Have you ever experienced the gut-wrenching sound of a phone slipping out of your hands and onto the ground? If so, then you know that it’s smart to protect your device as much as possible.
Our phones have become our modern-day lifelines, and we put them through the wringer. Thus, it’s even more important to focus on phone maintenance to keep yours looking great and operating well.
Today, we’re sharing nine ways you can safeguard your phone and protect your investment.
1. Get a Solid Case
Protecting a phone starts with getting the right kind of case. Sure, those slick, slim-fitting cases look great, but few are able to stand up to the brunt of major impact. Plus, they slide out of your hand easily.
Instead, look for a rugged, tough case that’s up to the task. Do your research and look for brands that get great reviews for longevity and durability. Then, make sure the case you choose has the features you need, such as kickstands or 360-degree hinges.
It’s important to make sure that the case you use is designed specifically for your type of device. For instance, if you have a Galaxy Note20 Ultra, then you can shop these cases to find what you need.
2. Keep the Screen Safe
These days, it’s become commonplace to simply toss your phone into your purse, briefcase, or pockets. Yet, pay close attention to what else you’re stashing in there. Unless you’re using a top-notch screen protector, then anything is liable to scratch your phone.
From your car keys to the hinge of your sunglasses, you might be carrying more sharp objects than you realize. To the greatest extent possible, store it alone and in a safe location when you’re not using it.
3. Keep Moisture Out
Sure, the old rice trick might work on occasion. However, your smartphone likely cost thousands of dollars, and you don’t want to rely on this method if it gets water-logged.
If you’re heading out for a day at the pool or beach, store your phone safely in your bag, in a spot where it won’t be near your wet towels, toys, or any amount of sand.
4. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Has your phone ever sent you a distress signal when it got too hot? You may find that you’re locked out temporarily while it cools down. The same goes for phones that are exposed to temperatures that are too low.
Your phone is designed for operation in comfortable, moderate temperatures. Asking it to operate in the freezing cold or blazing heat can put too much stress on its internal components. This can cause it to break down quicker.
Part of taking care of a phone is knowing when it’s safe to use it, and when it isn’t. Keep it at home if you’re going into a climate where the weather is extreme, and don’t rest it against the vents in your home.
5. Wipe It Down
How many times have you taken a clean microfiber cloth and actually wiped down your phone? If the answer is never, then it’s time to start. This process takes about 30 seconds, but can make a major difference.
Every few cleans, go ahead and remove the case so you can clean all the way around your phone. This can help remove excess dust and keep your phone working properly. However, resist the urge to actually open your phone and dust the internal components.
6. Clean Out Your Apps
While it’s important to keep your device physically clean and safe, it’s vital to make sure it’s internally optimized, too. Maintaining a phone means checking your apps on a regular basis to make sure they aren’t clogging up your system.
Chances are, yours came with a slew of manufacturer apps. While you might need some or most of them, it’s unlikely that you need every one. Keep in mind that the more apps you have running in the background, the shorter your battery life will be.
That said, take the time to disable any apps you don’t need or use. Or, uninstall them altogether. Then, look to see if any of your active apps have updates waiting, then go ahead and install them.
7. Give Your Storage a Sweep
One reason why your phone might be slow to operate? The storage could be full, or nearing maximum capacity. If you’ve taken a ton of pictures and videos, then this could be the culprit.
Every few months, back all of your data up on the cloud. Then, delete anything that you don’t need on your phone. This will free up space, improve operation, and keep it running at peak capacity.
It’s also smart to check your phone’s cache every few weeks. This is where all of your junk files go. These are the files that your phone generates when you use an app, even if they don’t deliver any real value.
Clearing the cache will free up extra memory, which can also improve operation.
8. Avoid Malware
Only download an app if you’re certain that it comes from a trusted source, no matter how interesting it might look. To be as safe as possible, only get your apps from your phone’s designated App Store.
Mobile phone scams and malware are on the rise, and they’re affecting handheld smart devices at an alarming rate. Once it infiltrates your phone, it can affect every aspect of its operation, rendering it unusable. By sticking to credible and verified sources, you can stay one step ahead.
9. Turn It Off
According to one study, around 75% of U.S. smartphone users never turn their phones off. Imagine if you were forced to run around the clock, which no chance to take a break!
Caring for your phone means allowing it to rest every so often. Make this step easy and charge yours at night, with the power off.
Phone Maintenance Starts With You
These nine phone maintenance tips can help you take great care of your device. Without a dedicated approach, it’s easy to assume that our phones will always be there when we need them, and will work no matter what type of conditions we expose them to.
To maximize the return on your investment, look for ways to protect it as much as possible. It might take a little time, but the results will be well worth it.
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