We depend upon our smartphones. They keep us connected, informed, and
up to date during the hectic daily grind. For many of us, those
smartphones have become more than a simple tool, so we should probably
take better care of them than we do. Instead of treating them as if they
are toys that can be replaced on a whim, we should treat smartphones as
if they contain sensitive data and our jobs depend upon them.
What
steps can you take to make sure you don't damage or destroy your mobile
device? I have a list of nasty things that can be hazardous to the
health your smartphone or tablet. Give this a read and see whether
you're guilty of any of these abusive behaviors.
1: Exposing It To The Elements
Both heat and cold can bring
that smart device to the land of devastation. Leaving your phone in a
car in the heat of summer or overnight in the cold of winter is a
surefire way of saying goodbye and having to return to your carrier for a
replacement. Studies have shown that Android devices fare better in the
cold than do IOS devices, but at about -40 degrees Fahrenheit both
platforms will cease to work.
Heat is worse. At 113 degrees
Fahrenheit, the devices will be adversely affected. The best way to
avoid the effects of heat is to turn off the device. The moral of this
story: Don't leave your phone in your car (and if you find yourself in
the desert, turn that device off).
2: Rooting Improperly
There's
a certain cross-section of users who want to take as much control over
their devices as possible. To do this, they root their smartphones.
There are many reasons to root a device -- as well as one reason not to.
There is always a slim chance that an improper rooting can brick a
phone. This is why, on every set of rooting instructions you find, you
will see warnings that should have average users turning away from act.
Actually, in many cases, there are tools that make rooting quite simple.
But 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 do even
worse damage on a smartphone. Why? Because smartphone malware can track
your location (no matter where you are), snatch highly sensitive data,
among other things. It is crucial that you use caution when installing
apps on your smartphone. I always recommend that users install an app
like Malwarebytes
to keep their phones as malware free as possible. Do not ignore the
threat of malware. Install enough malware-filled apps and your phone
will become useless until it is removed.
4: Cramming It Full
Smartphones
have precious little storage space. Unless you use an Android phone and
use SD cards intelligently, you can quickly fill 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 space remaining, added an SD card, and transferred all her photos
from main storage. All was well. Without enough storage space, the
device simply won't function. Monitor the space on your device and if
possible, use SD cards.
5: Leaving it on... always
Our
smartphones work, and work, and work, and work. In fact, in many cases
these devices work better than our desktops and laptops. Thing is, even
these remarkably stable mobile platforms need to be given a rest. At
least once a week, reboot that device or (even better) shut it down for
30 minutes or so. Doing this will ensure that caches are cleared and
subsystems are properly restarted. Shutting down the device once a week
will aid with the longevity of the RAM on the device and allow certain
diagnostics to be run at boot.
6: Botching the SIM card lock
There
is one good reason to place a lock on your SIM card -- so others can't
use it. However, botch the SIM card lock and that SIM card is toast. I
understand this is not the device itself -- but until you can get the
SIM card replaced, your phone will not function. If you feel the need to
place a lock on the SIM card, do so VERY carefully. If you're not sure
how to do this, read my post Pro tip: Protect your Android SIM card with a SIM PINlock.
7: Plugging It In Carelessly
Those
micro USB connections aren't as bad as USB connections (there's always a
50/50 chance you'll get it right on the first try), but they still can
be a bit tricky to connect. When frustration sets in, it's tempting to
force the issue. Fight that urge at all costs. One swift push and the
micro USB port is ruined. You break that and the phone is gone (at least
when the battery finally runs down). 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.
8: Pocket Dwelling
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 way, that device could snap in half
(with enough pressure). The other risk is due to the infinitesimal size
of the pockets -- barely large enough to hide half of the phone. Stand
up too quickly and the phone will be jettisoned and crash down 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 flash 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 you're flashing a ROM that was designed
for your specific device. You have been warned.
10: Getting it wet
I
left the obvious for last. You might be surprised that even the
slightest bit of water can do irreparable damage to a smartphone. This
means if you use your device for outdoor activities (such as running or
cycling), be sure to put the device in a waterproof case or baggie. Just
make sure it doesn't get too hot or you'll run the risk of heat damage.
If your device does get exposed to water, the first thing you should do
is shut it down and pull out the battery (if applicable). And you can
always use the "rice trick" --submerge the device in dry 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 low enough that you should ignore best
practices. Treat that device with care and it will last you until the
day before your contract expires.
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