5 simple tips to increase your phone lifespan

Modern phones from major brands such as Apple, Google, and Samsung can remain safe to use for seven to eight years with regular updates, but keeping them reliable requires care and smart habits.

Here are practical steps you can take to keep your phone running smoothly for years longer.

Install updates regularly

Using a phone without security updates is unsafe and leaves devices open to hackers and malicious software that can slow performance, as reported by tech site CNET.

Most new models prompt users to install updates automatically, but older phones may require manual checks in the settings menu under "Software Update."

An iPhone with screen protector on. Photo from Unsplash

Protect your phone

Although modern devices are water-resistant and built with durable glass, extra protection is advisable.

A sturdy case and screen protector can prevent cracked screens, dents, and other damage, according to experts at The New York Times.

Maintain battery health

Apple, Google, and Samsung recommend keeping devices between 62 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (16-22 degrees Celsius), as temperatures below 32 or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit can damage batteries.

"A battery will degrade faster if you charge it to 100% versus a little bit lower state of charge," Chao-Yang Wang, director of the Electrochemical Engine Center at Penn State University, told HuffPost.

"Keeping your phone between 20-80% or 0-80% would greatly extend its life," Kent Griffith, a chemistry professor at the University of California San Diego, told Wirecutter.

Charging overnight can also accelerate degradation, though many phones now offer optimized-charging features to limit wear.

Signs such as unexpected shutdowns, rapid battery drain, or overheating may indicate that replacement is needed, according to Canadian repair company Dr Phone Fix.

Clear old apps and photos

Limited storage can slow performance and block important updates. Back up photos and videos to the cloud and delete unnecessary files.

For older devices running slowly, a factory reset may help restore performance when combined with reinstalling only essential apps.

Keep it clean

Dust and lint in charging ports and speaker grilles can cause problems over time. The Guardian recommends regularly clearing ports and vents, and even playing loud music occasionally to push out dust from speakers.

Cleaning the screen with antibacterial spray can also help maintain hygiene.