We spend so much money on technology that we get very frustrated when our equipment fails. A little prevention can go a long way. Here are six checks to help your tech now to avoid shocking repair bills later.
Regular maintenance is the key to longevity. Tap or click My Simple Action Plan to get more years on your iPhone or Android.
Then there are the mistakes you make day in and day out. Bad charging habits can shorten or destroy your smartphone battery life if you’re not careful.
Hang up your phone number. (iStock)
Don’t rely on counterfeit chargers
High-quality chargers have circuitry inside that shuts down when too much power is drained. This protects your phone battery from overcharging, damaging or overheating.
Are you “addicted” to your smartphone?
Heat is a battery’s worst enemy. Some cheap chargers and cables have even caused fires and injuries. It’s nice to save money, but don’t skimp on the quality here.
Below is a list of security options that can safely charge your phone.
Be careful with power banks
Just like cheap chargers, cheap power banks can ruin your battery over time. Make sure any power banks you use have overcharge protection. If not, you can still use it, but be careful. Once your battery is nearly full, unplug it.
It’s best not to use power banks with fast charging options unless they’re from a reliable brand. Here’s a rule of thumb: if you’ve never heard of it, say no.
Fast charging can send too much power to your phone and cause battery damage. This high voltage will at least shorten your battery life.
Online predators can save, screenshot or screen record children’s public content on social media without repercussions.
(AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)
Tap or click for a smarter way to make sure your gear purchases are worth the money.
Don’t download battery-draining apps
Li-ion and Li-polymer cell phone batteries have only a limited number of charge cycles before degrading. This is why most people experience battery problems after two years of use.
There’s not much you can do about the battery eventually dying, but some things have a bigger impact. If you have performance apps that monitor battery life, they can harm it in the long run. These apps constantly use power to monitor your battery life.
Spyware, adware and other malware are also taxing phones. Most often run in the background. Tap or click here to see the signs that your phone is infected.
Don’t use your phone while it’s charging
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Your phone is only 1% charged, so you plug it in. Leave it alone! Using your phone while it’s charging can quickly heat up, stressing the battery, screen, and processor.
Charging rules are also essential when it comes to your computer. Tap or click to view steps to check the health of your laptop battery.
take it out of the box
Phone cases are a great way to customize your phone and add physical security. However, when it comes to charging, they can cause temperature issues.
When your phone battery overheats, it can damage the rest of the phone. To be on the safe side, remove the case while charging – especially if you find your phone warms up when plugged in.
The iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are on display at the Apple Fifth Avenue store in New York City on September 16, 2022.
(Reuters/Andrew Kelly)
Keep your technical knowledge going
My popular podcast is called “Kim Comando today.” It’s a complete 30-minute collection of tech news, tips, and callers from around the country with tech questions. No matter where you get your podcast, you can search for it. For your convenience, click the link below to see the most recent one episode.
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Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” apple, Google Podcasts, Spotifyor your favorite podcast player.
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Listen to the podcast here Or anywhere you get podcasts. Just search for my last name “Komando”.
What digital lifestyle questions do you have?Call Kim’s national radio program and Click or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen or watch The Kim Comando Show on your phone, tablet, TV or computer. Or tap or click here to view Kim’s free podcast.
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Learn about all the latest technology on The The Kim Comando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and advises on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacking. For her daily tips, free newsletter, and more, visit her website: Komando.com.
