At a recent tour stop in Sydney, Australia, Ed Sheeran surprised fans with a revelation that he has been living without a phone since 2015. The singer shared this lifestyle choice, explaining that it came as a result of a $100 million copyright lawsuit regarding his hit song, “Thinking Out Loud,” which was accused of similarities to Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.”
In a candid moment on stage, Sheeran recounted the challenging experience of the legal battle, during which he had to hand over all his electronic devices for inspection. This led to him ditching his phone altogether, opting for email as his primary form of communication. As he explained to the audience, after the legal proceedings concluded and he turned his devices back on, he felt like he had been transported back in time to 2007 when he first got his phone number.
This unexpected journey down memory lane inspired Sheeran to write the song “Old Phone” for his upcoming album, Play. In a Facebook post in April 2025, the singer revealed that the song came to him during a late-night writing session in India while finishing his album. The nostalgic track captures the essence of his experience rediscovering his old messages and photos.
As Sheeran continues his tour throughout Australia and prepares for his U.S. tour in 2026, his decision to live without a phone serves as a unique reflection of his artistic journey. The singer’s embrace of a simpler lifestyle not only allows him to focus on his craft but also speaks to a larger trend of digital detox and mindfulness in a fast-paced world.
In a time when constant connectivity is the norm, Sheeran’s choice to eschew his phone in favor of email is a refreshing reminder of the power of disconnecting in order to reconnect with what truly matters. His story serves as a subtle yet powerful example of the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing mental well-being in an industry that often demands constant availability and visibility.
As Ed Sheeran continues to captivate audiences with his music, his decision to live without a phone stands out as a bold statement of individuality and intentionality. In a world where being constantly plugged in is the norm, Sheeran’s choice to unplug serves as a quiet rebellion against the noise of modern life, allowing him to focus on what truly matters: the music.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.