As you read this, your phone is out of battery. Like milk, bicycle helmets, and condoms, mobile phones are sold with an expiration date.
Some are as short as 2-3 years, but most are supported for 3-4 years. It’s not because the hardware will break (although that can happen), it’s how long the manufacturer is willing to provide support for.
Let’s take a closer look at how to check your phone’s expiration date and some tips to make it last as long as possible.
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The average is really average
Below are the life expectancies for the most popular cell phone brands and manufacturers today.
- Apple iPhone: 4 to 8 years
- Samsung: 3 to 6 years
- Google Pixel: 3 to 5 years
- Huawei: 2 to 4 years
These are averages and your mileage may vary.
Mobile phones, like many other things you buy, come with an expiration date. (Fox News Digital)
What’s your number?
The lifespan of your phone is counted from the date of manufacture, not the date of purchase, which is why it’s important to know the manufacture date. Here’s how to find out:
- Look around: The manufacturing date is often written on the packaging, but if you’ve thrown it away, check the “About” section of your phone’s settings to see if it has a date or serial number.
- serial number: Many manufacturers encode the date of manufacture within these numbers. SN Deep Info It will help you decipher yours.
- Dial the secret code: You can view production information using special codes and menus. Dial *#06# Your phone’s serial number may be displayed.
Yes, I know, this seems like too much work.
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Hallelujah, there’s an easier way
Instead of following the steps above, End of life dateThis handy site lists the End of Life (EOL) dates for devices, software programs, etc. Here are some quick links to check the EOL for your phone:
The links below are not for mobile phones, but we encourage you to check the EOL for other technologies.
This is a great site to check out in front If you are buying a used technology product, don’t buy it if it is nearing its EOL date.
You can easily check online how long your phone or other device is set to last. (Sungjun Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
This is a serious problem
Using technology past its EOL date is a bad idea for a number of reasons.
- There are no significant updates: Of course, you will no longer have access to the latest features, but more importantly, you will no longer have access to new security updates.
- Hackers love you: Cybercriminals can easily break into old technology and exploit unpatched bugs and security issues. Your phone can give you unauthorized access to your bank accounts, health data, and even the audio of your calls and voicemails.
- Short battery life: As your phone gets older, your battery performance will decrease as the capacity of lithium-ion batteries decreases over time.
- Slow down: Older phones have a hard time running new apps and operating systems.
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So how do you make it last for the entire lifespan?
You might have had your phone for a year and think, “There’s no way this thing will last four years.” With a little maintenance, it can last four years.
Stay up to date: Updates not only keep your device running smoothly and bug-free, but also speed up its performance. setting > general > Software updatesOn Android, setting > About the phone > Check for updates.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to maximize the mileage of your phone and ensure it lasts its entire lifespan. (Photo by Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Replace the battery: This is one of the most effective upgrades you can make to your phone. Aim to replace your battery every few years, but make sure to have a professional do it. Contact Apple, Samsung, or Google directly to discuss your options. It should cost less than $100.
Use the case: It’s too dangerous to leave your phone “naked.” OtterBox If you are a clumsy person. Spigen If you prefer a slimmer look, then the military-grade slim case is the way to go. Smart There are various options available, including wallet cases, grip options, and more.
Battery Care: Cell phones work best in temperatures between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your phone out of the sun when it’s hot and keep it in your pocket when it’s cold. If your phone feels hot, turn it off or place it in the shade for a while. Putting it in the freezer is a bad idea.
Remove the junk: Having enough free space will make your phone run faster, so delete apps and files you don’t use. Easy cleanup method: Open the Files app on your Android, clean Tab. On iPhone, setting > general > iPhone Storage Check which apps will be removed.
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