5 tips to prolong your smartphone’s life

The mobile phone, that little pocket-sized computer, makes such an impact on everyone’s life. You make calls, watch videos and movies, chat with people, buy online, do your banking and groceries, book flights etc etc on it – the list could just go on and on. Needless to say, in today’s digital age, phones are needed every day. On average, phones last about 2.26 years, and this lifespan seems to decrease by the year.

Customers themselves also often want the latest models of phones, with better cameras, bigger screens, and thinner and more compact bodies, but it’s not always possible to update your phone every few months. So, how can you prolong the life of your smartphone? We’re not just talking about the battery life but in keeping your phone in good condition for much longer. Here are a few useful tips:

1. Remove unnecessary apps and files

Nowadays, a lot of people hoard photos and videos they don’t need; maybe it’s a photo you snapped of a meal you ate that day, a silly selfie you sent to a friend or a meme you found funny. But it’s important to note that these can surprisingly affect the life of your phone. However, it’s not just photos or videos; nowadays, smartphones come with pre-installed apps that can eat up a lot of your device’s internal storage. Thankfully, you can remove these apps and free up some space on your phone. These bloatware apps are often superfluous, and also drain battery and data. There are ways to uninstall them without re-booting your device and even disable them so they won’t run automatically in the background. Remember to clean up your phone every once in a while or backup an iPhone directly to an external hard drive. 

2. Protect the body with a case or cover

You need to keep in mind that a case isn’t only about aesthetics; it truly does have the purpose of ensuring that your phone stays protected. A good quality case can keep your phone safe from drops and other damages while also enhancing its aesthetics. Likewise, a screen protector can keep your screen safe from scratches and cracks from falls. You can choose from an array of different cases, including waterproof ones, if you like to use your phone in the rain or for outdoor activities.

3. Update it regularly

The best way to prolong your smartphone’s life is to update it regularly. Updates include bug fixes and security patches which improve the performance of your phone as well as protect your personal information. Regular updates are essential for your device to work smoothly. Updates also introduce new features and thus enhance the overall experience for users.

In general, it is a good idea to update your smartphone’s operating system and all the third-party apps you have installed as often as possible.

4. Avoid overcharging your phone

Overcharging your phone can make an impact on it’s shelf life. Not only does it affect (and even damage) your phone’s battery and how long it can last per day, but also has an effect on the general lifespan of your phone. It’s also a good practice to keep your device cool, as overheating can also shorten its life.

5. Keep it clean

This isn’t only about protecting your health and the aesthetics of the phone, but keeping your phone clean can technically help extend it’s life as well. If you’re playing interactive games on your phone, there’s a chance you’ve made some smudge marks on it; or there might be dust tucked inside some of the sockets, like where the charger goes. That built-up dust can potentially destroy your phone and even make it overheat so make sure to give your phone a good clean often.