We get it: the iPhone 13, Samsung S22 Ultra and Pixel 6 are tempting to upgrade, but they’ll cost you a penny. In fact, the lowest priced Pixel 6 is around $600, and Samsung’s top model will run you well over $1,000. Knowing that new phones are going up in price, making your existing smartphone last longer can save you big bucks in the long run.
You don’t even have to be tech-savvy to make the most of these tips to improve phone longevity. All of them are fairly easy to follow, and you can start changing your habits today to extend the life of your phone.
Whether you’ve just upgraded or are thinking about it, we’ll show you how to keep your phone in great condition with some quick and easy tricks. For more, get the latest rumors on the Google Pixel smartwatch and learn how to take better selfies with your iPhone.
Don’t skip app updates. they are important
To keep your phone running as fast and problem-free as possible, it’s important to update the operating system and third-party apps as they are released. These updates don’t take much time, and the benefits can be enormous: from fixing bugs and fixing security issues to bringing in new features and improving overall performance so your device runs more smoothly and faster. Work with
Both Android and iPhone provide automatic app updates, which should be enabled by default. You can do this by opening the Play Store, sliding down the menu from the left side of the screen, tapping on Settings, and making sure you check on an Android phone. Auto-update apps The option has been selected. If you have an iPhone, go here Adjustment , app Store and make sure app update The option is in the on state. However, this feature will not work in low power mode.
For system updates on an Android phone, you can check for updates by opening Adjustment Searching for more apps software update, Or you can wait for your phone to notify you that an update is pending, and then follow the prompts. Google releases Android security updates around the first of each month, so checking to see if your phone has an update in the middle of the month isn’t a bad habit to get into.
For iPhone owners, you have the option to allow your phone to automatically install any new updates. Don’t worry, your phone won’t download and install the update just minutes after it arrives. Instead, your phone will download a day or two after the update finishes and then schedule the installation the next time it charges overnight. To install an update, or to turn on automatic updates, go to Adjustment , Mango , software update, If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it. If not, tap automatic updates to turn them on or off.
Deleting apps frees up precious memory.
Jason Cipriani / CNET
Deleting apps can help revive a slow phone
Phones have a limited amount of storage and memory, so it’s important to keep the number of unused apps to a minimum. Regularly deleting the apps you don’t use from your phone will save storage space and prevent apps from running in the background, using up precious resources and slowing down your phone and the life of it. Will be felt closer to the end than it really is.
Go through your app drawer or home screen and delete all apps you installed but never used for any reason. Deleting apps on iPhone is easy – just long press until the app is selected. You will see a dropdown from the app icon. just choose delete app, You will then have the option to remove the app from your phone or remove it from the home screen.
Android users have a few more options but they can follow a similar approach: long press, select the “i” that appears for app info, and then select uninstall,
Now set up a monthly calendar entry titled “Delete Unused Apps” to remind yourself to do so regularly.
A good case will go a long way in extending the life of your phone.
Sarah Tu/CNET
Most importantly, get a good case
Like your phone? Why don’t you sue him? Look, I get it. For a phone purist, even the slimmest case is too much. And it’s nice to see how the phone was designed, and not the bulky plastic case.
However, the smarter option is to cover the phone in a protective case to help keep it from breaking if the inevitable falls. Paying for expensive screen repairs or swiping your finger over a spiderweb of cracks is sure to make you dream of buying a new phone – or at least lament that you didn’t get the case in the first place. found.
You don’t need to go out and get the most expensive case, but having something on your phone will definitely help prolong its life. Not to mention, using a case means your phone will remain in pristine condition and may have a higher resale value when it comes time to upgrade.
Keep screen and port clean
Using a phone that is full of grease and grime is something none of us want to do. But a phone that’s clean and shiny is now something we can all feel good about, especially if it means dust and dirt aren’t getting in the way of its operation.
Even if you use a case, take a moment to clean up any grime or dirt in the charging port, microphone area, speaker grille, and headphone jack, if your phone has one. But take a few minutes. You can use a toothpick to go in there and convince anyone to take it out.
What about the screen, side and back? Clorox wipes work fine, even on iPhone screens (if it’s not cracked). We’ve got more tips and tricks for keeping your phone clean — that’ll go a long way toward reliable performance, clear camera shots (without finger smudges), and a phone you’ll actually want to use .
There are a lot of battery myths.
Andrew Hoyle / CNET
Avoid overworking and overheating your phone’s battery
There are many myths that involve your phone battery and how to keep it healthy. We recently took a look at several battery myths and uncovered the truth about each of them.
For example, fast-charging won’t damage the battery in the slightest, but it’s possible to let your phone zero on a regular basis.
Your phone will also last longer if you avoid placing your device in situations where the battery could overheat, such as if you’re sitting outside on a hot day leaving it in direct sunlight. It shuts itself off if it gets too hot, but this puts pressure on the battery, which can contribute to a shorter overall lifespan.
Start taking care of your phone’s battery from the day you unboxed your phone, and you’ll see payoff when your battery is still charging or even two years later.
replace broken battery instead of phone
Even if you’ve done everything by the book, you may still find yourself dealing with a battery that refuses to charge over time. Instead of replacing the whole phone, try replacing the battery.
Often this simple and cost-effective maintenance can add a few more months or even years to your phone’s functional life. This would be handy if most phones were still built with removable batteries like in the old days, but instead most phones come with embedded batteries that can’t be replaced without taking your phone apart.
If you’re tech-savvy and brave, you can buy a DIY kit from iFixit to replace an Android or iPhone battery. The kit includes all the tools you’ll need, plus a new battery.
Alternatively, iPhone users can make an appointment at an Apple Store, or Android users can use a certified third-party repair service like uBreakiFix. You’ll need to call your nearest store to have your battery replaced because the company doesn’t list prices directly on their site.
Bonus Tip: Back Up Your Phone Regularly
Backing up your phone’s data won’t do anything to extend the life of your phone, but it will mean that when it’s time to say goodbye to your phone, all your contacts, photos, videos, and custom settings will take the leap. Be prepared so that you don’t have to start anew.
Own an iPhone? Open it and double check that iCloud backup is turned on Adjustment Application. Next, tap on iCloud , icloud backup And make sure the switch is in the on position.
The process will vary for Android owners depending on who makes your device, but generally, you can open Adjustment app and then go Google , backup, Some device manufacturers, such as Samsung, offer their own backup service in addition to Google’s. The easiest way to find your device’s automated cloud backup service Adjustment Use the search box at the top to look for apps and “backups.”
Now that you know how to make your phone run well into the future, take a few minutes to learn about the hidden features of Android or, if you use iOS, the hidden iPhone features. . And here’s how you can sell your phone for the most money.
