IPHONE users may be unknowingly damaging their device and shortening its lifespan.
Avoid these device-killing mistakes to get lasting use out of your iPhone.
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The basics
There are a few widely known practices that all Apple users should avoid:
Do not use a third party charger unless its MFi-certified, always install the latest software to avoid security vulnerabilities, and don’t let your handset get exposed to extreme temperatures.
These are standard issue iPhone tips that even the most iPhone owner might know.
Below are some of the more nuanced mistakes that could soil your device.
Do not use Windex to clean your iPhone
Basic technology maintenance is a 21st century survival skill.
This tip may seem counterintuitive because cleaning products are often loaded with disinfectants and other effective chemicals but household cleaners are not suitable for the iPhone.
“Your iPhone has a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic – oil repellent – coating. Cleaning products and abrasive materials will diminish the coating and may scratch your iPhone,” an Apple support blog explains.
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Avoid sleeping on or with your iPhone
If you fall asleep with your iPhone in bed, at least make sure it’s not plugged in.
And certainly don’t make a habit of keeping it under your pillow while plugged in, as a hot charger can cause a fire.
“Don’t sleep on a device, power adapter, or wireless charger, or place them under a blanket, pillow, or your body, when it’s connected to a power source,” warns Apple.
“Keep your iPhone, the power adapter, and any wireless charger in a well-ventilated area when in use or charging.”
A survey by Common Sense Media found that 29% of teenagers sleep with their phone or tablet in the bed with them.
“Quitting” apps is bad for the iPhone
Closing iPhone apps constantly is a waste of time – and could actually hurt your handset.
Apple says you shouldn’t bother unless an app has frozen.
“When your recently used apps appear, the apps aren’t open, but they’re in standby mode to help you navigate and multitask,” Apple explained.
Part of the problem is that it’s tempting to think apps in your “carousel” are running.
But they’re actually frozen by your iPhone, so they don’t drain resources while you do other things.
Having to restart apps completely after being swiped away sucks up more battery life – the notion that quitting apps saves battery is a myth.
Clean the Lightning port the right way
The Lightning port on the iPhone is hole where the charger is inserted.
Rumor is that this port will one day be swapped for a USB-C, but even the latest iPhone model is charged by Apple’s proprietary 30-pin Lightning connector.
If you’ve noticed that your iPhone isn’t charging properly when linked up with a cord, it may because there is junk in the port.
Every time you do insert a charger, that debris gets packed deeper into the phone.
Insider advises to first power the phone down and then taking a flashlight to the port to assess the dustiness.
Next, take a can of compressed air – often used for cleaning keyboards and other tech products – and angle a few “short, controlled bursts” into the port.
If that fails, wedge a toothpick into the port to crumble some of the dirt lodged in the port.
Then take the compressed air can and repeat.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the most expensive model yet at $1,599 and users that snag Apple’s priciest handset should handle it with care.
Users with older models should also be invested in keeping their device in working order to qualify for Apple’s trade-in program for when they do upgrade.
