Modern smartphones handle much of our communication, banking, work and entertainment, so a few everyday habits can create unnecessary security, battery or privacy problems. Here are six habits worth changing.
1. Using an incompatible charger or cable
You do not need to use only the charger that came in the box, but you should use a charger and cable that meet the phone manufacturer’s specifications and relevant USB charging standards. A reputable compatible charger can safely negotiate the power a device supports. Avoid damaged, counterfeit or poorly made chargers.
2. Installing apps without checking the source
Install apps from the official Apple App Store, Google Play or another source explicitly trusted by your device manufacturer or organization. Review the developer name, permissions and privacy information before installing unfamiliar software.
3. Granting unnecessary permissions
Review permissions such as location, microphone, camera, contacts and photos. A permission can be legitimate for a feature, but an app should not receive access simply because it asks for it. Revisit permissions periodically and remove access you no longer need.
4. Skipping backups
A phone can be lost, damaged, reset or replaced. Use the backup system provided by your platform and verify that important photos, contacts and other data are actually syncing. A backup is only useful if it can be restored.
5. Constantly force-closing apps
Modern Android and iOS systems manage background activity themselves. Repeatedly force-closing every app is not a reliable battery-saving strategy and can make frequently used apps reload more work. Force-close an app when it is frozen or behaving incorrectly, not as a routine maintenance task.
6. Ignoring security and update settings
Keep the operating system and apps updated, use a strong device passcode and enable the platform’s built-in security features. Turn on device-finding and remote-wipe capabilities where available. For sleep and focus, use Do Not Disturb or scheduled Focus modes instead of relying on Airplane Mode as a general health or battery recommendation.
Quick smartphone maintenance checklist
- Use a reputable compatible charger.
- Install apps from trusted sources.
- Review sensitive permissions.
- Maintain verified backups.
- Let the operating system manage background activity.
- Install security and app updates promptly.
- Use a strong passcode and device-finding features.
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