When I finally get around to buying a smartphone, it’s kind of a big deal. I am not made of money, you see. My smartphone is my mobile office, my book reader, my camera and everything in between. And as I tend to use my smartphones for an extended period (>3 years) it’s in my best interests that it lasts longer and performs optimally. If this statement resonates with you as it does with me, here are some of the best ways to keep your smartphone in tip-top shape.
1. Don’t skimp on protection
Your phone is a fragile piece of technology, and one drop can shatter its screen or damage its internals. That’s why you need to invest in a good screen protector and a sturdy case. They may not look very stylish, but they will save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run. Outliers like my country of residence don’t have authorized service centers for most smartphones. I’d have to pay through my nose to get a broken screen fixed and at times, it’s much cheaper to buy a new smartphone entirely.
2. Stay updated
Your phone’s software is constantly getting updated to make it better or fix bugs. Make sure you install the latest operating system and security updates as soon as they are available. This will fix bugs, improve performance, and protect you from hackers. Also, update your apps regularly to get the newest features and enhancements. But we can’t ignore the fact that some updates may slow down your phone if it’s an older model, so check the reviews before you hit download.
3. Declutter your apps
How many apps do you have on your phone? How many do you actually use? Chances are, you have a lot of apps that you downloaded that one time and never used again. These apps are just taking up space and draining your battery for no good reason. Delete the ones you don’t need or use, and keep only the essentials. You’ll be surprised how much faster your phone will run with less strain on your RAM.
4. Keep it cool
Something we never really think about is that a smartphone is actually a mini-computer. It goes without saying that it generates heat when it works hard. Too much heat can damage your phone’s components and shorten its lifespan. Avoid using your phone in direct sunlight or in hot environments. Don’t play games or watch videos for too long, especially if your phone feels warm to the touch. And don’t leave your phone in your car or near other heat sources.
5. Be smart about charging
Gone are the days when we used to have removable batteries that could be swapped out when they lost their juice. These days, most phones are sealed tight which limits access to the battery. And phone batteries have a finite number of charge cycles and they all eventually lose their capacity. We advise you not to let your battery drain completely before you plug it in, and don’t charge it from 0% to 100% because that completes a charge cycle. The ideal range is between 20% and 80%. And we also advise you not to charge your phone overnight, although modern smartphones do have a smart feature that engages a trickle charge to ensure your battery fills up in the morning right before you wake. It’s better to top up your phone battery for short periods throughout the day than for long periods at night.
6. Back up your data
Your phone holds a lot of precious information, such as photos, videos, contacts, messages, and more. You need to back up your data regularly, either online or offline to free up storage space for more memories yet to come. You can use cloud services like Apple Cloud, Google Photos, OneDrive, etc., or you can save your data on a local drive. You can also back up your phone settings online, so you can restore them easily if you need to.
7. Reset your phone once in a while
Sometimes, the best way to refresh your phone is to start from scratch. Factory resetting your phone will erase all your data and settings, and make it run like new again. Of course, you should only do this after you back up everything first. You can also use Google or other services to restore your apps and settings after you reset your phone. This will help you get rid of any junk or malware that may have accumulated over time.
These are some of the best practices to keep your smartphone in perfect condition. If you follow them, you’ll enjoy a faster, smoother, and safer experience with your device. Do you have any other tips to share? We would love to learn from you. Please let us know in the comments below!
