We depend upon our smartphones. They continue us connected, informed, and upward to appointment during the hectic daily grind. For many of us, those smartphones have become more than than a uncomplicated tool, so we should probably accept amend care of them than we exercise. Instead of treating them every bit if they are toys that can be replaced on a whim, we should treat smartphones every bit if they incorporate sensitive information and our jobs depend upon them.

What steps tin can you take to make certain you don't damage or destroy your mobile device? I have a list of nasty things that tin can be hazardous to the health your smartphone or tablet. Requite this a read and run across whether you're guilty of whatsoever of these abusive behaviors.

1: Exposing it to the elements

Both rut and cold tin can bring that smart device to the land of devastation. Leaving your phone in a car in the estrus of summer or overnight in the cold of winter is a surefire fashion of maxim bye and having to return to your carrier for a replacement. Studies have shown that Android devices fare meliorate in the cold than practice IOS devices, just at near -40 degrees Fahrenheit both platforms volition cease to work.

Heat is worse. At 113 degrees Fahrenheit, the devices will exist adversely afflicted. The best way to avoid the effects of oestrus is to plow off the device. The moral of this story: Don't leave your phone in your machine (and if you find yourself in the desert, plow that device off).

two: Rooting improperly

At that place's a sure cross-department of users who want to take as much command over their devices as possible. To do this, they root their smartphones. At that place are many reasons to root a device — as well as ane reason not to. At that place is ever a slim chance that an improper rooting tin can brick a telephone. This is why, on every set up of rooting instructions y'all find, you will see warnings that should have average users turning away from human activity. Really, in many cases, at that place are tools that brand rooting quite simple. Only even with that simplicity, you could find yourself with a device refusing to function. Root carefully.

3: Ignoring malware

Malware isn't just for desktops. In fact, the threat of malware could practise even worse damage on a smartphone. Why? Because smartphone malware can track your location (no matter where you are), snatch highly sensitive data, amidst other things. It is crucial that yous use caution when installing apps on your smartphone. I always recommend that users install an app similar Malwarebytes to keep their phones equally malware free as possible. Do non ignore the threat of malware. Install plenty malware-filled apps and your phone will get useless until it is removed.

four: Cramming it total

Smartphones have precious lilliputian storage space. Unless y'all utilise an Android phone and utilize SD cards intelligently, you tin can quickly make full up those devices until they won't work. My wife was completely unaware she was working without an SD card until the device started malfunctioning. I discovered she had no infinite remaining, added an SD card, and transferred all her photos from master storage. All was well. Without enough storage space, the device simply won't part. Monitor the space on your device and if possible, use SD cards.

5: Leaving it on… always

Our smartphones work, and piece of work, and piece of work, and work. In fact, in many cases these devices piece of work improve than our desktops and laptops. Thing is, even these remarkably stable mobile platforms need to be given a rest. At to the lowest degree one time a week, reboot that device or (even improve) close it down for 30 minutes or so. Doing this volition ensure that caches are cleared and subsystems are properly restarted. Shutting downwards the device once a calendar week will assist with the longevity of the RAM on the device and allow certain diagnostics to be run at boot.

6: Botching the SIM menu lock

At that place is one expert reason to place a lock on your SIM card — so others can't apply it. Nevertheless, botch the SIM card lock and that SIM card is toast. I empathize this is not the device itself — simply until you can get the SIM card replaced, your phone will not office. If yous feel the need to place a lock on the SIM card, do so VERY carefully. If you lot're not sure how to do this, read my post Pro tip: Protect your Android SIM card with a SIM PINlock.

vii: Plugging it in carelessly

Those micro USB connections aren't as bad as USB connections (in that location's e'er a l/50 chance y'all'll get information technology right on the starting time try), but they still can be a flake tricky to connect. When frustration sets in, it's tempting to strength the issue. Fight that urge at all costs. I swift push and the micro USB port is ruined. Yous suspension that and the telephone is gone (at least when the battery finally runs downwardly). Believe me, I've known a few people that have done this and wound up having to shell out for a new device. Always use care when connecting the device.

eight: Pocket domicile

For some odd reason, the younger generations have a penchant for shoving their devices into the back pockets of their skinny jeans. The first, obvious, risk is breakage. If those jeans don't have enough spandex in the fabric, and you sit the wrong mode, that device could snap in half (with plenty pressure level). The other risk is due to the infinitesimal size of the pockets — barely large plenty to hide half of the telephone. Stand up also chop-chop and the phone will be jettisoned and crash downwards on the floor. Don't let death by skinny jeans be the end of your smartphone.

9: Flashing the wrong ROM

There are many ROMs out there for Android devices — ROMs that bring all kinds of amazing functionality or even just a bare minimum of functionality. But if you lot wink the wrong ROM onto your device, it will be toast. Flashing an incorrect ROM could even render the cell radio dead. Make absolutely sure that yous're flashing a ROM that was designed for your specific device. You accept been warned.

10: Getting it wet

I left the obvious for last. Yous might be surprised that even the slightest bit of h2o tin exercise irreparable damage to a smartphone. This means if you use your device for outdoor activities (such equally running or cycling), be sure to put the device in a waterproof case or baggie. Just make sure it doesn't get likewise hot or you lot'll run the risk of heat harm. If your device does go exposed to water, the first thing you lot should do is shut it downward and pull out the battery (if applicable). And you tin can always employ the "rice trick" –submerge the device in dry out rice so all the moisture is removed. I have done this, and it works (if the moisture hasn't already destroyed the device).

Take no chances

Your smartphone isn't invincible. The likelihood that you'll destroy your device is low… but not depression enough that you should ignore best practices. Treat that device with care and it volition concluding you until the day before your contract expires. 😉

Also read…

  • x places to recycle your cell phone
  • Insurance for your smartphone: Is information technology worth it?
  • Throw your smartphone a life preserver with Dryzoo
  • Apple iPhone vi teardown: Pattern changes brand device easier to repair

Other tips?

What other kinds of damage have you seen inflicted on mobile devices? Share your tips and cautionary tales with fellow TechRepublic members.