The objective of this investigation is to analyze the correlation among students' readiness for mobile learning, regulation of emotions, nomophobia, cyberloafing via smartphones, and addiction to smartphones while attending classes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Current research introduces a theoretical framework that outlines the factors influencing cyberloafing within the m-learning setting. The study involved a total of 719 participants. The structural equation modelling technique was utilized to evaluate a study's framework. The study's results suggest a significant association between the factors of m-learning readiness, emotion regulation, nomophobia, smartphone cyberloafing, and smartphone addiction among learners. The current study also introduces a conceptual framework for this entrepreneurial shift that outlines the factors influencing cyberloafing within the m-learning setting. The discourse pertains to the ramifications for both students and institutions of higher learning.