Longer Phone Life: How to Avoid Unnecessary Phone Upgrades - CNET Leer en español

Protect your phone case and screen to make them last longer.

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The iPhone 13 , Samsung S22 Ultra , and Pixel 6 are all amazing phones, but they'll cost you: The "cheapest" Pixel 6 is around $600, and Samsung's top-of-the-line model will set you back more than $1,000.

With the rising cost of new phones, extending the life of your existing smartphone can save you a lot of money in the long run. Some steps are as simple as cleaning your phone regularly , while others require a little more care and attention.

However, you don't have to be a techie to make the most of these phone life-enhancing tips. They're all pretty easy to follow, and you can start making habit changes today to extend the life of your phone.

Whether you've just upgraded your phone or are thinking about upgrading, we'll show you how to keep your phone in top condition with some quick and easy tips. For more information, read the latest Google Pixel Watch rumors and learn how to take better selfies with your iPhone .

Don't skip app updates. Are important

In order to keep your phone running as fast and smooth as possible, it is important to update the operating system and third-party apps as soon as they come out. These updates don't last long and the benefits can be huge: from fixing bugs and security issues to changes that bring new features and improve overall performance to keep your device running faster and smoother.

Both Android and iPhone offer automatic app updates, which should be enabled by default. You can check on an Android phone by opening the Play Store, swiping up the menu from the left side of the screen, tapping Settings and making sure Update apps automatically is selected. If you have an iPhone, go to Settings > App Store and make sure App updates are turned on. However, this function does not work in power saving mode.

For system updates on an Android phone, you can check for updates by opening the Settings app and searching for Software Update. You can also wait for your phone to notify you that an update is pending and then follow the instructions. Google releases Android security updates around the first of every month, so checking to see if your phone has an update mid-month isn't a bad habit.

For iPhone owners, you have the option to allow your phone to automatically install new updates. Don't worry, your phone won't download or install updates a few minutes after they're released. Instead, your phone will download the update a day or two after it's released, then schedule it for installation the next time it charges overnight. To install an update or enable automatic updates, go to Settings > General > Software update . If an update is available, follow the instructions to install it. If not, tap Automatic Updates to turn them on or off.

Deleting apps frees up valuable storage space.

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Removing apps can help revive a slow phone

Phones have a limited amount of storage and memory, so it's important to keep the number of unused apps to a minimum. Regularly deleting unused apps from your phone saves storage space and prevents apps from running in the background, consuming valuable resources and making your phone slower and closer to the end of its life than it really is.

Go through the app drawer or home screen and remove any apps that you have installed for some reason but never use. Removing apps on an iPhone is easy : just long press until the app is selected. You will see a drop down list from the app icon. Just select Remove app . You then have the option to remove the app from your phone or just remove it from the home screen.

Android users have a few more options, but you can take a similar approach: long-press, select the "i" that appears for app info, then select Uninstall .

Now set up a monthly calendar entry titled "Delete unused apps" to remind you to do this regularly.

A good case goes a long way in extending the life of your phone.

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More importantly, get a good case

do you like your phone Why don't you put a case on it ? I understand. Even the thinnest case is too much for a phone purist. And it's nice to see how the phone is designed and not like a bulky plastic case.

However, the wise choice is to cover the phone with a protective case to prevent it from breaking when it inevitably falls. If you're paying for an expensive screen repair or running your finger through a web of cracks, I'm sure you'll daydream about buying a new phone, or at least complain that you didn't get a case at all.

You don't have to go out of your way to get the most expensive case, but having something on your phone is sure to help extend its life. Not to mention, using a case means your phone stays in pristine condition and likely has a higher resale value when it's time for an upgrade .

Keep your screen and ports clean

Using a phone covered in grease and dirt is not something we want to do. But using a clean, shiny phone is now something we can all feel good about, especially if it means dust and dirt don't interfere with operation.

Even if you're using a case, take a few minutes every now and then to clean the charging port, microphone area, speaker grille, and headphone jack if your phone has one, of any lint or debris. You can use a toothpick to get everything in and out.

What about the screen, sides and back? Clorox wipes work great. We've got more tips and tricks for keeping your phone clean - it goes a long way towards achieving reliable performance, sharper recordings (no fingerprints), and a phone you'll want to keep using.

There are many myths surrounding batteries.

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Avoid overexerting and overheating your phone battery

There are several myths surrounding your phone's battery and health. We recently looked at various battery myths and uncovered the truth behind each.

For example, fast charging doesn't harm your battery at all, but if you regularly drain your phone, it might.

Your phone will also last longer if you avoid taking your device into situations where the battery could overheat, such as driving. B. Leaving it outside in direct sunlight on a hot day. It shuts off if it gets too hot, but that drains the battery, which could contribute to a shorter overall lifespan.

Start taking care of your phone's battery the day you unpack it and you'll see the benefits when your battery is still charged a year or two later.

Replace a defective battery instead of the phone

Even if you've done everything right, you can still end up with a battery that simply refuses to hold a charge over time. Instead of replacing the entire phone, try replacing the battery.

Often this simple and inexpensive maintenance can add a few months or even years to the life of your phone . It would be easier if most phones were still made with removable batteries like they used to be, but instead most phones come with built-in batteries that cannot be replaced without disassembling the phone.

If you're tech-savvy and brave enough, you can buy a DIY kit from iFixit to replace Android or iPhone batteries. The kit includes all the tools you need and a new battery.

Alternatively, iPhone users can make an appointment at an Apple Store, or Android users can use a third-party certified repair service like uBreakiFix . You'll need to call your nearest store to get a quote on replacing your battery, as the company doesn't list prices directly on their website.

Bonus Tip: Back up your phone regularly

Backing up your phone data doesn't help extend the life of your phone, but it does mean that all your contacts, photos, videos, and custom settings are gone when you have to say goodbye to your phone. take the plunge so you don't have to start from scratch.

you have an iphone Check if iCloud backup is turned on by opening the Settings app. Then tap iCloud > iCloud Backup and make sure the switch is on.

The process for Android owners varies depending on who makes your device, but you can usually open the Settings app and then go to Google > Backup . Some device manufacturers like Samsung offer their own backup service in addition to Google. The easiest way to find your device's automatic cloud backup service is to open the Settings app and use the search box at the top to search for "backup."

Now that you know how to keep your phone running smoothly in the future, take a few minutes to learn more about Android's hidden features . iOS users shouldn't feel left out, we have some hidden iPhone features for you too. And here's how to sell your phone for the best price .

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