5 Unhealthy Practices That Could Shorten Your Smartphone's Lifespan

Smartphones are an integral part of our daily lives, and we want them to last as long as they can. However, certain habits we have unknowingly adopted can dramatically affect the lifespan of these devices. Here are five practices that might be causing harm to your smartphone and how you can prevent them.

1. Relying on Low-Quality Charging Cables

While it's tempting to buy that $1 charging cable from the corner store, it could potentially harm your device in the long run. Frequently, these cords fail to adhere to the safety and quality benchmarks established by trustworthy manufacturers, potentially leading to dangerous circumstances like fires or harm to the equipment. It's always a safer bet to invest a little more in cables from trusted manufacturers. Also, remember to handle your cables gently. Yanking them out of the wall or wrapping them tightly can lead to internal fraying, causing potential fire hazards.

2. Neglecting the Importance of Phone Cases and Warranties

Many of us prefer the sleek look of a smartphone sans case, but this leaves your device vulnerable to crack or shatter. Even minor chips can undermine the phone's structural integrity and decrease its resale value. Purchasing a durable case and a screen guard may avert potential harm to your device. Top brands like Silk, Spigen, Speck, and OtterBox offer high-quality protection. If you're prone to dropping your phone, consider taking out an insurance plan like AppleCare+, SquareTrade, or Zagg Protect as a safety net against repair costs.

3. Letting Your Battery Drain Completely

Smartphone batteries naturally degrade over time, resulting in a reduced maximum battery life. However, consistently letting your battery drain to 0% can accelerate this degradation process. To maintain a healthy battery, it's advisable to perform regular, shallow discharges and recharge your phone before it completely dies. Ideally, keep your battery above 30% and only allow complete discharges occasionally to calibrate the sensors.

4. Overly Frequent Exposure to Water

Despite the marketing hype, no electronic device is 100% waterproof. Even if your phone has a high IP rating, repeated exposure to water can slowly degrade its water resistance. So, while your phone might survive a dip now and then, it's best to avoid water exposure wherever possible to ensure long-term durability.

5. Ignoring Updates and App Security

While software updates may appear bothersome, they are essential for safeguarding your device against malware and various problems. Consistently updating your operating system and applications usually brings with it patches and improvements in security, which help to maintain the protection of your phone. When downloading new apps, be wary of fake versions that mimic popular apps or utilities. They can be loaded with adware or premium SMS scams. Always read reviews and confirm that it is the official version before downloading.

In summary, by steering clear of these detrimental habits, you have the potential to considerably prolong the durability of your smartphone and maintain its optimal performance for an extended period.