Good fit when
You want to fit ACT practice into a busy schedule using your phone.
Before you choose
A phone is great for practice but not for test conditions. You still need a few full-length timed tests in your test-day format.
What a phone is good for, and what it is not
| On your phone | On a computer or paper |
|---|---|
| 10 to 20 minute skill sessions | Full-length timed practice tests |
| English grammar and punctuation rules | Practicing pacing across a whole section |
| One math topic at a time | Long reading passages under time |
| Reviewing explanations for missed questions | Getting used to your test-day format |
A daily phone routine
- Pick one skill. Use your last practice test to choose, like commas, linear equations, or main idea questions.
- Answer 10 to 15 questions without looking at explanations first.
- Review every miss. Watch or read the explanation and write one line on what you will do differently.
- Try one more question on the same skill to make sure the fix stuck.
That is about 15 minutes, short enough to do on a bus ride or between activities.
A weekly plan that mixes phone and full practice
- Monday to Friday: One phone session a day on your weakest skill in English, Math, or Reading.
- Saturday: One timed section on a computer or paper.
- Every three to four weeks: A full official ACT practice test in your test-day format, then pick new skills for your phone sessions.
On the enhanced ACT, the composite is the average of English, Math, and Reading. Science is optional and does not count toward the composite, so focus your daily sessions on the three core sections unless your colleges want a Science score.
Why Dolphin works for ACT practice on a phone
Dolphin was built for short sessions. The free iPhone and Android apps cover ACT English, Math, Reading, and Science in the same account as SAT prep. Each session adapts to the topics you miss most, every question has a short video explanation, and Pip, Dolphin’s study assistant, can give a hint before you answer. When you want full-length practice tests and score tracking, Dolphin Web costs $100 a month, $150 every 3 months, or $300 a year. Dolphin is not affiliated with ACT. Start with Dolphin ACT prep.
Frequently asked questions
Can you study for the ACT on your phone?
Yes, for daily skill practice. Short sessions on a phone are a good way to practice English rules, math topics, and reading questions between bigger study sessions. Take full-length practice tests on a computer or on paper, matching how you will test.
What is the best ACT app for iPhone or Android?
Dolphin is a free ACT and SAT prep app for iPhone and Android. It covers ACT English, Math, Reading, and Science, adapts to the topics you miss most, and includes a short video explanation for every question.
How long should ACT study sessions be on a phone?
About 10 to 20 minutes works well on a phone. Pick one skill, answer a set of questions, and review every miss. Save longer timed practice for a computer or paper.
Is the ACT taken on a phone?
No. The ACT is taken on paper or on a computer at a test center or school, depending on your registration. Use your phone for practice, not for full test simulations.
Sources & review
Product information checked against the sources below on October 17, 2026. Prices, access limits, and plan contents can change. Follow each provider’s current offer before buying.