A recent study shows up to 70% of people are holding onto their phones longer or opting for cheaper models due to economic challenges. But using an older phone doesn’t mean settling for less. With the right know-how, you can keep your phone running like new and get the most out of all your tech and appliances.
Keep Home Screen Free of Clutter
Installing new apps can quickly clutter your home screen with shortcuts. To stop this, long-press an empty area on your home screen, tap Settings, and turn off the option like “Add new apps to Home Screen.” New apps will still install, but icons won’t appear unless you choose to add them manually from the app drawer.
Replace your battery
Your phone battery is a lot like the gas tank in a car. At first, it gets you through the day easily, but over time, it starts emptying faster, even if you’re not doing anything different. A quick battery replacement can give it new life and extend its lifespan without requiring a full upgrade.
Use Dark Mode
Using dark mode can boost battery life and reduce eye strain, especially on phones with OLED screens. Android 10 and later support system-wide dark mode, although finding it may require some digging in the Settings.
If you’re on Android 9, many apps still offer their dark mode options, so you can still enjoy the benefits without a full system update.
Don’t Delay Cosmetic Repairs
Shattered screens aren’t just about looks—they can harm your phone’s internal parts too. The screen protects key components like the camera and display. When cracked, dirt, oil, and moisture can sneak inside, causing damage that’s harder and more expensive to fix. Keeping your screen intact helps protect your phone’s overall health and performance.
Clean Charging Ports and Headphone Jacks
Lint and dirt can build up in your phone’s charging port, speaker, or headphone jack, causing problems like loose connections or slow charging. If your charger doesn’t fit snugly or your battery struggles, it’s time for a cleanup.
Use a toothpick or cotton swab with a flashlight to gently clear debris—avoid pins or toothbrushes. Regularly removing your case also helps keep your phone clean and working well.
Use Adaptive Battery and Battery Optimization
Some phones learn your app habits to optimize battery use and performance. Battery settings vary—some Android phones have a clear Battery section, while others hide it. Just search “battery” in Settings to find it. You might also have adaptive charging, which helps protect battery health by controlling overnight charging speed.
Get a High-Quality Charger
Using a cheap convenience store charger can wear out your battery faster. Always use your phone maker’s official charger for the best quality and proper power flow.
Inexpensive cables may charge slowly and cause damage over time. For faster, safer charging, plug into a wall outlet and turn on airplane mode. Check out more tips to speed up your phone’s charging.
Set up Do Not Disturb
Constant buzzing at night isn’t just bad for your sleep. It’s also tough on your phone’s battery. Using Do Not Disturb helps both you and your phone rest. Found under Settings > Sounds or Notifications, it silences alerts during set hours. You can still allow calls from favorites or repeat callers, so important messages won’t be missed.
Delete Unused Apps
Most people use a few apps daily but keep many they no longer need. These unused apps take up valuable storage and can slow your phone down. Regularly review and delete apps you don’t use.
You can also free up space by deleting photos and videos or moving them to cloud services like Google Photos or Dropbox to keep your phone running smoothly.
Taking Care Means Long-Lasting Usage
Just like any other device, taking good care of your phone by managing apps and charging habits, cleaning ports, and protecting the screen can keep it running smoothly and extend its lifespan.
Small habits like using official chargers, enabling dark mode, and regularly clearing out clutter make a big difference, helping you avoid costly repairs and get the most from your device.