In the age of smartphones, it’s easy to think that everyone knows the best practices for keeping their device safe. Even if you aren’t dropping your phone or exposing it to harsh elements, some habits can still cause damage. Here are three bad habits that could put you on the road to smartphone repair.

3 Smartphone-Damaging Habits to Avoid

1. Not Using a Screen Protector & Case

Some people prefer the natural look of their phone. As a result, they avoid cases and screen protectors. You may assume that your screen is fine as long as it has no visible cracks. However, tiny marks can occur easily with daily use. Although they can be hard to spot at first, by the time you notice them, they’ll likely be serious enough to warrant smartphone repairs. Pairing a good screen protector with a sturdy case will protect your phone from accidental drops and impacts. Even small falls can damage your phones battery, circuitry, and charging components, so it’s better to sacrifice some of your phone’s natural look for a longer lifespan and crack-free exterior.

2. Overcharging & Undercharging the Battery

This one is a dual point, as both involve your phone’s battery. When you let the battery drain down too far too often, you speed up its degradation. If your battery isn’t receiving a full charge (or at least about 75%) every several days, the current flow isn’t reaching the whole unit. This causes it to fail more quickly. Overcharging is a problem, too, largely because of heat. Charging is an active process that involves moving currents. High temperatures are a lithium-ion battery’s worst enemy. Charging your phone’s battery to between 80% and 100% of its capacity exposes it to more heat than at other charge levels, so avoid the temptation to always keep your battery fully charged.

3. Using Cheap Chargers

After seeing the price of first-party chargers, you may be tempted to go with an off-brand accessory when you need a replacement. Because first-party chargers are specifically made to work with certain devices, they have protection circuits to safeguard against excess currents and voltage. Knockoff models may not have these, so you could put your device at risk for overheating and requiring smartphone repair or replacement.

If you need smartphone repair or computer repair, turn to the experts. RadioActive in Kalispell, MT has over six decades of combined experience in their team. From cracked screens to dead batteries, they handle it all. Call them today at (406) 257-5999 or connect with them online.