6 Tips to extend your cellphone's lifespan
Ts on how to extend your phone's lifespan and save money.
Image: Pexels
Every year, a new wave of smartphones hits the market with slightly better cameras, sleeker designs and minor upgrades that tempt us to trade in our current devices.
But the truth is, if your phone is still working well, there’s little reason to replace it so soon.
Looking after your handset properly can extend its life by years, helping you save money and reduce electronic waste.
Studies show that most people replace their phones roughly every two and a half years, largely because mobile contracts encourage upgrades after 24 months.
Yet experts argue this cycle is unnecessary and with the right care, your device can serve you well for much longer.
Here’s how to get the most out of the phone you already own.
1. Protect your battery health
A battery is often the first thing to wear out, but simple habits can make a big difference. Keep your phone away from extreme heat or cold, and avoid charging it to 100% every time.
Overnight charging may feel convenient, but it speeds up battery degradation. Instead, keep your battery between 20–80% where possible.
Both iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones have built-in “optimised charging” features.
On iPhone 15 and 16 models, you can activate this under Settings > Battery > Charging > Charge Limit.
Samsung users can go to Settings > Battery > Battery Protection and select the maximum 80% setting.
The only trade-off is shorter daily battery life, but you can stretch it further by using dark mode, lowering screen brightness, and reducing screen timeout to under 60 seconds.
2. Protect the hardware
Most modern phones are water-resistant, but they’re not indestructible. A sturdy case and screen protector remain the best defence against cracked screens, dents and scratches.
3. Keep it clean
A dirty charging port or speaker grille can cause long-term problems. Regularly clear away lint, dust and grime, and keep your screen free of smudges.
4. Update software
Installing software updates is essential for both security and performance.
Many updates also include new features, making an older phone feel fresher. If your device no longer receives updates, however, you could be vulnerable to cyber threats.
5. Manage your storage
Overloaded storage slows down performance. Regularly clear out unused apps, large games, and old media.
Move photos, music and videos to cloud storage, and don’t forget to tidy up your camera roll.
6. Repair before replacing
If your phone develops a fault, repair is often a cheaper and more sustainable option than buying new.
With proper care, your handset can stay reliable well beyond the standard two-year cycle.
Taking these steps not only saves you money but also helps cut back on electronic waste. In the long run, keeping the phone you have instead of rushing to upgrade benefits both your pocket and the planet.
IOL Tech