Tips to Keep your Cell Phone in Working Order

As cell phones turn into smart phones they become more expensive to replace when things go wrong.  Most people don’t realize things they do on a regular basis can damage their phones.  We asked a cell phone repair technician for some tips for avoiding a visit to his shop:

What you don’t know about liquid damage  

"Liquid Damage" is not just a plot to get cell phone manufacterers out of replacing phones still under warranty. When people think of liquid damage to a cell phone, they think of accidentally submerging their phone into water, but it’s more complicated than that. Many women carry their phones next to their skin, in their bras. This is not a good idea. Sweat is liquid and when you keep your phone next to your skin, especially in the hot dog-days of summer, it will get wet.

The other thing people don’t think about is having the phone in the bathroom with them while they shower. The steam gets into the phone and although it may not damage the phone right away, the parts eventually corrode.

My phone has a virus? 

It’s true, smart phones are mini computers and thus, are susceptible to getting infected with viruses.  There is virus protection software available for phones, so if you use Bluetooth, surf the web or download ringtones and apps (particularly from “free” independent sites) it would be worth looking into. And, just like on your pc, you should never open an email or text message from someone you don’t know. 

Thanks for the memory

Smart phones are truly amazing tools. In fact, they have become so “smart” they have practically made other tools obsolete. Why purchase an MP3 player, GPS or even a digital camera when your phone is already equipped with one? 

But, as amazing as they are, smart phones do not have unlimited memory. Playing games, watching movies and saving hundreds of pictures, music files or ring tones on your phone takes up oodles of memory. In addition, there are thousands of “apps” you can download to your smart phone and each one of them uses memory space.

If your phone is running slowly or freezing up, check your memory usage. Most smart phones allow you to move some files and apps to a memory card or it may be time to re-analyze how important some of your apps and ringtones are and start deleting the ones you don’t need.

Charging errors 

The charging-port on your phone isn’t designed to be forced or moved around a lot. One of the most frequent phone repairs teenagers come into repair shops with is the charging port. Some teens use text so much they can’t just leave their phone alone and continue to text while it’s charging. This moves the plug around in the charging port, eventually breaking it.

It’s best not to leave your phone on the charger for more than 8 to 10 hours. And remember, your car-charger is meant to be used for emergency “quick” charges. The charge from your car charger can damage your battery if used too long and frequently.

Take me with you! 

The whole point of having a cell phone is to take it with you, but how you carry it can make a big difference in if it gets damaged. One of the most frequent causes of damage is how and where someone carries their phone. We’ve already addressed the “don’t carry it in your bra” issue, but your back pocket can also be dangerous to the health of your phone. Sitting on your phone, backing into things or dropping it in a toilet are frequent mishaps from back pocket carrying

Advice from a Service Tech

INSURANCE The new smart phones are expensive to replace and having insurance on your phone will protect you from having to shell out the full amount should your phone be irreparably damaged. The typical $100 deductible is much easier to swallow than $350 or more for the newest smart phones.

TEMPERATURE Don’t leave your phone in extreme temperatures. If you leave your phone in the car during extreme summer heat or extreme winter cold, it can damage the delicate circuits that make your phone smart.

EDUCATE YOURSELF Being the sophisticated tools they have become, it is important to take the time to learn all you can about your new phone and the best way to use the tools it offers.

INVEST IN A CASE A case can save your phone from every day nicks and scratches, but may also save it from worse damage.

Follow these tips and you can enjoy a long, damage-free relationship with your smart phone.