13 Common Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Phone

Phones are getting more and more expensive nowadays. Some of them cost upwards of a thousand dollars! It’s a worthwhile investment for almost everyone because we use them for seemingly everything in our day-to-day lives. However, due to their high price, it’s important to know about the things that can damage it. There are lots of things that can harm its longevity and performance. By understanding these, steps can be taken to avoid them. These are 13 things that Damage your smartphone.

Overcharging

Overcharging a smartphone can degrade the battery’s health over time. Lithium-ion batteries, which are common in smartphones, can get damaged when they remain at 100% for prolonged periods. This can cause the battery to swell and reduce its overall lifespan. It’s best to unplug a phone once it reaches full charge.

Extreme Temperatures

Exposing a smartphone to extreme temperatures can cause serious damage. High heat can overheat the internal parts and cause the battery to degrade faster. On the other hand, extremely cold temperatures can drain the battery quickly and potentially cause the screen to crack. It’s advisable to keep your phone within the recommended temperature range of 32°F to 95°F.

Dropping The Phone

Dropping a smartphone can lead to physical damage, such as cracked screens, broken internal parts, and even total malfunction. Repeated drops can weaken the phone’s structure even with a protective case. Additionally, the shock from a fall can disrupt the internal circuits. Using a good-quality case and being aware of where you place your phone can help prevent drops.

Exposure To Water And Moisture

Water and moisture can cause serious damage to smartphones, particularly if they are not water-resistant. Exposure to water can lead to short-circuiting, corrosion of internal parts, and screen damage. Even high-humidity environments can cause moisture to seep into the phone, leading to similar issues. Keeping a phone away from water and using waterproof cases can help protect it.

Using Non-Original Chargers

Using non-original or cheap chargers can be harmful to your smartphone’s battery and internal parts. These chargers may not regulate power properly, leading to overvoltage or under-voltage problems. This can cause the battery to degrade faster or even damage the phone’s charging port. It’s always best to use the charger that came with the phone or a certified replacement.

Ignoring Software Updates

Regularly updating your phone ensures it runs smoothly and stays secure. Ignoring software updates can leave a smartphone vulnerable to security threats and bugs. Updates often include patches that fix security vulnerabilities and improve the performance of the device. Without these updates, your phone can become sluggish, crash more often, and be more susceptible to malware. 

Overloading Storage

Keeping your smartphone’s storage close to full capacity can negatively impact its performance. When the storage is almost full, the phone has less space to operate efficiently, which can lead to slower performance and crashes. This can also affect the battery life as the device works harder to manage the data. Regularly clearing out unnecessary files and apps can help maintain optimal performance.

Excessive Screen Brightness

Using your smartphone at maximum brightness all the time can reduce the battery life. High brightness levels require more power, causing the battery to drain faster. Adjusting the brightness to a comfortable level and using adaptive brightness can help prevent these issues.

Not Using a Screen Protector

Failing to use a screen protector leaves your smartphone screen vulnerable to scratches, cracks, and other damage. Even with careful use, everyday items like keys and coins can scratch the screen. A screen protector adds an extra layer of protection, helping to keep the display intact and free from blemishes. It’s a simple and cheap way to extend the life of your phone’s screen.

Using While Charging

Using a smartphone while it’s charging can cause the device to heat up, which is harmful to the battery and internal parts. This can lead to slower charging and increased wear on the battery. The heat generated from usage and charging simultaneously can also damage the phone’s processor and other internal parts. It’s best to let your phone charge undisturbed when possible.

Exposure To Dirt And Dust

Dirt and dust can accumulate in your smartphone’s ports, speakers, and other areas, causing functional issues. Dust in the charging port can prevent proper charging, while dirt in the speakers can mess up the sound. Over time, this buildup can also lead to overheating as it blocks ventilation. Regular cleaning with appropriate tools can help.

Heavy Multitasking

Running too many applications simultaneously can overload your smartphone’s processor and memory, leading to slow performance and crashes. This strain can also cause the device to heat up, affecting battery life and potentially damaging internal parts. 

Using Faulty Accessories

Using accessories like headphones, cables, or external devices that are not compatible with your smartphone can cause damage. Faulty accessories can deliver incorrect power levels, cause connectivity issues, or even physically damage the phone’s ports. It’s best to use high-quality, compatible accessories.