How to Make Your Smartphone Last Longer

We all rely on our smartphones these days – from texting and photos to maps and online shopping. New smartphone models in the UK now cost over £700. No wonder people want to know tips to make their smartphones last longer.

The amazing part is, now you don't need to be a tech guy to make your phone last longer. Some simple habits can prevent a lot of unnecessary wear. Including those that will preserve your battery and keep your device going longer.

Should you choose to wait before upgrading or Selling your phone, these smartphone maintenance tips will help. Use them to get the most from your device.

1. Phone Charging Habits to Extend Lifespan

One of the most effective ways to extend smartphone battery life is by charging it wisely:

✅When charging your phone, try to keep the battery between 20% and 80%. Avoid fully charging.

✅Avoid charging it overnight every night.

✅Stick with trusted brands for high-quality chargers to avoid charging port overheating.

📱 Fun fact: Most phone batteries are designed for about 500 full charge cycles before they begin to degrade.

2. Don’t Let It Overheat

How to avoid smartphone wear and tear? Keep your device cool & avoid extreme temperatures:

✅Avoid direct sunlight or hot spots, especially in summer.

✅Don’t play heavy games or video chat while charging.

✅Consider cases that allow better airflow.

3. Clear Your Storage: How to Keep Your Phone Running Smoothly

Overloaded storage can slow things down. Here’s how to keep performance sharp:

✅Delete unused apps.

✅Move photos and videos to cloud storage (like iCloud or Google Photos).

✅Clear browser cache and temporary files.

🧠 In a 2025 UK survey, users had over 100 apps on average but used fewer than 15 regularly.

4. Keep Your Software Updated

Another essential smartphone maintenance tip is staying on top of updates:

✅Updates fix bugs and improve battery life.

✅Turn on auto-updates when possible.

✅Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi overnight once a week to let updates run.

5. Protect Against Physical Damage

Physical issues are the fastest way to shorten your phone’s life:

✅Use a sturdy phone case to protect your phone.

✅Apply a screen protector to your phone's screen.

✅Clean your phone, especially the screen, gently with a soft cloth.

📊 Roughly 50% of UK users have cracked their screen at least once, according to a 2025 poll.

6. Manage Background Activity: Tips for Preserving Smartphone Battery Health

Background apps can secretly eat into battery life and slow down your phone:

✅Turn off background activity for unused apps.

✅Disable auto-refresh on social media apps.

✅Restart your phone weekly to refresh its system.

7. Use Battery Health Reports to Spot Problems Early

Knowing how to make your phone battery last longer means checking its health:

✅iPhone: Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.

✅Android: Use apps like AccuBattery.

✅Consider a battery replacement if health drops below 80%.

🛠️ Battery replacements in the UK cost around £30 to £70 depending on the model.

8. Use Wi-Fi When Possible

Want an easy way to extend smartphone battery life?

✅Wi-Fi uses less power than mobile data.

✅Streaming on mobile data can use up to 20% more battery.

9. Avoid Full Storage: How to Keep Your Smartphone Like New

Phones run slower when storage is full. Keep at least 10–15% free:

✅Delete duplicate photos and unnecessary screenshots.

✅Move large files to the cloud or external drives.

10. Use Auto Brightness and "Power Saver mode" to save the phone's battery

Switch to Battery Saver or "Power Saver mode" when the battery is running low or you need full performance. It actually cuts back on background activity and helps your battery last longer.

✅ Also, turn on "auto brightness", it adjusts the lighting around you, like it gets bright when it needs to be and dim vice versa.

✅You can find these settings in your phone's battery or display menu. Simple hacks have great impacts.

11. Keep It Resale-Ready

If you're planning to sell, this tip is key. Knowing how to keep your smartphone like new helps you get a better price:

At WeBuyAnyPhone.com, we buy phones in all conditions, but devices in better shape earn more. That includes:

✅No cracks or dents

✅Healthy battery

✅Factory reset and unlocked

💷 A phone in top condition can fetch up to 40% more than one that’s damaged.

Final Thoughts

No magic exists to make your phone last longer. It’s about small, smart decisions every day. By keeping your battery healthy and avoiding damage, you can easily stretch your phone’s lifespan by years. The maintenance tips we've covered will help extend its life as well.

And when you're ready to move on, don’t let your old phone collect dust. Head to WeBuyAnyPhone.com and sell your phone for cash – quick, easy, and UK-based.

FAQs

1. What's the average lifespan of a smartphone in the UK?

Most phones last between 2–4 years. Battery and performance usually decline after 2 years of heavy use.

2. Does closing apps save battery?

Not always. But stopping background refresh for apps like Facebook or Instagram can help improve smartphone battery health.

3. Can I sell a cracked phone to WeBuyAnyPhone?

Yes. We accept phones in many conditions. Just describe it honestly to get the most accurate quote.

4. What’s the Average Battery Lifespan of a Smartphone?

Any smartphone battery loses its strength after 18-24 months of regular usage. Once the battery health drops to 80%, you'll likely notice that it doesn't last as long and you need to charge it frequently. That's a good time to think about the replacement.

Connect with us on social media for regular blog updates and the latest tips and tricks.