Unlock the full potential of your smartphone and extend its lifespan with these expert tips and tricks, from investing in a good case to keeping your phone updated and clean.
Make Your Smartphone Last Longer: Tips and Tricks
Get a Good Case
Investing in a good-quality case can help protect your phone from damage. Look for cases with proper impact protection, such as those made by OtterBox, Spigen, or Speck. More sustainable options include biodegradable cases like Wave Case and Pela. Additionally, consider fitting a strengthened-glass screen protector to prevent scratches and cracks.
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Defender phone case from £12.99 at OtterBox
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Screen protectors from £4.97 at Carphone Warehouse or £19.99 at Belkin
Get a Grip (or a Strap)
A phone grip can help you keep hold of even the largest devices. Options include Popsockets, phone rings, loops and hooks, or a case with a lanyard. Consider getting a cross-body phone strap to put over your wrist or around your neck.
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Cross-body phone strap from £33 at Casetify or £10.99 at Popsockets
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‘You can also find PopGrips for as low as $2.99 on Etsy‘ (from Popsockets)
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PopGrips from £2.99 at Etsy
Keep Your Phone Updated
Updating your phone’s operating system is crucial for its longevity. New versions bring added functionality and crucial security updates. By updating to the latest Android or iOS, you can often get new features without buying a new phone. More importantly, these updates will keep your phone protected against security threats.
A phone update, also known as a software update or firmware update, is a process of updating the operating system and other software on a mobile device.
It can include bug fixes, security patches, new features, and performance improvements.
Updates are usually released by the device manufacturer or carrier to ensure that devices run smoothly and securely.
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- Latest operating system updates available for free
- ‘Apple’s iOS 18 (pictured) is one of the latest operating systems’
Clear Out Your Storage
Regularly deleting older content from your phone is essential to keep it running quickly. Make sure you have at least 2GB to 5GB of free storage at all times. Regularly clear out blurry or duplicate photos, unneeded screenshots, and unused apps.
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Cloud storage providers such as Apple’s iCloud, ‘Google Photos offers cloud storage’ , Amazon Photos, or Microsoft’s OneDrive
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Regular phone cleaning with antibacterial spray from £1 at Muc-Off
Protect the Battery and Plan for a Replacement
Batteries are consumables that wear down every time you charge them. To extend their life, avoid exposing your battery to extreme temperatures, use power-saving settings, and limit charging to 80% of its maximum capacity.
Phone batteries use lithium-ion cells, which provide high energy density and long cycle life.
The average phone battery capacity is around 3000mAh, but this can vary depending on the device's power requirements.
Factors affecting battery lifespan include charging frequency, temperature, and usage patterns.
Manufacturers often implement battery-saving features to prolong 'battery life'.
As technology advances, newer phones are incorporating more efficient batteries with improved safety features.
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None required
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Follow manufacturer guidelines for charging habits on Android or iOS devices
Keep Your Phone Clean
Cleaning your phone screen regularly is a good idea. Don’t forget to also clear out the various holes in the sides of your phone and keep the charging port clean to prevent blockages.
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Antibacterial phone spray from £1 at Muc-Off
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Antiviral phone wipes ‘£1.25 at Wilko or £1.25 at The Range’
