How to Extend Your Smartphone's Lifespan

Smartphone users are keeping their devices longer than before. Several factors contribute to this trend. The rising cost of phones and less impactful device updates play a significant role.

Proper care of smartphones is more crucial than ever. Experts suggest that, with effective maintenance, a phone may last up to five years or more.

Chris Hauk, a tech expert from Pixel Privacy, says, "As long as you take care of your phone and keep it updated, you’re going to get at least four or five good years of use out of it."

SSP provides additional tips for users aimed at optimizing their device longevity.

Battery Care

Battery health significantly influences smartphone lifespan.

Apple emphasizes that a rechargeable battery's longevity depends less on its age and more on external factors like temperature and charging habits. As lithium-ion batteries age, their ability to hold a charge diminishes, affecting both battery life and performance.

Samsung recommends keeping its lithium-ion batteries above a 50 percent charge. Running the battery down to zero regularly can reduce its lifespan. The company warns that phones might require charging often if this happens.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Remote weather conditions can severely impact battery functionality.

Apple warns against charging iPhones in extreme heat, stating that temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius can diminish a battery’s longevity. Samsung concurs, advising users not to leave phones in hot or cold places, like cars, during such temperatures.

Google notes that hot batteries also drain more quickly when not in use.

Change Your Power Settings

Adjusting phone settings can help prolong battery life.

Users can benefit from lowering screen brightness, activating a dark theme, or setting the screen to turn off sooner. Identifying power-hungry apps through device settings may reveal apps that can be turned off or removed.

For iPhone users, if the battery dips below 10 percent, the low power setting helps conserve remaining energy. Android smartphones provide a similar "power-saving mode," although constant use might affect performance.

Samsung advises users to turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi if unused, while Apple suggests keeping them on due to minimal power use when not actively connected.

Use Protection

Smartphone protection is crucial in maintaining optimal condition.

Many users are aware of the value of screen protectors and device cases, but experts recommend avoiding plastic options, which may damage screens. iFixit recommends choosing cases made from Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or tempered glass for better protection.

Keep Your Device Clean

Dirt can accumulate on smartphones, hindering performance.

Experts suggest using a toothpick or toothbrush to remove debris from ports, ensuring that dirt is extracted instead of pushed deeper.

Update Your Device

Software updates are vital for prolonging a smartphone's life.

Experts urge users to frequently download the latest operating system updates to minimize battery and security-related issues. Keeping software current helps maintain optimal device functioning.

Earlier, SSP told how to keep laptop battery healthy: tips for both MacBook and Windows users.