You Don’t Actually Need To Upgrade Every Other Year
A phone, tablet, or computer is a BIG investment… and if you’ve just ponied up a chunk of change for a new (or new-to-you) device, you might be wondering how long it’s going to live.
The answer: longer than you might think! On average, modern smartphones are supported by the manufacturer and able to run the latest operating system for 4-6 years. Tablets can last for 5+ years, and laptops even longer.
Many personal devices break and have to be replaced long before they become obsolete. But with proper care and maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your electronics so these valuable tools serve you for years.
Keeping your personal devices in service for longer doesn’t just save you money. It also helps cut down on e-waste, which is a major win for the environment! Read on for 10 expert-approved tips to get the most out of your tech.
Tip #1: Handle with care!
Accidental damage is one of the biggest causes of device failure. While damage can often be fixed, it’s best to prevent it altogether. Durable cases, screen protectors, and laptop sleeves are your friends. Keep your tech away from liquids and try to avoid drops and bumps– even with protective cases, they can still harm internal components.
Also… don’t sit on your thousand-dollar phone or computer! You’d be shocked how many personal tech devices die a premature death from being sat on. Check out this blog post for more ways to protect your device from damage.
Tip #2: Keep your devices clean.
Since most of us are using our phones (and other devices) all day long, it’s easy for them to get dirty, sticky or just plain NASTY. Buildup on your devices can block vents and charging ports, cause overheating and degrade performance. Also, it’s gross. Don’t be that guy with the grody phone.
In most cases, a soft microfiber cloth is all you need to keep your tech sparkling clean. Make sure your device is turned off and gently wipe down all surfaces.
For stubborn spots, dampen the cloth with rubbing alcohol or a screen-cleaning solution. Never spray liquid directly on your screen and stay away from abrasive household cleaners that can scratch the surface. Your phone is not a toilet– you don’t need harsh chemicals to get it clean!
Use a soft brush or cotton swab to dust your charging port area. Sometimes lint gets stuck in the port (especially for fellas who carry their phones in their pockets all day) and this can prevent your device from charging properly.
Tip #3: Stay on top of software updates.
Installing the latest software updates can be a hassle, but it’s worth it! Software updates are critical to keeping your device secure and functional. Downloading them regularly ensures that you’re protected against bugs, security threats and malware.
PRO TIP: We generally suggest holding off on major operating system updates until after the first patch has been released.
There are usually a few quirks in the big updates that cause instability, security flaws and general weirdness. And once you upgrade, you can never go back to the previous version… so it’s easier to just wait it out and let others fall on the sword.
Tip #4: Manage storage space.
Modern devices usually come with ample storage space, but we’re also using more digital storage than ever before. For good long-term performance, it’s smart to leave about 20% of your device’s storage empty.
If your storage is getting too full, it may be time for a digital declutter. Clear your caches and ditch the unnecessary files, random apps and other junk that’s taking up space. You might also consider adding extra storage to your computer.
Tip #5: Don’t let your device overheat.
Extreme heat is like Kryptonite for personal electronics. Overheating degrades the battery, harms performance and causes your device to age faster. Keep your devices out of hot cars and direct sunlight as much as possible.
Heavy usage will generate heat, so it’s a smart move to take breaks when your phone, tablet or laptop starts to feel a little warm. Also, avoid high-speed chargers and using your device while charging, both of which can produce excess heat.
Demanding activities, like gaming or 3D modeling, require professional-grade computers with tri- or quad-fan setups and smart cooling technologies. Discover TechRestore’s top picks for high-powered gaming laptops.
Tip #6: Maintain proper ventilation.
Good ventilation is essential to allow your device to get rid of excess heat (see Tip #5 above). Many devices (especially laptops and gaming consoles) have fans to vent hot air, but it’s easy for these fans to get blocked or clogged. Use compressed air to blow dust out of vents and ensure normal fan operation.
