Maximize Your Phone’s Lifespan: How to Check Its Expiration Date and Keep It Running Longer
Your phone is deteriorating as you read this.
Just like milk, bike helmets, and condoms, phones are designed with a built-in expiration date.
At the low end, we’re talking about just a couple of years, but most devices are supported for a span of three to four years.
It’s not solely because the hardware might fail—although that can happen—but mainly due to the duration manufacturers offer support.
In this article, we’ll delve into how to determine your phone’s expiration date, plus provide tips to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
The Average Lifespan of Popular Phone Brands
Knowing the Expiration
Here are the average lifespans for some of today’s most popular phone brands and models:
- Apple iPhone: Typically, Apple devices last four to eight years.
- Samsung: Samsung phones generally last between three to six years.
- Google Pixel: These phones often provide good service for three to five years.
- Huawei: These devices usually last between two to four years.
These are averages, meaning your experience might vary.
The countdown on your phone’s lifespan starts ticking from its manufacture date, not from the day you purchased it, making it essential to know when it was built.
Determining Your Phone’s Manufacture Date
Several methods can be employed to uncover your phone’s manufacture date:
- Look Around: The manufacture date is often listed on the packaging. If you’ve misplaced the box, check your phone’s “About” section in the settings for a date or serial number.
- Serial Number: Many manufacturers encode the manufacturing date within the serial number.
- Dial Secret Codes: Special codes and menus can reveal manufacturing details. Dialing *#06# might show your phone’s serial number and sometimes additional details.
Why It Matters: The Risks of Using Tech Past Its Expiration Date
Using technology past its End of Life (EOL) date can pose numerous risks:
Critical Updates Cease
Although you might miss out on new features, the more pressing issue is the absence of new security updates.
Susceptibility to Hackers
Outdated tech is more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Hackers can exploit unpatched bugs and security gaps, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information like bank details, health data, and even your voice from calls and voicemails.
Degraded Battery Performance
As phones age, their battery performance dwindles since lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time.
Sluggish Performance
Older phones struggle to run newer apps and operating systems efficiently.
Tips to Prolong Your Phone’s Lifespan
Keeping Your Phone Updated
Maintaining your phone is crucial to extending its life.
Keeping your device updated ensures it runs smoothly and stays safe from bugs.
Updating can also often enhance performance.
- For iPhone users: Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.
- For Android users: Navigate to Settings > About Phone > Check for Updates.
Replacing the Battery
A remarkably effective upgrade is replacing the battery every couple of years.
It’s recommended to have professionals handle this task.
Contact Apple, Samsung, or Google directly for options, and you’ll pay less than $100.
Using a Protective Case
Using your phone “naked” is risky. It’s wise to invest in a protective case.
Brands like OtterBox offer robust protection for those prone to dropping their phones, while Spigen provides slim, military-grade cases for those who prefer a sleek look.
Smartish offers a range of options, including wallet cases and grippy designs.
Proper Battery Care
Phones perform best between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep your phone out of direct sunlight when it’s hot and in your pocket when it’s freezing.
If it’s overheating, turn it off or place it in a shady spot.
Avoid putting it in the freezer as this is harmful.
Deleting Unnecessary Files
Phones function more efficiently with ample free storage.
Deleting unused apps and files can significantly enhance performance.
- On Android: Open the Files app and tap the Clean tab.
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see which apps can be removed.
Financial Predictors of Phone Lifespan
Budget Models vs. Flagships
It’s essential to consider that budget models often have shorter lifespans compared to flagship devices.
Entry-level phones might not support software updates for as long as their high-end counterparts.
Investing in a mid-range or flagship model can extend the device’s service life significantly.
Warranty and Support
Checking warranty information and understanding the support duration offered by the manufacturer is crucial.
Extended warranties or support plans, often provided by brands like AppleCare or Samsung Care+, can add extra years of usability.
Conclusion: Striking a Balance Between Longevity and Performance
Maximizing your phone’s lifespan involves a combination of routine maintenance, smart usage habits, and staying informed about the device’s support timeline.
By keeping your phone updated, replacing the battery when needed, using a protective case, caring for the battery properly, and clearing out unnecessary files, you can extend your device’s life significantly.
Final Thoughts
While it’s essential to aim for longevity, it’s equally important not to over-compromise on performance or daily convenience.
Striking a balance ensures that your phone stays functional, efficient, and enjoyable to use throughout its lifespan.
Call to Action
Now that you are armed with expert tips and tricks, make the most out of your current phone.
Regular updates, maintenance, and a few smart choices can extend its life and save you money.
So, get started today and enjoy a seamlessly running device for years to come.
Happy phone maintenance, and here’s to many more years of optimal phone performance!
