Consider your smartphone, computer, laptop, television, appliances, and even your vehicle as examples of technology in your life. All of these things are costly, and with so many people trying to save money, you don’t want to have to pay to repair or replace technology. However, taking proper care of your belongings can help your technology last longer and save you money. Here are a few tips for extending the life of your technology:
1. Check The Battery
You rely on your smartphone’s battery to last when the lights go out during a blackout. Every piece of tech you use requires a battery. Whether you’re a content creator using technology for work or enjoy sitting at home and scrolling through social media, your devices rely on their batteries. Unfortunately, batteries can go bad after a few years of use, especially after improper use or surges in power after a blackout or brownout.
You should replace your device batteries regularly because they can only be charged up to a certain point before deteriorating. If your cell phone or laptop won’t hold a charge, it’s likely time to swap out your battery. Luckily, you can purchase a battery replacement online directly from the brand or go to a local shop where they can help you find the right battery for your device.
2. Clean Them
Your devices should be cleaned regularly since dirt and debris can clog up important components and contribute to overheating and a shortened lifespan. Of course, you must be careful when cleaning your technology. For smartphones, look at the different ports and dust them regularly, removing any debris that is lodged in them. Meanwhile, for computers, you should clean the fans every year to prevent overheating.
If you’ve noticed your laptop is much warmer than it used to be or your fan turns on more frequently and is louder, it likely needs cleaning. You can clean your computer fans with a can of aerosol or a small vacuum. One thing to remember is to never get your devices wet. While cleaning them with a damp cloth might be tempting, water can destroy delicate components.
2. Remove Data
The more storage you use, the slower your devices will become. You should try to purge data regularly to prevent your devices from slowing down. On smartphones, you can download apps that will remove data for you, deleting apps you haven’t used for a set period of time. You should also purge your computers on a regular basis to remove data and software programs you don’t need that could be causing your device to slow down.
3. Protect Them
If your devices get wet or dropped, they can easily break. The key is to protect them, which is why most people have a phone case. However, you should also use a laptop case in case you drop your laptop, or it regularly rubs against something in your bag.
If you’re accident-prone, you should also use a screen protector to prevent screens from breaking when devices are dropped. They’ll also protect against scratches.
4. Get Them Fixed
It’s common practice to replace items when they break instead of having them fixed. However, many technological device issues can be resolved and repaired, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars since you won’t have to buy a new device. Since it can be challenging to fix your own devices, you should find someone who can fix your technology. Some computer stores have teams of individuals who can help you fix your devices. You can also find phone repair shops by doing a quick search online.
5. Consider Temperature
You should never leave your technology in the cold or heat. Phones and computers are not designed for use in cold or high temperatures. If you’ve ever taken your phone to the beach, you may have received a notification that it was shutting down because it overheated.
Most smartphones should function in cold or warm weather, but anything that’s extreme will cause them to experience problems or break altogether. If you must keep your phone with you at all times, keep it at the ideal temperature. For example, keep your phone in the shade if you’re lounging in the sun. Similarly, if you’re going out in the cold, keep your phone in your pocket close to your body so it can stay warm.
6. Don’t Download Suspicious Files
You can keep your tech products in good condition by avoiding any suspicious apps or software. If you don’t know about something, research it before you download it. It’s rare for cell phones to get infected with a virus, but it’s possible when you download files off the internet. In addition, you should protect your computer by never opening suspicious emails or files. You can also install anti-virus software to protect your computer from hackers that can steal your information and prevent your computer from working properly.
7. Keep Them Away From Liquids
As we’ve mentioned, water can destroy technology, so it’s best to keep any liquids away from your devices. For example, if you like to drink coffee in the morning, consider doing it away from your computer, especially if you’re accident-prone. Additionally, you can leave your phone somewhere safe when using the bathroom to prevent it from falling into the toilet if you keep it in your back pocket.
Of course, you should also never use your devices near water. For example, if you want to work at the beach with your laptop, consider working at a picnic table instead of in the sand near the water. Meanwhile, don’t use your phone in the bath since it can get slippery, causing you to drop it.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, technology isn’t built to last forever, so you will eventually have to replace your favorite products. That being said, you can still extend the lifespan of your phone and computers by taking proper care of them. Preventative measures like cases and proactive measures like cleaning your tech products can ensure they last for many years to come.