Smartphones have undoubtedly made lives simpler in the digital age. These gadgets help us organize our schedules, safeguard important documents, and connect with loved ones miles apart. Individuals and businesses rely on these devices extensively to carry out daily activities. However, certain unhealthy smartphone habits can interfere with the proper functioning of one’s device and shorten its lifespan. Avoid the poor smartphone habits listed below to ensure your gadget functions smoothly and for longer periods.

Not restarting the device enough
Just like humans, even technological devices requires a break from time to time. Restarting your smartphone once a week can help prevent crashes, update its software, prolong battery life, and ensure your device’s smooth functioning. Restarting can also bring down charging problems by closing battery-draining programs and fixing defects.

Not purchasing a protective cover or case
Shattered screens and spilled drinks are common problems that bother most smartphone users. A strong case, preferably waterproof, will come in handy. Such protective coverings ensure all the ports of your device are safe and functional.

Using incompatible cables and chargers
Affordable, off-brand chargers may appear appealing initially, mainly if you are away from home and on a budget. However, such chargers or cables might be subject to different testing protocols. They can also be dangerous because they can infect your gadgets with viruses, cause them to overheat, and even lead to risky situations such as electrocutions and fire.

Spending hours staring at your phone uselessly
According to experts, excessive screen time prevents people from blinking less often than usual, resulting in conditions such as dryness, strain in the eye, blurred vision, and fatigue. 

Dry eye disease is a severe problem that children with developing eyes are susceptible to. Kids who used smartphones excessively and more frequently than their peers were likelier to display symptoms of this condition. Experts advise taking brief breaks every 20 minutes to avoid strain and wearing glasses rather than contact lenses to prevent eye pain from worsening. 

Poor security practices
In this digital age, smartphone users face the threat of malicious entities like malware and viruses often. Though security updates are an easy solution to tackle this issue, installing pirated versions of commercial apps from suspicious sources risks hampering these updates and exposing the user’s private and confidential data. It is always advised against downloading or installing suspicious software or apps due to the rising cases of cyber crimes.

Disregarding updates
Software upgrades are created for various purposes. Programmers who develop these updates add features that help fix bugs and plug security holes. If the apps are not updated regularly, malicious entities like hackers can exploit the old design and collect your sensitive data. Therefore, to keep your device stable and secure, install updates as soon as they become available, mainly operating system updates and security software upgrades.

Charging devices for the entire night
Most smartphones manufactured these days use lithium-ion batteries. However, some studies on lithium-ion batteries indicate that regularly letting a battery drain and then charging it to 100% reduces its longevity. On the other hand, overcharging wastes energy and increases power bills.

Experts advise keeping your phone charged between 40% and 80% always or plugging it in two to three hours before sleep. With this, the battery will last much longer. In addition, many newer smartphones include charge-delay capabilities that help avoid overcharging the battery. However, if you want to get the most out of an older model, it is best to follow the 40%-80% rule.

Your battery is frequently being discharged
The capacity of batteries generally declines with time and use. This shortening will be expedited if your battery level falls below 10% regularly. However, there are ways to extend the life of your phone’s battery, such as plugging it in when it reaches 30% capacity.

Not cleaning your devices regularly
Researchers at the University of Arizona found that a phone carries ten times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Various factors contribute to this, but the main reason is carrying or using phones everywhere a person goes. Other factors like coughing can also lead to bacteria accumulating on the phone’s surface. 

Therefore, cleaning one’s smartphone regularly is important to avoid damage by these harmful microorganisms. Wiping your smartphone with a cleaning liquid regularly will help prevent dust and debris from accumulating in its internal components. It further ensures the smartphone will function properly for longer. One can use disinfectant wipes to clean the smartphone screen regularly.

Frequently checking your phone
Most smartphone users are urged to check their phones for texts, notifications, or alerts. However, this is an unhealthy habit as it can affect one’s ability to focus. Researchers believe excessive smartphone use leads to decreased concentration levels, particularly among younger people. Studies indicate that people who check their smartphones frequently experience higher stress levels than people who do not. Excessive smartphone use can lead to various conditions like cognitive difficulties, insomnia, and anxiety. To tackle this, health experts advise tucking away smartphones around two hours before bedtime.

Adjust brightness
Smartphone users should not leave the brightness of the display at default. If your smartphone screen is brighter than your surrounding light, it can strain your eyes. Therefore, to avoid this, always adjust your phone’s brightness levels depending on the brightness of your room.

Avoiding the unhealthy smartphone habits mentioned above helps increase productivity. Technological devices like smartphones make lives easier; however, excessive dependence on these devices can harm one’s physical and mental health in the long run. By avoiding overuse and following necessary safety and security procedures, you can ensure your device functions without issues and last long.