Smartphones have revolutionized the way we communicate and transformed various aspects of our lives. From facilitating payments and document creation to providing directions and even helping us find dates, there seems to be no limit to what our smartphones can accomplish. These devices have become an indispensable part of our lives in such a short span of time that one can’t help but wonder how people in previous decades managed without them.
Whether you’re an iPhone or an Android user, it’s undeniable that there is a right way and a wrong way to use your phone. If, after reading this article, you discover that you’ve been practicing some less-than-ideal phone handling habits, don’t worry, we won’t judge you for it. However, to ensure the longevity of your device and, more importantly, the protection of yourself and others, we strongly recommend following the guidelines outlined herein.
1. Phone in Transit
Have you ever had a collision with someone while walking because either one or both of you were engrossed in your phones? While some encounters may have ended with a simple apology or exchanged insults, others haven’t been as fortunate. Numerous reports have emerged of pedestrians suffering serious injuries due to distractions caused by phone usage while in transit. If using your phone while walking is problematic, doing so while driving is significantly worse.
A common excuse offered by many is that whatever they were doing on their phone at that moment was so important that it couldn’t wait. While we won’t question the validity of this claim, allow us to propose a better alternative. When walking, keep your phone safely stored in your bag or pocket and refrain from using it. Similarly, if you’re driving, connect your phone to your car’s system. If you absolutely must use your phone while in transit, step aside from the road or find a parking spot to do so. You can seek out a restaurant, park, seating area, or similar facility where you can take a break, use your device, and continue on your way without disrupting traffic, colliding with others, or needlessly endangering yourself and fellow commuters.
2. Who is in Control?
It is widely recognized as impolite to use your phone during meals, family gatherings, religious services, and other social activities. Don’t deceive yourself into believing that you can effectively multitask with your phone during these occasions. It is encouraged to make a habit of putting your phone on airplane mode to avoid distractions, recognizing that while your phone has its uses, fostering relationships and engaging in meaningful face-to-face interactions hold greater significance. Your phone is a tool, not your master. As such, don’t allow it cut into important aspects of your life including but not limited to sleep-time.
3. Excessive Charging
While modern smartphones have safeguards to prevent actual overcharging, constantly leaving your phone plugged in can be detrimental to its battery health. The culprit is heat. Excessive charging near 100%, can cause the battery to generate more heat. Over time, this heat can accelerate the battery’s degradation, reducing its capacity to hold a charge and shortening its lifespan.
It’s generally safe to use your phone occasionally while charging, but doing it frequently can be a double-whammy for your battery. Both using the phone and charging it generate heat. When you do both at the same time, it can lead to excessive heat buildup. This heat stresses the battery, reducing its capacity to hold a charge over time. Think of it like trying to fill a bucket with water while simultaneously scooping water out for another purpose – it takes longer to fill, and in this case, the battery health suffers.
Certain smartphone specialists advocate for a strategy to enhance battery lifespan and thus prolong the life of your device: maintain a charge between 15% and 80%, cycling between usage and charging. Although there’s no universal agreement on overnight charging, it’s clear that smartphones should be kept at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from your sleeping area.
4. Fake Phone Products
Every device comes with recommended accessories such as chargers, headphones, and cables. However, local smartphone and gadget markets are flooded with cheap imitations that may seem appealing due to their affordability. Despite the allure of these fake phone accessories, using them can have disastrous consequences for your valuable device. It is crucial to understand why opting for genuine or reputable brands is essential for maintaining your phone’s health. Most importantly, opting for genuine phone products will safeguard both you and your loved ones from the potential risks and health hazards associated with counterfeit products.
Counterfeit accessories often utilize low-quality components that lack proper voltage regulation and testing. As a result, they can cause inconsistent charging, damage to phone ports, overheating, and even harm the delicate internal circuitry of your phone. Ultimately, relying on fake products may require you to spend a significant amount of money fixing the issues they cause. This money could have been better invested in purchasing authentic accessories from the start.
5. Ignoring Reboot and Updates
Similar to a well-maintained machine, your phone thrives on regular care. It is a common misconception that devices should only be restarted or rebooted when they exhibit signs of lagging or malfunctioning. In reality, periodically rebooting your device and keeping your operating system (OS) up to date are crucial practices for several reasons.
Over time, your device collects temporary files and background processes that can consume memory and resources. Rebooting your device clears out these accumulated files, freeing up memory and enhancing performance. This can result in a noticeable increase in speed, improved responsiveness, and a rejuvenated feel to your device.
Furthermore, OS updates often include critical security patches that address vulnerabilities, protecting your device against malware and cyber threats. These updates are regularly released to address newly discovered exploits, ensuring the security of your device and personal information.
Updates not only focus on security but also address bugs and glitches that may be affecting your device or applications. Additionally, updates frequently introduce new features and functionalities, enhancing your device’s capabilities and providing a fresh user experience. Think of updates as receiving the latest tools and instructions for your phone. They not only resolve issues but also offer new ways to utilize and enjoy your device.
6. Cracked Screen Protector
Screen protectors serve as valuable accessories for many smartphones. As the name suggests, their purpose is to protect the actual phone screen from cracks resulting from impacts, falls, and collisions. However, when a screen protector becomes heavily damaged, even passing for a spider web, it is a clear sign that it requires replacement.
Cracked screen protectors can have negative effects on your phone’s responsiveness and are a common cause of “ghost touch,” a malfunction where the phone appears to operate on its own. Additionally, cracked screen guards can potentially damage the phone screen if left unattended or even conceal an underlying crack on the screen. By periodically replacing your screen protector every six months or promptly in the event of a crack, you can prevent future issues related to the screen from arising.
7. Fancy/Stylized Phone Cases
Phone cases serve the purpose of protecting the outer parts of the phone, excluding the screen. While the market is flooded with stylish phone cases, it is important to recognize that these cases often prioritize beauty and aesthetics over functionality. Elaborately designed phone cases may lack a comfortable grip and contain unnecessary components that can attract contact with other objects or even people. This increases the risk of accidental drops and slips.
Although phone cases provide some level of protection against falls and slips, they are not foolproof. It is advisable to minimize such incidents or avoid them altogether. We recommend opting for a streamlined phone case with a secure grip and shock-absorbing materials rather than choosing a flashy case that may introduce more problems than actual protection.
In conclusion, while smartphones are incredibly useful tools, how we treat them can significantly impact their lifespan and our overall experience. We saw how overcharging, using unreliable accessories like cracked screen protectors and flashy cases, neglecting updates, and constantly using the phone on the go can all contribute to a less functional and potentially damaged device. By adopting some simple habits like responsible charging practices, opting for quality accessories, prioritizing updates, and taking breaks from screen time, we can ensure our phones function optimally and remain trusty companions for longer.
