7 ways to extend the life of your smartphone

7 ways to extend the life of your smartphone

Avoid sitting with a dead phone in your hands with these seven tips that can help you extend the life of your phone. 

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Can you imagine life without your smartphone? We bet you can't. Many of us spend thousands buying smartphones and hoping they will last. Sadly, most smartphones don't survive longer than two years, and in most cases, we are to blame for the short lifespan of our phones. 

Taking good care of your phone can see you saving hundreds if not thousands on damage fixes and replacements. Here are 7 ways to care better for your phone:

Free space on your phone

Having too many apps and pictures on your phone can lower its speed. This can make you feel that you need another phone that has higher speed or more storage which might not necessarily be the case. 

Make it a habit to transfer pictures to your computer or hard drive and get rid of apps that you hardly use. The more free space your phone has, the more it will function at its optimum speed. 

Protect your phone with a cover

We drop our phones every now and again and even a small crack on your screen can affect how your phone operates and make it difficult for it to function properly.

Fixing cracks can cost lots of money. Sometimes the fixing costs almost the same as the phone.

One of the best investments you can make for your phone is to get a screen protector and a phone case.  A good quality cell phone case will ensure that your phone is protected from liquid spills, scratches, heat, and dust.

Extend battery life

Many of us don't adhere to the best battery charging practices and this damages our batteries and phones. To ensure that you get the best out of your battery, don't wait for it to drop to 0% before charging it. Also, don't forget to keep your battery cool. Exposing your phone to extreme heat will cause your battery to overheat and damage your phone. 

Another trick that will help you preserve the battery is to avoid leaving your phone constantly on charge. Charging your phone after it has reached 100% will damage your battery in the long run. 

Adjust your screen brightness to between 30 and 40%, and don't forget to set a shorter screen timeout. The longer your screen stays fully lit, the faster your battery drains. 

Only use software updates from official sources

Even though new software updates may be tempting, don't just trust any source. 

Some software updates, even though they promise to enhance the performance of your phone, may damage your phone. It's best to only install software updates from official sources.

Don't exercise with your phone in the pocket

Phones and liquid don't mix. When you exercise, you release sweat which can get into your phone. It's best to keep your phone in a place where it won't be exposed to any liquid, or in a protective cover. 

Switch off your phone regularly

Many of us hardly switch off our mobile phones, but they do need time to cool down. 

Shutting your phone down will help it function better, run more efficiently and extend its life. 

Handle your phone with care

It's the little things that can save your phone. Wiping it with a cloth now and again, keeping it in a safe place where it won't be exposed to danger, using only manufacturer approved batteries and chargers will extend the life of your phone.  Sometimes cheaper accessories are not always better and could cost you more in the long run.

ALSO READ: Four smart ways to care for your smartphone

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