It is always tempting to pine after a more advanced phone whenever Apple releases its new product. However, Apple makes its smartphones to last for years. Even if you think you need to get your hands on the latest and greatest iPhone, you can make yours last longer with the right care.
Here are 5 ways to prolong the life of your iPhone.
1. Invest in a Solid Case
Some iPhone users opt-out of using a case. They want to show off their shiny and expensive device and don’t want it hidden away. However, doing this can lead to severe consequences. Even though Apple builds its products with durable materials, one bad drop can cause the screen to shatter or damage your camera.
Part of keeping your iPhone protected is investing in a reliable case. Ideally, you should purchase one with a hard shell and a raised front lip for maximum protection.
2. Take Advantage of Assistive Touch
Most people only think to use Apple’s Assistive Touch feature when their home, volume, or power buttons break. However, you should consider enabling Assistive Touch even when your phone is working perfectly. Through Assistive Touch, you can perform the following actions on your screen rather than pushing buttons or moving your device:
- Activate the Accessibility Shortcut
- Adjust the volume
- Summon Siri
- Lock your screen
- Capture a screenshot
- Restart your device
While you don’t have to perform all of the actions using Assistive Touch, you should get in the habit of using it occasionally. By using Assistive Touch, you will prevent the premature wear and tear of your phone’s buttons.
Some other ways to avoid pushing buttons include:
- Shut down your iPhone from the Settings menu
- Set your phone to auto-lock after a longer period of time (so you don’t need to keep locking and unlocking your device)
3. Turn on Low Power Mode (Even When You’re Phone’s Battery Isn’t Low)
Apple’s Low Power Mode became available with the iOS 9 software. When your phone drops below 20%, it will automatically switch into its energy-saving settings. However, you can actually turn this mode on whenever you want, even when your device is fully charged. We recommend turning on Low Power Mode whenever possible. In this mode, your phone will:
- Pause iCloud photos
- Auto-Lock after 30 seconds
- Turn off email fetching, automatic downloads, and background app refreshes
- Reduce some visual effects
Low Power Mode does not significantly affect your user experience. It reduces the power that your iPhone uses, which leads to increased battery life over the long term.
4. Turn on Airplane Mode When Possible
Whenever possible, turn on airplane mode, especially if you do not require cell service and you are in an area with a weak signal.
When your iPhone tries to find a signal, its battery and other cellular components go into overdrive. This can generate heat and place stress on your battery and other parts of your device.
Get in the habit of turning on airplane mode to prolong the life of your device and its battery.
5. Clean Your iPhone with a Microfiber Cloth
If you don’t take the proper measures, your screen may become dirty with fingerprints, smudges, or dirt, which can make its surface abrasive and more prone to cracks.
Only use a microfiber cloth to clean your screen, as it is gentle and won’t cause scratches. Avoid using solvents or detergents. You can also use eyeglass wipes and a mild cleaning agent if your screen is especially dirty.