The First Thing Nigerians Do Every Morning? Open These Apps on Their Phones

There’s a moment somewhere between sleep and consciousness when your brain is still booting, your alarm has just gone off, and your hand instinctively reaches for your phone. The screen lights up. You swipe to unlock or use Face ID And you open… what?

The first app you open in the morning might feel like nothing. Just a reflex. Something your fingers know to do before your eyes are fully open. But that choice? It might actually say a lot. About your priorities. Your distractions. Your coping mechanisms. Even how you define “getting ready for the day.”

In a world where our phones are basically extensions of our brains, how we use them matters. And for young Nigerians navigating creative careers, hustle culture, and content overload, that first app often plays a subtle role in shaping everything from productivity to peace of mind.

We spoke to real Nigerians about the first thing they check on their phones each morning, from productivity tools to social media platforms and streaming apps, here’s a look at the most-used morning apps in Nigeria.

Israel and David agree on one thing and that is Slack.

Israel shared, “I check Slack to be in the know of any updates, especially about work. And then, my email, for the same purpose.”

Email-first mornings are for people who don’t like surprises. You want to see what’s waiting for you. Productivity apps like Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, and Slack have become essential for Nigerians working in corporate roles, startups, or remote jobs. These apps help professionals stay updated, respond quickly, and avoid missing important deadlines.

Gmail uses smart labels to sort out promotions from actual deadlines, while Slack sends you right into your team’s work updates, with inline replies and @mentions that feel urgent as early as 6 am. Both sync instantly across devices, so what you see on your phone is what’s happening on your laptop too.

Most phones have the Mail app pre-installed, but you can download the Slack app on Play Store & App Store.

Gift told us, “WhatsApp, to check my ‘good morning texts’ from the love of my life.”
Ezinne shared, “WhatsApp, in case I have pending messages.”

It’s no surprise that WhatsApp is among the most-used apps in Nigeria, with approximately 51 million active users as of April 2024, making it the 10th largest WhatsApp user base worldwide as reported by The Nations Newspaper, and about 95.1 % of Nigeria’s online population used WhatsApp monthly as of mid‑2023, giving it the highest penetration rate globally according to statista.

It’s probably the first app some Nigerians open in the morning to catch up with family, friends, and work. Voice note transcription makes catching up easy, even if you’re in a noisy space. Status updates act like mini-broadcasts for friends or customers, and per recent updates, business owners will be able to run ads directly on WhatsApp now.

If you’re looking for a reliable messaging app in Nigeria, WhatsApp is the go-to choice for both personal and professional use. You can download it on Play Store & App Store.

Odunmorayo said, “The weather app. I go on early morning walks, so I need to check the weather if it’d rain or drizzle, so I know if to go out or not.”

For anyone who enjoys early morning outdoor activities like weddings, picnics, weather apps like AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, or even the built-in Apple Weather app are highly useful.

These apps provide accurate forecasts, helping you plan your day more effectively, especially in Nigeria, where rain can arrive unexpectedly.

Checking the weather first thing is a practical routine that helps avoid surprises, especially during rainy season. Like the Email app, the weather app comes pre-installed.

4. X (Formerly Twitter) – For Gist, News, and Trends

Tolu told us, “Twitter (X), because there’s something always going on and I don’t want to miss out on any gist.” Chijioke said, “TikTok and X, to check the ‘gbas gbos’ going on there. I love these apps because of the controversies happening there.”

Many Nigerians use X (formerly Twitter) to catch up on trending conversations, celebrity scandals, political news, and everything in between. It’s fast, chaotic, and oddly efficient, which is probably why it’s one of the most checked apps in the morning.

Looking for real-time updates, opinions, and trending news in Nigeria? X is unmatched for that. Both apps are available on Play Store & App Store

For Gen Z and young millennials, the morning isn’t complete without a bit of scroll therapy. TikTok serves up a buffet of skits, soft life content, drama, and duets. Snapchat remains the go-to platform for daily life updates via Streaks.

TikTok’s For You Page adapts to your mood, Snapchat’s Stories and Memories let you pick up where your friends left off. These apps are perfect if you want to start your morning with some entertainment or light distraction. You can download these apps on Play Store & App Store

Grace told us, “YouTube, I stream morning devotion service.”

From daily prayer sessions, the news, and even motivational talks, YouTube offers an endless range of video content. Many Nigerians use it to stream spiritual content in the morning, which helps them centre themselves before starting the day.

If you’re searching for a meaningful way to start your day, through devotionals, affirmations or even calming music, YouTube has something for you. It comes pre-installed on some Android phones, but you can also download on Play Store & App Store

Hillary said, “Often it's Instagram. I like to keep up with brands, particularly lifestyle products and their updates.” Instagram is more than just photos; it’s where Nigerian users follow beauty trends, tech launches, fashion brands, and even online stores. For Hillary and many others, it’s a go-to platform for morning scrolls and inspiration.

For those who love staying in touch with trends and visual content, Instagram is one of the most relevant morning routine apps in Nigeria. Available on Play Store & App Store.

Here’s what we noticed:

• Instagram, TikTok, Threads: You’re likely an idea person. You like to start your day with a pulse check on the world.

• WhatsApp, Gmail, Slack: You’re either extremely booked or extremely stressed. Or both.

• Notion, Notes, Journaling apps: You’re trying to center yourself before everything else pulls you away.

None of these choices is wrong. They just reflect the season you’re in. The job you do. The kind of peace or pressure you’re negotiating with every morning.

But if you’re looking to change the energy of your mornings? Start here.

• If you usually scroll TikTok, try swapping in a 5-minute journal first.

• If WhatsApp triggers anxiety, put your phone on Focus Mode till 9 am.

• If email rules your life, carve out a buffer window before responding.

We’re not saying your first app will change your whole life. But it can shift your mornings. And that might be enough.