Cell phone damage is a frustrating experience that happens to just about everyone. In fact, smartphone users in the United States spent $3.4 billion replacing more than 50 million broken screens. Never mind that person whose phone has water damage or the countless people who need iPhone battery replacements.
Cell phone repairs can be annoying, not to mention costly. To keep your phone working as well as possible for as long as possible, follow these tips.
Use a Case and Screen Protector
This one is obvious, but you’d be surprised by the number of people who fail to get even a basic phone case or screen protector. These are the cornerstones of having a device that lasts a long time. Don’t go cheap when you’re buying a new case, either — a good one can protect your phone from falls, water damage, and all kinds of scratches.
Keep Your Phone Clean
Even after investing in a great case for your smartphone, it is not completely safe from harm. Most people don’t think about this, but dirt, dust, and moisture can find their way into your case over time. These particles and moisture can cause corrosion and damage over time. At the very least, your phone is likely to end up with a scratch or two if it isn’t cleaned regularly.
To avoid mild cell phone damage, wipe down your phone and case with a damp cloth and then allow them to air dry. Then, use a clean toothbrush to gently clear away debris from cracks and ports in your case and on your phone. This isn’t something you have to do every day or even every week. But it’s a good idea to do it when you get back from a trip to the beach, a pool, a camping trip, or a sweaty run.
Keep Your Phone Away from Extreme Temperatures
Very hot or very cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your device. To avoid this kind of catastrophe, keep your phone out of temperatures below freezing or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep it out of the sun, too: just leaving your phone in your car on a summer day could expose it to temperatures exceeding 200 degrees. If you take your phone with you outside, be sure to keep it in the shade.
Keep Your Phone Out of Harm’s Way
Life is crazy, and you never know when something could cause you to drop or misplace your phone. To avoid unexpected cell phone damage, try to leave your phone in one place as much as you can.
For example, it’s recommended that you have a designated area for your phone at home when you’re not using it. You should also keep it in the same compartment of your bag when you’re out and about. As often as you can, use wearables and Bluetooth devices to use your phone remotely, including wireless headphones with skip and volume controls to avoid taking your phone out more than necessary.
Update Your Apps and System
Another no-brainer, but worth noting nonetheless: always update your phone’s apps and operating system. While it can feel tedious to let your phone update again, this is what protects your data (not to mention your phone) from hackers. Regular updates also ensure that you’re using the latest, smoothest-running software at all times, which will make using your phone more enjoyable.
Reboot Your Phone Once Per Week
When you think about ways to avoid cell phone damage, turning your phone off and on may not be what comes to mind. However, having your phone on constantly isn’t good for it. This constant use can cause a smartphone to overexert its resources, which might result in sluggish performance over time.
Restarting your phone occasionally gives it the chance to clear all caches and fully restart all applications. You might think of it as being the way you feel after a really good night’s sleep. Rebooting your phone once a week is a good policy to keep it running smoothly for a long time.
These are just some of the best ways to prevent damage from ruining your phone. When you get into an accident, rely on Phoenix Phone Fix to return your phone to its former glory.