It’s not hard to break a smartphone these days. All you have to do is drop it at the wrong angle and you’ll end up with a cracked screen, cracked camera lens, or even a completely shattered screen that turns black right before your eyes.
Sure, you can rely on your phone insurance to keep getting repairs and total phone replacements, but you still have to pay a deductible each time. It’s much cheaper to protect your phone from the start, and here are some easy ways to do that.
1. Use a solid phone case
The first and most important thing to know is that using a durable phone case will protect you against most accidental damage. For example, a strong case can prevent damage if you drop your phone, accidentally let it slip out of your hands, or if something heavy falls on top of it.
Some cases have been known to withstand being run over by cars, being flung out of the window of a moving car, and being dropped from two-story buildings. You probably don’t expect to need that much protection, but you really never know what might happen. People have accidentally dropped their phones out of moving cars and some phones have fallen out of people’s hands on rollercoasters. In some cases, those phones have survived, thanks to a durable case. Don’t expect it, but plan for it to happen by protecting your phone.
2. Keep your phone in your pocket
The more you handle your phone, the more likely you are to drop it on the ground or from a great height. The best thing you can do is keep your phone in your pocket, bag, or purse while not in use. However, keeping your smartphone in your pocket will protect it more than if it sits in a bag. If you have pens, pencils, or other random objects in your bag or purse, your phone is likely to get scratched up.
Newer models are starting to come out with scratch-resistant glass, like the Samsung Galaxy S24 that comes with the latest version of Gorilla Glass. However, that doesn’t protect against deep ridges. It’s better to keep your phone in a pocket where it will be surrounded by soft material.
3. Don’t use your phone underwater
Some smartphones say they are waterproof or water-resistant, but that doesn’t mean you should be taking a bunch of underwater selfies. Unless your phone is literally made for underwater photography, the waterproof and water-resistant properties are only there for protection in case you drop your phone into water.
The more you put your phone underwater, the more pressure will allow water to seep into the cracks over time. Eventually, water will find its way inside and ruin your device.
4. Don’t give your phone to children
Kids love playing with phones and tablets, but they’re also more likely to destroy them. Babies have been known to toss their parents’ phones without warning straight into a storm drain while on a walk. Other times, kids just decide to toss a device into the air for no apparent reason.
Never give kids a device you care about and use. If they really want a device of their own, buy them one or give them a toy to play with instead. Kids don’t need to play with $1,000 devices while they wait for their breakfast, or while you wait in line at the grocery store. It’s tempting and convenient, but it will prove to be an expensive mistake.
5. Don’t drain your battery
One form of accidental damage most people may not realize is possible is killing your battery by charging your phone too much. That’s right, if you let your phone charge all the way up to 100%, you’re likely killing your battery. Once your phone reaches maximum capacity, the charger still attempts to charge it, and that just depletes your battery’s lifespan.
It’s best to charge your phone to around 85% at the most, and then only let it drain down to around 20%-25% before recharging. Doing it this way will preserve your battery for a longer period of time.
Protect your investment with precautions
You can’t prevent all accidents, but you can take precautions to protect your investment from avoidable damage. The tips outlined in this article will help you keep your phone in good shape and avoid costly repairs and premature replacements.
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Johan Wallman
