Phones have become our metaphorical right hands. They keep us connected, organised and store our memories! But as indispensable as they are, smartphones are, of course, prone to wear and tear. The good news is that with a little TLC, you can avoid many of the problems that cause our phones to ‘have a moment!’ Here’s our short guide on mobile phone repair and maintenance. 

Why Mobile Phone Maintenance Matters

Mobile phones have become increasingly expensive, and the cost of replacing a damaged or outdated device can be significant. By taking proper care of your smartphone and knowing how to address common problems, you can save money and reduce electronic waste. Plus getting your phone insured can help with any costs should you have any problems. 

Cleaning Your Mobile Phone

A clean phone not only looks better but also performs better. Dust, dirt, and smudges can affect your touchscreen's responsiveness and overall functionality.

Materials Needed:

• Microfiber cloth
• Cleaning solution (water and isopropyl alcohol in a 1:1 ratio)

Steps:

• Power Off: Before cleaning, turn off your phone to prevent any accidental button pushes.
• Screen and Back: Gently wipe the screen and back of your phone with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and fingerprints.
• Ports and Openings: Dampen the cloth slightly with the cleaning solution and clean the ports, speaker grilles, and other openings. Be careful not to let any of the liquid enter these areas.
• Case and Accessories: If you use a case or accessories, give them a good clean as well.

Protecting Your Mobile Phone

Prevention is the best form of maintenance, right?

• Screen Protectors: Apply a high-quality screen protector to guard against scratches and cracks.
• Phone Cases: Choose a protective phone case that suits your style and offers shock absorption for any little accidents!
• Waterproof Covers: If your phone isn't water-resistant, consider a waterproof cover just for peace of mind.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

From battery drain to slow performance, here's how to address some of the most common problems:

• Battery Drain: To combat excessive battery drain, identify battery-hungry apps and check the settings to see what options are available. Turn off background app refresh for apps that don't require it.
• Overheating: Close unused apps, and try to avoid long sessions gaming or video streaming.
• Slow Performance: If your phone feels sluggish, clear cache and junk files, uninstall unnecessary apps, and restart your device regularly.
• Frozen Screen: In case your screen freezes, try a soft reset (holding the power and volume down buttons simultaneously). If that doesn't work, you may need to get it professionally checked.

Battery Care and Optimisation

A critical component and a common cause of phone issues:

• We’re probably all guilty of this, but avoid overcharging your phone. Unplug it when it reaches 80-90% charge, and try to avoid it dropping below 20%.
• Identify battery-hungry apps and either limit their usage or uninstall them.
• Use original chargers and cables to prevent damage and overheating.

Storage Management and Cleanup

Running out of storage space can slow down your phone.

• App Management: Uninstall apps you no longer use and clear app caches regularly.
• Photo and Video Cleanup: Transfer photos and videos to cloud storage or your computer to free up space.
• Delete Old Files: Review and delete old files, downloads, and documents you no longer need.

Software Updates and Security

Keeping your phone's software up to date is important for security but it also enhances performance.

• Regular Updates: Always install the latest system updates and app updates from trusted sources.
• Antivirus and Security Apps: Install reputable antivirus and security apps to protect against malware and threats.

DIY Repairs and When to Seek Professional Help

Our advice here would be not to try and fix anything at home. Things like screen or battery replacements, or more complex issues like motherboard or water damage, are best left to professionals. If you have phone insurance, then contact your insurer who will be able to advise on the next steps to getting your phone checked or repaired.

Your smartphone is a valuable tool that deserves proper care and maintenance. These are just a few tips and techniques on how you can extend the life of your mobile phone and save money on repairs or replacements. We all need a little love sometimes … even your smartphone!