stay in touch with loved ones.” 

Emily Watson, Strategic Partnerships Lead, Hubbub, said: “Our phones hold so many memories, but they can also hold the power to change lives. By passing on an old phone, you’re not just decluttering a drawer – you’re helping someone get connected, access opportunities and stay in touch with loved ones. Together with Virgin Media O2, we’re turning forgotten tech into something meaningful.” 

Community Calling, established in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, provides smartphones to help people who can’t afford devices or connectivity get online. With 2.8 million people in the UK still without access to the internet, the devices are helping recipients to access essential online services, such as booking medical appointments, accessing training or applying for work, build their digital skills and stay in touch with loved ones.