Most people baby their smartphones to ensure they last as long as possible. Keeping your device in good shape can lengthen its lifespan and save you money. However, accidents can happen to anyone. If you dropped your phone and broke the screen or your battery is completely dead, it’s important to know how you can keep it fixed after getting repairs.
Protect the Screen
One of the worst things that can happen is that you drop your smartphone and it hits the ground. Amazingly, some phones survive with minor scratches after falling screen-first. However, if your device falls corner first, it could cause a lot of damage, including a shattered screen and detached digitizer. This could spell death for any smartphone.
Protecting the screen is essential. Even if you use a slim phone case, it should have a raised lip around the entire screen to serve as a buffer in the event of a spill. You can also increase screen protection by using a tempered glass screen protector. If you drop your phone while using this device, it’s far easier and cheaper to replace the screen protector than the screen itself.
Properly Charge to Get the Most Out of Battery Life
Today’s smartphones are equipped with larger lithium-ion batteries than ever. Many can even be charged wirelessly. However, it’s normal for phone batteries to gradually lose power over time and degrade to the point where you can no longer get the expected average usage from a full charge. Of course, you can get the battery replaced once it’s at that point, but being smart when charging can help you get the most out of it.
Try to avoid charging your phone all the way up to 100%. Even stopping at 99% can lengthen the life of the battery, but the best you can do is charge a little at a time. At the same time, you should never let it drain completely, either.
You should also avoid charging your smartphone with a charger meant for a different device. For example, charging an iPhone with an iPad charger could more quickly wear out the battery. Don’t use cheap chargers, either. While they don’t always have to be OEM, using one that’s cheaply made can damage your battery.
Take Immediate Action if Your Phone Gets Wet
Many of the smartphones made today are at least water-resistant. However, older models cannot withstand moisture as well. If you get your older phone wet, it’s important to take immediate action. Power it off if it’s still on. Get a package of dry rice and pour it into a bowl or bag. Place your phone inside and keep it sealed for at least two days. If it powers back on after that time, it will still work.
How Can You Get Your Phone Repaired?
Depending on which brand of smartphone you own, it could be easier or more difficult to get repairs. If you’re not experienced at hands-on repairs, you might want to skip fixing the device yourself. However, when it comes to the two most popular manufacturers, Apple and Samsung, you can rely on those companies to make repairs that might be at a set price or even free depending on your plan. For example, Apple offers iPhone users the option of an AppleCare+ plan, which is available for a set cost that covers the price of repairs.
According to Compare Your Repair, if you need iPhone 11 screen repair or you have a different phone that needs a new screen, another option is to get repairs through a third-party. There are walk-in stores that will repair your smartphone in-house and online stores that require you to send in your phone by mail. However, if your phone is new enough that it’s still in warranty, using a third-party option for repairs often voids that warranty.
Being cautious with your phone can help you get the most out of it. In turn, you can save plenty of money.
