Whether you are a Butterfinger or cannot keep your mobile devices intact for over a few months, you probably realize the amount of money going down the drain by now. Sure, some of us are just unlucky enough to drop the phone down the toilet or sit on the laptop unsuspectingly—but when it happens constantly, then it becomes a big problem.
If this sounds like you, you are not alone. Some people are not hardwired to keep devices in one piece for too long. Some individuals suffer from conditions that make them more susceptible to dropping things. Either way, you can still extend the lifespan of your mobile devices (and avoid constantly having to pay for repairs or replacements) by taking the following precautions:
1. Install high-quality tempered glass
If you constantly have to go to a cell phone screen repair service, it’s high time you invest in a high-quality tempered glass screen protector that can withstand a fall from above your head. Do this for your phone, tablet, and any other device with a screen. Film screen protectors are generally enough to prevent scratches but not strong enough to withstand impacts or falls.
2. Get device insurance
Whenever possible, you should take out a device care policy for your phone, laptop, smartwatch, tablet, and other mobile devices that you use frequently. You never know the next time you drop your phone from a height or accidentally take your smartwatch for a swim. Insurance is the best way to minimize your expenses on repairs or replacements.
3. Buy extremely durable cases
An average case for your phone, laptop, or tablet should be able to protect your device from falls, moisture, and impact—but only to a certain extent. Suppose a typical case is insufficient to keep you from causing damage to your device. In that case, it’s time to invest in a highly durable—possibly even military-grade—case to help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
4. Get a phone strap
Whether you have butterfingers or have a medical condition that makes it difficult to grasp things in your hands, a phone strap is a handy accessory that you can use to keep your phone from falling. Wear it around your wrist or neck and rest easy so your phone will not fall to the ground at any time.
5. Keep your laptop in a heavy-duty bag
Whenever you travel with your computer, please keep it in a heavy-duty bag with enough padding to keep your laptop safe in transit. More than that, use a soft case to prevent scratches on the body and protect it from water damage.
6. Don’t go anywhere near water with your devices
If you know that you have a penchant for dropping expensive things, don’t risk it by going near water while holding your mobile device—at the beach, at the pool, or in the bathroom. Water damage can be expensive to fix (the rice hack won’t always work). And if you’re unlucky enough, it can completely brick your device, rendering it unusable.
Similarly, don’t drink or put your drink anywhere near your device. Sometimes, all it takes is one clumsy move to drench your phone, laptop, or tablet entirely.
Unfortunately, some people are prone to losing things—and it’s not always about irresponsibility. Tracker tags make an excellent investment if you have a history of losing your devices, especially while traveling. These small devices can stick to your phone, laptop, tablet—pretty much anything else—and allow you always to track their location from another machine.
Furthermore, many tracker tags are difficult to remove and leave a mark, which means you can also reduce theft risk by using them on your valuables.
8. Stop keeping your phone in your pocket
Keeping your phone in your pocket makes it easier to lose it. Not only that but doing so can put pressure on your phone and cause untoward damage to the screen or its internal components. The same goes for other small devices, such as ear pods. If you must keep them in your pocket, ensure your bottoms are loose enough to avoid excessive pressure.
Sometimes, being careful with your mobile devices is not enough to prevent damage or loss. You must also take these precautions to ensure that none of your valuables fall in harm’s way, especially if you are clumsy.
