Tips on Cell Phone Use

In todays world just about everyone has a cell phone, from the very young to the very old.  They have become a staple in our lives and anyone without one is said to be behind the times.  They are a way to contact anyone from almost anywhere.

In this post I would like to give you some tips on how to keep your cell phone in good working order so it remains a reliable communication device for you.

1.  Cleanliness:  As with all electronics, cleanliness is an important part of keeping it working correctly.  Being a mobile device and with you at most times, the cell phone is difficult to keep clean but it can be done.  Get a case that is made for your phone model.  Keep the screen wiped down with a super fine fiber cloth.  Try to keep it away from dirt, mud, greese, etc.  If your job is a dirty one, wash your hands before using your phone and don’t keep it in your pocket.

2.  Powercycling:  Turning your phone off and on at least once or twice a week to make certain your phone recieves the updates and information that the cell phone companies send out.  Much like rebooting a computer.  Sometimes phones recieve updates from manufacturers to fix known issues.  One example of this is the Samsung Sync, which has a known issue with dropped calls.  Samsung has sent out an update to correct this issue, but if you don’t power your device off and on you will never install it.

3.  Charge the Phone:  In the past, it was reccomended to run the battery comply dead before charging it.  This actually helped the life of the battery.  Today’s batteries no longer need to do this and it can actually lower the life.  Charge your battery as often as you can.  Put it on the charger when you are at home or driving in the car.

4. Car Chargers:  Car chargers are a great way to keep your cell phone powered while on the road but it can hurt the phone if not done correctly.  Never plug your phone into the charger until AFTER you start your car.  If you have anything plugged into the receptical when the car starts it can cause a surge of power and damage the device.  Ensure that you buy a car charger that was made specifically for your phone.  Just because the plug fits in your phone and charges it doesn’t mean it won’t hurt the phone.  Different phones take different amounts of power and the chargers are calibrated to that.

5.  Physical:  Take care not to drop your phone.  Most cell phones are pretty sturdy and can take a licking, but dropping them, as with all electronic devices, is not a good thing.  If you feel you need to, buy a starp that will go around your wrist while using the phone, most phones have a place to attach these on the body of the phone.  Also take care to keep the phone dry.  Moisture is its worst enemy and destroys a phone quickly.

Keeping these tips in mind will help your phone last for years.  If you have other tips, please leave me a comment.