by Antonia Anderson

Created on: January 06, 2009

Are you tired of having to replace your cell phone every two months? Cell phones are not the sturdiest electronic devices in the world, but with good preventative care and quick fixes, yours will last you until the end of your contract. Even if your warranty covers all damage, or you don't mind about the cost, it's a hassle to have to keep replacing a cell phone. Practice the tips below and save yourself a world of inconvenience!

*Keep it dry.*

Even with the best intentions, cell phones fall into toilets, are slobbered by dogs, or get sprayed at the pool. If your cell phone does get wet, remove the battery and SIM card immediately. Use a soft, clean cloth or paper towel to dry all the components as best as possible. Set the SIM card aside, and use a vacuum cleaner to dry the cell phone. Leave the cell phone and battery in a bowl of dry rice overnight. Rice is a desiccant and will suck any remaining moisture out of the cell phone. Before putting the battery and SIM card back in your cell phone, check the water damage indicator. This is a white circle or square near the battery. If it turns pink or red, the cell phone is irrevocably water damaged and you'll need to replace it. SIM cards are less likely to be damaged by water, so you may be able to simply transfer your card to a new cell phone.

*Regulate the temperature.*

Never leave your cell phone sitting in direct sunlight or very cold temperatures. Avoid leaving it in the car overnight or forgetting it on a windowsill. Drastic temperature changes are not good for it, and allowing the cell phone to overheat is bad for the internal components. By having a designated spot in your home where you always store your cell cell phone, you'll avoid accidentally leaving it in a hot or cold place.

*Protect the exterior.*

Buy a protective case for your cell phone right away. Depending on your model, you can usually find attractive and classy cases which will not only protect your cell phone, but make it easier to identify. Do you usually shove your cell phone in your back pocket? Try a belt clip instead. Or if you toss your cell phone in a big tote bag along with your keys, sunglasses and loose coins, find a tote with a small phone pocket sewn into the side, or invest in a purse organizer.

*Charge it correctly.*

Make it a habit to plug your cell phone into its charger every night, and keep it plugged in so that it fully charges overnight. Turn your cell phone off completely every now and again so it can reboot. Leaving your cell phone on all the time can cause wear and tear, just like it does with a computer.

If you're a serial cell phone purchaser, challenge yourself to practice the tips above and see how long your current cell phone lasts. You may just be surprised at how easy it is to care for your cell phone.

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