7 ways to make your old phone look like new

Replace the battery

Over the past few days we have seen that old batteries on iPhones can affect the performance of the device, so think about replacing the battery when necessary to help your iPhone regain its health like new.

For removable batteries, replacement is simply a matter of finding a new battery, preferably at an authorized store. In the case of phones with built-in batteries, it is best to take the phone to a professional replacement location that has more experience and tools.

Replacing a weakened battery will help many phones regain their original performance. Photo: AFP

For iPhone 6 and later with degraded batteries affecting device performance, please bring your device to an Apple store to replace the battery under the new program from Apple for only 29 USD from now until the end of 2018. For other phones, choose a reputable store to do this.

Buy a new protective case

A case can do more than just protect your phone from knocks; it can also change the entire look of your phone. Some cases come with eye-catching artwork, and some companies even let you customize the design on your phone.

You can choose from a variety of protective cases, such as shockproof, colorful, flip cover, back cover... depending on your personal preferences.

Install a new Launcher app

In addition to the external factors, you should focus on refreshing the internal things, especially when the screen is turned on with so many attractive options.

For Android phones, you can choose from a variety of themes and launchers that can dramatically change the user interface (UI). For example, if you like the Windows Mobile interface, choose SpuareHome 2 for a Metro-style interface. Nova Launcher offers thousands of themes with a variety of interface styles to choose from.

Add some accessories

Here's a fresh way to change the way you handle your phone. A simple strap like the Ninja Loop will work well in any situation. Once installed, it provides a protective cover for the back of the phone, making it easier to interact with the screen using your thumb. It also adds impact protection.

Another new way to interact with your phone is to install a car mount so that it is close to your eye level while driving, making it safer to drive.

Add more memory

If you’re considering a new phone because your old one is running out of storage, consider external storage. A device like the RavPower FileHub Plus (around $50) lets you store SD cards, flash drives, or even hard drives. It also doubles as a portable charger, which is a useful solution if battery life is still an issue.

For a similar price, you can also get the 64GB SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick, which isn't much larger than a traditional USB flash drive but still allows wireless streaming to Android and iOS devices.

Try out new features

Dig deep inside your phone to experience hidden features that can make your phone feel like it's been updated. For example, many phones have step tracking like Fitbit, or even mobile payments through Apple Pay or Android Pay that are easy to use.

Finally, if you like the wireless charging feature on many newer phones, you can buy an accessory that adds this functionality to your device. Just go to Amazon or eBay and search for “Qi receiver,” “Lightning,” “Micro-USB,” or “Type-C,” depending on the connection.