by Kimberly Munsey-Carlton

Created on: January 10, 2011

One of the draws to buying a mobile phone or mobile device is the ability to download apps and games to customize the device with everything from organizational apps to entertaining games. These games play similar to a full size gaming system experience but they are downloaded to and stored directly on your handset instead of on a hard disk. Because it is not a tangible purchase it is wise to learn how to protect your game purchases, which are also your time and money.

♦ Always be sure you are purchasing from a reputable site, publisher or developer.

♦ Also, be sure your platform and your device are compatible with the game.

♦ When you finally receive the game on your phone or device, be sure to select the save option. This will insure that your download stays on your phone.

♦ One very common error when downloading a game to your device is impatience or expecting the phone or mobile device to do too many things at once. If you are doing downloads then just do downloads. Don’t talk, text and download. It takes just a few minutes and life will go on if you stop using the phone for that time. When you consider that any button hit, really any activity, can interfere with a successful download then it is wise to simplify the process. Keep in mind that even a failed download of music, games, etc. still charge you and it is difficult, time consuming and sometimes impossible to get a resend or credit because of the high risk of abuse and fraud by consumers. If the download has not arrived within a half hour there is definitely a problem.

♦ Speaking of expecting too much from a mobile device we also expect signals not to fail and batteries to pull in heavy amounts of data when they are low on energy. If you are in a poor signal area or in an area with signal fluctuation DON’T download. If your battery needs charged then charge it before downloading or the download will not succeed. You also run the risk of the device dying during the process; again losing your money and time.  

♦ Check your owner’s manual or visit the device manufacturer’s website or your cell phone carrier’s site for more information on their tips and help for successful downloads and back up options. iPhone and iPod Touch devices can save downloaded games right to your computer. Many cellular carriers like T-Mobile have a section of your phone and your account site that records your downloads for resending later. Some developers and publishers will also keep records of your purchases and allow at least a few repeated re-downloads. Some have time limits or amount limits to prevent misuse. If you bought it from your cell phone carrier check their policy on resending. Some carriers like AT&T will not provide free replacement downloads even if upgrading your phone and customers have no way to transfer games. This should be taken in to consideration when buying a new device and even more importantly when deciding on a carrier. Repurchasing games can get quite costly if they are nontransferable. Also, check to see if there is a self-help for re-sending so you don’t have to do the dreaded call in to customer care or wait for an e-mail reply.

♦ If you have issues with a download on a cellular device that did not come directly from the cell phone provider then you must contact the publisher or developer of the game or app. Usually you can email the help desk of many mobile game companies for support and reimbursements on a purchase gone wrong.

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