How to keep your iPhone or Android smartphone running for years: simple and useful tips

Good new smartphones come out every year. But upgrading your gadget to a fresh new product every time is not only very expensive, but also not always advisable, because the next generation may differ only slightly from the previous one.

That's why experts advise to take proper care of your device, so that it will successfully serve you until the moment when a really high-quality update is released. CNet has gathered the most effective methods that will help with this.

Install all available updates

Using a phone that no longer receives security updates puts your data at risk. So, when you purchase a smartphone, check how long the manufacturer plans to support it and update for that entire period of time. This will give you the best value for money over the life of the phone.

Updating your phone to the latest version of the operating system will help protect it from hackers and keep it safe from malware. Most devices will automatically prompt you to install the latest updates. But you can do it yourself by finding the "Update" option in the software menu. Go there and check if the updates are available.

The same goes for your programs. They also need to be updated so that they remain compatible with your iOS or Android version. Allow apps to update themselves in the background. Or check for updates manually.

Use a case

The best thing you can do for your brand new smartphone is to immediately purchase a case for it. Not only will it keep your device safe from bumps, but it will also protect it from scratches and dust. A screen protector is also a great idea, because repairing screen damage will really cost you.

Replace your outdated battery, not your phone battery

Your phone's battery gradually wears out and its capacity decreases. This applies to all phones. If you notice that the device does not hold a charge well, do not rush to buy a new one. Try to replace the battery. It is likely that after that its overall power will increase, because the processor will also get more power. You can take the device to a workshop for service and trust the professionals, or you can find the instructions for your model on the Internet and do everything yourself. But you should do this only after the warranty is over.

Delete old apps and photos you don't need

If you've been using your phone for years, you probably have thousands of photos in its memory. You also probably have a lot of old apps and games that you downloaded on impulse and then didn't use. Meanwhile, a lack of memory can negatively affect the overall performance of your gadget - it won't have enough space to install updates. In this case, review your archives, make all the necessary backups and delete everything unnecessary from the device. If you've been using the phone for a long time and it's running very slowly, it may be worth backing up all important data and performing a full reset, installing only the essentials.

Clean the ports

Elementary cleaning of the phone from dust and dirt can give really great results. After all, the accumulation of small debris inside the device can slow it down a lot, and in addition, increase its heating. The ports can also get clogged. When you plug in the charger, it can't fully connect and the phone won't charge properly. So from time to time, gently clean the phone's ports as well as its speakers and microphone with a toothpick. You can also use compressed air from a can for cleaning.

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