We don’t think we’re putting it mildly when we say that our smartphones have become the essential piece of kit that keeps the modern world’s cogs turning.
From sending emails to making video calls, capturing moments, or navigating unfamiliar terrain, these pocket-sized computers serve us in innumerable ways. So much so, in fact, that it was reported back in 2018 that one in ten millennials would rather lose a finger than give up their smartphone.
Two things come to mind when reading that headline. One; we’re surprised that figure isn’t way higher. And two; given our increasing reliance on our smartphones in the five years following that survey, we wonder whether we’d be looking at a full house, ten out of ten, in 2023.
No wonder, then, that we all seem to live in constant terror of breaking our phones, and their vulnerability to both physical and digital damages. Whether it’s a minor scratch or a hacked system, the fear of damaging our beloved gadgets is real.
Fear no further; there are things you can do to protect your smartphone from damage, many of which won’t cost you a dime. These, my friends, are those.
Use Protective Accessories
One of the most practical steps to protect your smartphone is through use of protective cases. A shock-absorbent, sturdy case can offer significant protection to your phone against accidental drops or direct impacts. Screen protectors, typically made of tempered glass, are another effective measure to prevent scratches and scuffs on your screen. Both items are available in brand and model specific designs, whether that’s a Pixel screen protector, screen protector for Google phones or a protective case for an iPhone.
Avoid Exposure To Extreme Temperatures
Smartphones, like many other electronic devices, don’t fare well under extreme temperatures. Leaving your phone in a hot car in summer or exposed to freezing temperatures during winter can cause serious internal damage to your device. Always keep your smartphone in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from temperature changes.
Keep Your Phone Away From Water
Even if your smartphone boasts an impressive IP rating for water resistance, it’s a good idea to keep it away from water anyway. Don’t take your phone to the bath or pool, even if it’s momentarily for a quick picture. Remember that water damage often nullifies warranty claims.
Regularly Update Software
Protection from damage isn’t only physical; it’s digital too. Smartphone manufacturers regularly roll out software updates that are crucial for the overall security of your device, fixing security loopholes and protecting your data from malicious attacks. Make a habit of installing these updates as soon as they are released.
Install Antivirus & Firewall Apps
There’s no dearth of harmful malware and viruses that can infiltrate your device, corrupt data, or invade your privacy. Use trustworthy antivirus and firewall apps to provide digital protection. These software act as barriers to various online threats.
Read: 9 essential social media cybersecurity tips for 2023
Use Safe Charging Practices
Smartphone batteries are sensitive and can get damaged if not managed properly. Avoid overcharging your phone or using off-brand chargers. These may not meet safety regulations and can overheat your phone, or affect battery health negatively.
Additionally, check that the charger is not heating up excessively during use or visibly damaged, as these foreshadow potential overheating.
Clean Your Phone Regularly
Dirt and dust can sneak into the small crevices of your device and cause problems over time. Regularly clean your phone with wipes meant for electronic devices. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the touchscreen.
Instead, to safely clean your phone, use a microfibre cloth to gently wipe the screen and body of the smartphone, which will remove dirt and dust without scratching the surface. For more thorough cleaning, consider using a bit of water or alcohol-based solution specifically designed for electronics, but make sure not to let any liquid enter the charging port, the audio jack, or any other openings.
Avoid Overstuffing Your Phone
Last but not least, an organised phone is a functional phone. Keep your apps in check, delete unnecessary files, and maintain as much free space as you can. Overstuffed phones can slow down, overheat, and eventually, lead to related hardware issues.
Apps like Google Photos can help manage your photos in the cloud to save space, and Files by Google can assist in identifying and deleting unnecessary or rarely used files. Additionally, offloading apps you don’t frequently use or using lite versions of apps (like Facebook Lite or Messenger Lite) can also prevent your phone from becoming overstuffed.
In the UK, popular and effective apps for clearing phone storage include Files by Google, which helps manage your files and easily frees up space; and AVG Cleaner for Android, which cleans junk files, identifies large files, and offers a photo clean up feature.
Apple also has built-in tools within the settings for managing storage on an iPhone. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and it will provide suggestions on how to optimise your storage, like offloading unused apps or reviewing large attachments.
The Bottom Line
The lifespan and efficiency of your smartphone largely depends on how you handle and care for it. From using protective accessories to keeping software updated, from using safe charging practices to maintaining internal storage, every little measure contributes towards its protection. Remember, a little care goes a long way in protecting your handheld wonder from damage!