A study by Barclays Digital Eagles found Brits who use retail apps are saving an average of £21.45 every month, or £257.40 a year, with one in five downloading more shopping apps since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

More than a third (35%) say using apps helps them get things done more quickly – with food shopping taking an average of 53 minutes in person, compared to only 37 minutes online.

However, despite technology playing more of a part in most people’s day-to-day lives, some Brits are missing out on the potential benefits. In fact, almost half (48%) of people admit they don’t know how to use some of the apps on their devices and a quarter (25%) say they only regularly use a handful of the apps they have downloaded.

Ross Martin, head of learning at the Barclays Digital Eagles, said: “We know there are people who don’t feel as confident with technology and this means that they may be missing out on some of the potential benefits – such as cost or time savings. It’s all about personal choice, but our research showed that 44% of Brits would consider using their phone or computer more if someone showed them how to.

Despite concerns for some, lockdown has undoubtedly impacted the UK’s use of devices, with almost half (48%) of over 55s with a smartphone now having an online shopping app. More than a third of under 25s downloaded at least one gaming app during lockdown, while one in five now have at least three fitness apps on their phone.

The findings also show the pandemic has changed the amount of time spent on devices, with people spending an average of 42 minutes more on their phone or computer every day. More than a third of us download more apps each month than pre-lockdown – with social entertainment, TV, film and banking apps proving the most popular.