These days, smartphones can be very expensive and important items. Many people carry around phones that are worth several hundred dollars in their pockets, and it’s important to keep them safe. If you want to avoid having it lost, stolen, or damaged, there are plenty of steps you can take to ensure it’s secure. Replacing your smartphone can be expensive, but if you take these steps, you should have to worry about it.
1. Get a good case
A good case is one of the most important accessories you can get for your smartphone. Cases will help protect the phone in case you drop it, something that happens more frequently than you might think. A large percentage of people have admitted to dropping their phone out of their hand at some point, and falling out of their pockets is also common. Many modern phones are fairly resistant to drops, but landing on a hard surface can cause your screen to shatter or damage your phone in other ways. If you want to ensure your phone is protected, cases can help.
2. Take out insurance
If you find it hard to look after your phone and are often dropping it or losing it, you could take out insurance on your phone. These days, phone insurance is very cheap, and it will cover your phone in case of accidental damage or theft. There are lots of phone insurance providers available, and the cost of the monthly insurance payments will almost always be cheaper than buying a new phone each time you break it. One thing to note is that frequently claiming your insurance could cause the fee to rise higher the next time you renew. In most cases, this is only really worth it if you have an expensive phone.
3. Use a lock code
Using a lock code on your phone ensures that no one can get in and access your personal details if you leave it unattended. While this won’t necessarily deter theft, it will prevent people from getting personal information that could be valuable. For example, many people save passwords or bank details on their phones, all of which can potentially provide criminals with access to your money. Your lock code doesn’t have to be complicated, but a simple four-digit pin will help keep your data secure in case your phone is ever stolen.
4. Be responsible
It goes without saying, but the best way to keep your phone safe is to be responsible with it. Leaving it out, keeping it in an outside pocket, or not watching it can leave it open to theft. Most thieves are opportunistic and will always take an opportunity if they see it. You should also be careful when walking around with your phone in your hand, as thieves may sometimes snatch them while on bikes or mopeds. Aside from being careful with thieves, it’s also important to take care when using your phone in general. A simple fall may cause enough damage to break your phone, and dropping in water can also be catastrophic.
5. Avoid open networks
Practicing good security will help protect your phone from damage and thieves but keeping it safe from cyber criminals is also important. You should always avoid connecting to open Wi-Fi networks when outside, as they can be used by hackers to gain access to your phone. While malware is less common on mobiles, hackers are increasingly targeting mobile networks to view sensitive information.