As much as possible, try to place your laptop on a hard, flat surface like a table or desk. Couches and pillows can block the vents and cause overheating. Use a computer stand or cooling pad for optimal airflow during energy-intensive tasks.
Tip #7: Practice smart charging habits.
Newer devices have powerful batteries designed to outlast even the busiest day. Good care can extend the lifespan of your battery and keep it going strong for years to come. For best results, use original or certified chargers to prevent voltage issues.
Keep your charging port area clean and free of debris, and avoid completely draining your battery. Lithium-ion batteries last longest when kept between 20% and 80% charge most of the time.
Tip #8: Store electronics safely.
When you’re not using your device, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you’re not planning to use it for more than 24 hours, turn it off– this preserves your battery and gives the hardware a break.
When you’re on the go, make sure to pack your laptop in a dedicated sleeve or carrying case. Phones and tablets should be carried separately from liquids, food, and heavy items that could crush them.
Tip #9: Perform regular maintenance.
You would never dream of going for a whole year without showering or brushing your teeth… at least, we hope not! Your personal tech devices need routine care too. Be sure to clear your cache regularly, delete unneeded apps and files, check charging cables and ports for signs of damage, and monitor device health using built-in features.
Laptop and desktop computers should be serviced once a year to clean the internal fans and check the battery. A “puffy” or swollen battery is a safety hazard and needs to be replaced right away.
Tip #10: Repair, don’t replace.
If you notice that your device has a glitchy screen, speaker issues, a weak battery and/or trouble charging, your first instinct may be to buy a new one. However, these and many other problems are usually fixable!
Our team of qualified technicians can repair phones, game consoles, tablets, laptop and desktop computers, smart watches and more. We make the whole process simple and low-stress with free diagnostics for local customers, friendly service and fast turnaround times. Click here to request a repair quote. If you’re not local to Louisville, we offer a secure mail-in repair option as well.
When Is It Really Time for an Upgrade?
Unless you’re Iron Man, there’s absolutely no need to upgrade your tech every stinkin’ year. Back in the Dark Ages (about 15 years ago) when smartphones and tablets were still in the early stages, each new release brought major improvements.
But these days, nearly all late-model phones and tablets have powerful cameras, long-lasting batteries, fast processors and more storage than you could possibly use. The difference between this year’s model and last year’s model is pretty small.
So don’t feel any pressure to rush out and buy the latest release, unless that’s your thing. You can get the premium features and performance you want with a slightly older smartphone or tablet. But no device lasts forever, and eventually it will be time to upgrade. Here are three signs that you should consider replacing your device:
- Your device is slow or crashes often.
Slow performance, freezing and crashing may be signs that your device is struggling to keep up with today’s performance demands.
- Your device doesn’t support the latest software release.
Older devices that can’t run the current operating systems are vulnerable to hackers, bugs and malware.
- You’re missing out on new features.
Tech moves fast these days and newer devices often have better cameras and screens, along with groundbreaking features like built-in AI integrations.
When you do decide to invest in a newer device, we offer a range of certified pre-owned options to fit your needs and budget. These “HERO devices” have been meticulously tested and inspected and come with a 90-day warranty. It’s an easy way to save some cash on the tech you want!
What To Do With Your Old Phone, Tablet or Computer
A recent UN report found that the world produced 137 billion pounds of electronic waste in 2023… and less than a quarter of that was recycled. This is a huge hazard because most electronics contain heavy metals that can harm the environment and human health. But we can all be part of the solution.
TechRestore offers secure electronics recycling to properly dispose of old tech. We remove and destroy your private data, then donate or ethically recycle the device. Precious metals like copper and lithium are safely recovered and reused. This helps reduce demand for these natural resources, which often come from low-income countries with limited worker protections.
In a tech-centric world, it’s important to use our electronic devices responsibly. That means taking steps to extend the lifespan of devices, repairing them instead of replacing them, and ethically disposing of them when it’s time to upgrade. Give these tips a try and you’ll be on your way to smarter, more sustainable tech usage.
