Nashville, Tenn., July 3, 2023 – Fourth of July is nearly here, bringing with it beach vacations, backyard barbecues, firework shows and – broken cell phones? That’s right – more phones are busted, lost or stolen on the Fourth than any other day of the year, according to tech care company Asurion®.
Asurion analyzed phone repair data from its 700+ uBreakiFix® by Asurion stores, as well as claims data from its phone protection plans, and July Fourth once again ranked as the most dangerous day for your phone, yielding 42% more phone accidents than any other day last year.
“Fourth of July is the epitome of summer – everyone is out and about, often near the water, and we of course have our phones with us,” said Asurion Expert Marvin Maldonado. “Between the hot temperatures, crowds, water and general revelry, it’s a recipe for tech mishaps. The No. 1 thing you can do to prepare is back up your phone to make sure your data is safe no matter what happens.”
More tips include:
- Know your limits: Although many of today’s phones are water resistant, that doesn’t mean you should take them swimming. Water resistance helps protect phones from splashes and accidental, quick dips in the water, but they’re not meant to be fully or frequently submerged. Plus, your phone’s water resistance can wear out over time. If your phone is cracked, either on the screen or backglass, it makes your device even more vulnerable to liquid damage. The best thing you can do is get any existing damage fixed and then invest in a waterproof case, no matter what type of phone you have.
- Skip the rice: If your phone does take a plunge, skip the rice. Contrary to popular belief, rice is not the best way to remove water from a soggy smartphone. While it can draw out some of the moisture, it still leaves behind water vapor, which can corrode the phone over time – especially if it was exposed to salt water. Instead, visit a professional repair shop like uBreakiFix by Asurion where experts can fully disassemble your device and clean and dry each component, giving you the best chance at a long-term fix.
- Throw some shade: If you’ve ever left your phone out in the direct sunlight on a hot summer day, you may have noticed a temperature warning on the screen. Your phone can recover from occasional overheating, but it will suffer damage over time if frequently exposed to extreme temperatures. Keep your phone in the shade whenever possible to avoid damaging the battery or other internal components.
- Swap your lock screen: If you’re headed into a crowd this July Fourth consider adding alternate contact info to your lock screen. If you happen to lose your phone, this will triple your chances of having it returned.
Even with these tips, sometimes accidents happen. If your phone gets dropped, dunked, lost or lifted this summer, file a claim through your protection plan if you have one. Asurion protection plans through many of the leading wireless carriers offer quick repairs and even same-day replacements, depending on your plan. Don’t have a protection plan? You can still visit one of the 700+ uBreakiFix by Asurion stores across the U.S. for professional tech fixes, complete with free diagnostics, a low-price guarantee and a 1-year limited warranty.
About Asurion
As the world’s leading tech care company, Asurion eliminates the fears and frustrations associated with technology, to ensure our 300 million customers get the most out of their devices, appliances and connections. We provide insurance, repair, replacement, installation and 24/7 support for everything from cellphones to laptops and household appliances. Our experts are available online, on the phone, at one of our more than 750 stores, or can even come to you.