Whether we use them to reply to work e-mails on the fly, connect with friends on social media, or text family members, smartphones always find a way to provide support during our daily lives. But while this tech is designed to stay tough throughout our routine activities, they are still susceptible to damage—and that harm may not always be visible right away. To help you get the most service life out of your mobile device, here are several bad habits that can increase the need for smartphone repairs or replacement. 

A Guide to Avoidable Smartphone Habits

1. Not Cleaning Charging Ports 

Dust, dirt, and other small particles can easily find their way into ports, and in turn, damage internal mechanisms. Ideally, you should be able to see all the metal charging contacts inside the phone’s port. If the area is not clear, gently dislodge dirt and dust with a can of compressed air. 

2. Overburdening the Battery 

Constantly draining your device to 0% and recharging it back to 100% can gradually diminish the battery’s charge capacity. If you can help it, maintaining a charge between 20% and 90% will help prevent battery degradation. 

You can also preserve battery life by closing unused apps running in the background, avoiding extreme temperatures, and decreasing screen brightness. If your device isn’t holding its charge, visit a smartphone repair specialist to replace the battery. 

3. Careless Connecting 

When connecting phones to chargers or laptops, it’s easy to jam in the cord or yank it out. This stress, however, can damage the cable, requiring you to replace it more often. Force might also damage internal port components that will make it more difficult to connect or charge the phone in the future. 

To prevent problems, always gently insert and detach cables. It’s also important not to pull on the device or let it hang by the cord. 

4. Avoiding Updates  

Smartphone software updates haven’t always been perfect, leaving many users wary about installing them as soon as they're available. Waiting too long to update your phone can eventually cause more problems by leaving your phone vulnerable to bugs and security risks.  

5. Going Unprotected 

Dropping a phone can loosen mechanical parts, break internal components, and shatter the screen. To shield your device, invest in a tempered glass screen protector along with a durable shockproof case. Also, avoid putting your phone in your back pocket so that you don’t accidentally crush the screen when you sit down. 

When your devices are giving you difficulties, RadioActive will deliver fast and reliable fixes. Based in Kalispell, MT, this smartphone repair specialist is equipped to diagnose and address many common issues—including broken screens, weak batteries, and part replacement. To learn more about the smartphone and computer repair services this team offers, visit their shop online or call (406) 257-5999.