10 tips to help your smartphone last longer after years of use

Nowadays, smartphones are not only a communication tool, but have become the “center” of modern life, from work, entertainment, shopping to health management. Whether you use iPhone or Android, the phone is always present with you, almost inseparable.

But as usage becomes more and more intense, smartphones quickly face the risk of wear and tear such as reduced performance, battery degradation, and dust accumulating on components.

Many people clearly feel the difference between a new smartphone and a smartphone that has been used for a while. However, you can completely extend the life of your smartphone and maintain stable performance if you know how to apply the right care tips.

1. Use your smartphone carefully

Treat your smartphone like a valuable piece of technology that needs to be carefully protected. Touch screens are fragile, and even a small scratch can ruin your experience.

Therefore, avoid keeping your phone in the same pocket as your keys, avoid putting it in your back pocket or placing it in a place that is prone to collision. Besides, water is always a dangerous "enemy" of smartphones, just a little carelessness when your hands are wet or taking your phone to the bathroom or swimming pool can also make you pay a high price. Being careful in every small habit will help your phone last longer over time.

2. Keep your smartphone at the right temperature

Temperature is an often overlooked factor that directly affects the lifespan of your smartphone. To keep your device running smoothly, keep it in a cool, dry environment and away from extreme weather.

Just like the human body has a heat tolerance threshold, smartphones only operate well within a certain temperature range. If it is too hot or too cold, it can slow down or even shut down.

An important note is to never place your smartphone on the car dashboard in direct sunlight, as high temperatures can damage the battery or cause the device to overheat severely.

3. Uninstall unnecessary applications

Apps are convenient, but not all of them are useful for your smartphone. Many rarely used apps, like abandoned games or browser extensions, quietly run in the background, draining battery and taking up memory, slowing down your device over time.

To maintain performance, regularly review and remove unnecessary applications. This simple task not only frees up memory but also saves battery, keeping your smartphone running smoothly for longer.

4. Update the app regularly

Whether you use iOS or Android, regular software updates are key to keeping your phone running smoothly, saving space, and maintaining speed. Updates not only improve performance, but also patch bugs and enhance security, keeping your device safe from a variety of risks.

So, turn on automatic updates for your apps or proactively check at least once a week to ensure your smartphone is always in optimal condition.

5. Maintain smartphone battery life

The battery is the “heart” of your smartphone, and how you use it every day directly determines its lifespan. If you want your battery to last, avoid letting it run out completely before recharging. Ideally, keep the capacity between 20% and 80% and use a genuine charger. Do not overcharge it multiple times a day or leave it plugged in overnight, as this can easily cause the battery to wear out faster.

In addition, small habits such as turning off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth when not in use, reducing screen brightness or limiting notification vibration mode also help save energy significantly. Occasionally, you should also turn off the device to give the battery a "rest", thereby extending its life and keeping the phone running smoothly.

6. Protect your smartphone screen

A cracked screen not only reduces the user experience but also leads to expensive repair costs. Instead of waiting until you have to replace the screen, you should invest in a high-quality screen protector, a thin layer of "armor" that helps reduce the risk of impact, scratches and keeps the screen clear.

There are many types of protective stickers available, but prioritize products that are durable and scratch-resistant, as this is a simple but effective solution to prolong the life of your phone.

7. Clear some smartphone memory

Storing too many photos and data on your smartphone not only takes up valuable space but also slows down the overall performance of the device. To fix this, you should regularly delete unnecessary files, sync important photos and data to your computer or cloud storage service, and free up memory from photos that have been “sleeping” for many years.

Besides, don't forget to clean up the cache periodically, which is the culprit of consuming space that you can utilize for more useful tasks. With these few tips, your phone will not only run smoother but also maintain long-term durability, providing a stable experience throughout the usage.

8. Use a smartphone case

In fact, many people love luxurious, thin and light smartphones, but to protect this expensive device, a case is almost a mandatory choice.

In case of accidental drops, the case will act as a “shield” to minimize damage and avoid expensive repair costs. This is a simple but extremely effective tip to keep your phone durable over time.

Whether it's a premium or entry-level case, both contribute to prolonging the life of your device and are especially useful if you intend to resell it, as a phone with fewer scratches will definitely retain its value on the market.

9. Replace damaged battery

Sometimes, no matter how carefully you use your phone, the battery still degrades and no longer holds the same amount of power as before. This is a sign that you need to replace the battery, not necessarily a new phone. Replacing the battery properly not only saves money but also helps the device operate stably, prolonging its lifespan.

If you are using a device with a removable battery, you can easily replace it yourself. For iPhone or Android models with built-in batteries, tech-savvy people can buy a specialized battery replacement kit, which usually comes with a new battery and full support tools. In case you are not familiar with the operation yourself, the safest solution is to take your smartphone to a reputable warranty center or repair shop.

10. Always back up your smartphone data

Backing up your data may not extend the life of your hardware, but it is a “safeguard” for the most precious things on your smartphone, from photos, videos to contacts. Thanks to that, when it comes time to say goodbye to your old phone, you will not have to worry about losing data and you will not have to start from scratch.

For iPhone users, make sure to enable iCloud Backup by going toSetting> [Your name] >iCloud>iCloud Backupand always keep this switch on. Android users also have a similar option inSetting>Google>Backup, or take advantage of the dedicated backup services that some companies like Samsung offer. If it's hard to find, just open the appSetting, type the keyword “backup” in the search box for quick access.

In short, take good care of your smartphone if you want it to last a long time. Avoid exposing it to water, dust or unnecessary impacts, and always keep it in a safe condition when using it.

Smartphones are valuable today, but at the same time, they are indispensable in work and daily life. Therefore, do not forget to equip yourself with a case, protective screen, update software regularly and limit the device's exposure to harsh weather./.