How to Take Proper Care of Your New Cell Phone

Co-authored by James Bell

Last Updated: December 12, 2022

Cell or mobile phones are an important means of staying connected and communicating with others on a regular, if not daily, basis. They're also often a reasonable investment of your money. As such, it makes both financial and personal sense to take proper care of your cell phone so that it lasts longer, does the things you need it to when called upon and stays in good shape.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting the phone that works for you

1
Research widely before purchasing a new phone. It's very important to find out which features you really want in a cell phone before you purchase a new one. Make sure it is a brand and model that you're happy with, from its features to the quality of its design. If you purchase a phone you don't like (or get a cheap one included with a contract), you may end up being more "careless" with it because you "care less" about it, which is really a waste of money and your time.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Caring for your cell phone

1
Buy a case and screen protector. These will take care of your phone by preventing it from being subject to knocks and scratches. This helps to keep the phone's appearance longer and may also protect it from some internal damage should you accidentally knock or drop the phone.
2
Designate a safe place to keep and store your phone when not in use. It should be somewhere that is out of the way and where the phone is not likely to be knocked onto the floor or trodden on. For example, good places include keeping it on a desk, bookshelf, or in a cabinet. It's a good idea to choose one spot where it always goes (near a recharger) so that you can find it with ease, any time.
- Do not keep your phone stored in a purse or other closed container for extended periods of time unless it is powered off. Charging a mobile phone in a closed container is a potential fire hazard and may shorten its lifespan. Li-ion batteries (typical for most phones) give off heat when charged and when discharging.
- Always use genuine chargers and accessories. Cheaper ones that are not compatible or made for going with your brand of phone can harm the phone or lessen its lifespan.
3
Keep your phone dry. Don't talk on your cell phone while it's raining, do not eat or drink near the phone, and avoid carrying it near open water (such as a pond, the beach, or toilets).
- If you do get your phone wet, see How to save a wet cell phone.
4
Clean your phone regularly. Use dry tissue paper or alcohol wipes to clean the phone's exterior surfaces. Do not use water, baby wipes, or other cleaners that may inadvertently add moisture to your phone.
5
Recharge your cell phone on a regular schedule. Some phones will last more than a week or more on a single charge (when not in use), while others may need to be charged every day or every other day. If you spend too much time talking on your phone, you can quickly use up your battery's charge.
- The best way to make sure the battery lasts a long time is to power cycle it at least once a week.
- Keep your battery percentage between 40%-80% for longer battery life.
6
Turn off the ringer on your phone when you're in a class, a lecture, a meeting, etc. Even in relatively everyday activities such as watching a movie in a movie theater, or attending church, it is polite to keep your ringer on vibrate or turned off. The last thing you want to do is frantically try to turn off your ringer in these scenarios. Doing so risks accidentally dropping or damaging the phone.
- Find flight mode on your phone and make use of it when you don't wish to be disturbed.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Protecting your phone from theft

1
Take your phone with you whenever possible. Never let your phone leave your sight. Avoid lending your phone to others, even if done under your supervision, as accidents can and will happen once in a while.
2
Use theft shutdown software. Depending on your phone brand, you can shut down the phone if it is stolen. Activate this in case you lose your phone or it is stolen.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I get rid of a virus from an Android phone?

Community Answer

Download a good anti-virus program (like Avast or AVG) and scan the phone. It should remove the virus quickly.
Question

Will it break in the pocket area?

Community Answer

It might break or bend if you sit.
Question

How do I take care of a phone?

Community Answer

Do not overcharge it, buy a good case for it with a screen protector, make sure that it never gets wet and back it up if you can.

Warnings

Don't give your phone to others because they can mistreat it.

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Be careful when giving out your phone number. Giving it to the wrong person could get you added to a telemarketing call list or on speed dial for a stalker.

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Avoid accidentally calling others by using your phone's lock feature when not in use. This will prevent accidentally hitting buttons when the phone is stored.

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Do not purchase outdated phones. They may be difficult to use with service providers, and even more difficult to find support.

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