How to keep your phone safe this summer

Summer is a time for outdoor adventures, beach trips, and soaking up the sun. Unfortunately, the heat, water, and sand can also pose risks to your smartphone. To ensure your device stays in top condition this season, follow these friendly tips for summerproofing your phone from Verizon Tech Coach experts. 

1. Protect against water damage 

Most modern phones have some form of moisture resistance, but to truly protect your tech, consider investing in a waterproof case or pouch to keep your phone safe from water damage. These protective accessories are perfect for beach outings, poolside lounging, and water sports. Make sure the case or pouch is properly sealed before exposing your phone to water. You should also avoid using your phone near water where possible; try to limit your usage near bodies of water. If you need to use your phone after going in the water, make sure your hands are dry and free of any moisture. 

2. Prevent overheating 

Take steps to prevent your phone from overheating, like keeping it out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sun can cause your phone to overheat, leading to performance issues and potential damage. When you're outside, keep your phone in the shade or use a bag to protect it from the sun’s rays. To help keep your phone cool, you can also turn off unnecessary features. Features like GPS, Bluetooth, and high brightness levels can cause your phone to heat up. So to prevent overheating, turn off these features when they are not needed. Using airplane mode can also help reduce heat generation. (For even more tips on keeping your phone from overheating, check out our article here.) 

3. Guard against sand and dust 

There are precautions you can take to avoid sand or dust from damaging your device, too. A dustproof case can protect your phone from sand and dust, which can scratch the screen and get into the charging port and other openings. These cases often have covers for ports and buttons to keep debris out.  You should also clean your phone regularly after spending time at the beach or in dusty environments. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the exterior and a small brush or compressed air to remove particles from ports and crevices. 

4. Prevent screen damage 

A tempered glass or high-quality plastic screen protector can shield your phone’s screen from scratches and cracks. These protectors are especially useful if your phone is at risk of being dropped or coming into contact with sand.  For extra protection, use a rugged case designed to withstand drops, bumps, and other impacts. These cases are ideal for outdoor activities where your phone might be exposed to rough conditions. 

5. Optimize battery habits 

As we’ve already mentioned, heat can affect your phone’s performance. That includes the battery life. Avoid leaving your phone in hot places, such as inside a parked car. If your phone gets too hot, turn it off and let it cool down before using it again. You should also monitor your battery usage regularly, checking to see which apps are draining your battery and closing any unnecessary ones. Reducing screen brightness and turning off background app refresh can also help conserve battery life and longevity. 

6. Back data up regularly 

Going on vacation? Back up your phone first! Summer adventures are often filled with photo worthy moments. To avoid losing precious memories, make sure to regularly back up your data at the end of every adventure. Use cloud services like Google Photos, iCloud, or Dropbox to store your photos and videos securely.  

7. Stay connected safely 

Use a secure wi-fi connection, no matter where you are. When using public Wi-Fi networks, such as those at cafes or hotels, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect your personal information from potential cyber threats.  You should also enable the Find My Device feature on your phone. This feature allows you to locate, lock, or erase your phone remotely. If your phone gets lost or stolen during your summer activities, this feature is a true lifesaver. 

With just a little advance preparation, you can enjoy activities all summer long without worrying about your phone’s safety. From protecting against water and heat to ensuring your screen and battery are in top shape, these tips will help you keep your device safe this season. Enjoy!  

And remember, if you run into any issues, your Verizon Tech Coach is here to help. Call or chat today.