6 tips to make your smartphone last longer

On average, we buy a new smartphone every two years. Often, it's simply because we want the latest iPhone or the newest Samsung, even though our old device doesn't actually need to be replaced. The average user doesn’t even need the updates that come with the latest models for calling, emailing, or scrolling through Instagram and TikTok. You can easily use one device for four years. It’s also better for your wallet and the environment. Read the tips below on how to extend your phone’s lifespan.

1. Don’t put your phone in your back pocket

You see it a lot with young girls: a phone sticking out of the back pocket. However, we advise against this for several reasons. If you (accidentally) sit on it, the pressure might be too much, and the device could break in half. In tight pants, the phone could even bend! Additionally, it makes you more vulnerable to theft, and your phone could easily fall out of your pocket while walking, resulting in a cracked screen. And you certainly don’t want that!

It’s a no-brainer, but using a good case will protect your phone from most damage like scratches and dents. Nowadays, they come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s something for everyone.

2. Avoid getting your smartphone wet

Although most smartphones can handle a few drops of water nowadays, they’re not truly waterproof. Be careful when your phone is near water, like when swimming, by the pond in the park, or especially near the toilet. If you’re still willing to take the risk, there are now water-resistant cases available for your phone. Otherwise, your phone might not survive a swim.

3. Clean your device regularly

You should clean your device both inside and out. On the outside, your phone has ports for the charger and headphones. If dirt gets in there, the connection can become poor. By cleaning these regularly with a small brush, you can prevent your phone from becoming completely unchargeable.

You can also clean the inside of your device. The more memory you use, the slower your phone becomes. Delete apps you never use and save your photos and videos to the cloud. Pay special attention to streaming services like Spotify and Netflix. When you download music or movies to play offline, they take up space on your phone. Don’t forget to delete them when you no longer need them.

4. Pay attention to your phone's temperature

The processors inside your smartphone are always running, especially the built-in GPS, which can generate a lot of heat inside your device. In combination with external factors, this can sometimes be dangerous. Leaving your phone out in direct sunlight, especially in the summer, can quickly overheat it. You’ll get a notification to cool your phone down. Find a cool spot right away! An overheated phone can affect the battery.

Extreme cold isn’t good for your phone either. At temperatures between –20 and –40 degrees, the internal parts of your device can break. This isn’t likely to happen often, but the battery is more sensitive to cold temperatures, draining much faster than normal in freezing conditions. So, this winter, keep your phone in a warm place.

5. Charge your phone wisely

For a long time, people believed that you had to fully drain your phone's battery before charging it to maintain battery capacity. Nowadays, we know that this can actually overload the battery. To make your battery last longer, try to keep the charge between 40% and 80%.

Additionally, it’s easy to grab a cheap charging cable when your manufacturer’s one breaks or gets lost, especially with so many sellers around. However, these cheaper cables often lack a chip that regulates the voltage. Without this, the charger can deliver too much voltage or overcharge, damaging the battery or even the entire phone.

6. Turn your smartphone off occasionally

When was the last time you turned off your phone? It’s probably been a while. However, regularly turning off your device helps it last longer. If you turn your phone off completely once a week, it gives the software a chance to refresh. This clears the cache, freeing up extra space and helping your phone process tasks a bit faster. Even your phone needs a break sometimes.


With a refurbished smartphone, you can use it just as long as a new model. You’re only dependent on the software support that Apple and Samsung provide for their older models, but Apple, in particular, is known for offering support for many years. For example, the iPhone 6s, a model from 2015, can still run iOS 15, which was released 6 years later. Check out our wide selection of long-lasting iPhones.