You probably are unaware of many things regarding cell phones, and you are in good company. Given the wealth of available options, it can be tough to make an educated choice. Here are some great tips for you to get started.

Cell Phone

If you drop a cell phone into a liquid, don’t assume that it’s ruined and throw it away. Take the battery out and place the cell phone in a plastic baggie filled with rice. This will help to absorb any moisture that has made it’s way into the device.

Try to avoid using information services that come with a charge. Just call 1-800-411-FREE instead. You will hear an ad, and then you can get the info you need.

Be aware that smartphones actually slow down in performance over time. Updating software can help to keep the phone running. But, new phones have access to more powerful updates than old ones. Therefore, it is essential for you to eventually upgrade.

Is your phone’s battery life too short? If so, it may be that you are having a weak signal. Weak signals can drain the phone’s batteries. Don’t store your phone in a closed space where it won’t get a signal.

Take your time when it comes to extending a warranty. They are costly and often don’t offer you that much in return. Generally speaking, if your cell phone breaks down, it will do it before the year is up while still under basic warranty. Also, because so many people upgrade their phones so often, extended warranties are generally worthless.

As the smartphone you have gets older, it will start to get slower. Thus, you might find it harder and harder to update the phone’s software. Most often, you will have to make a choice. You can keep things the way they are, or decide to pursue an upgrade.

Also go into the store and look at various cell phone models before picking one. Invest some time playing with the cell phones and testing them. By doing this, you will probably find the best phone for you, much easier.

Make sure you actually need a smartphone before you actually buy one. Though smartphones can be pricy, you get what you pay for. However, some people only require a basic phone for placing calls. A smartphone will cost you a lot of money upfront. This may not be the smartest choice for you.

Be sure you observe what others have and speak to them before purchasing your next cell phone. People you already trust can give you a lot of feedback regarding the phones they have used. They can also advise you on the right cell phone plan, making you an informed shopper.

If you only want a phone to make calls, don’t get a smartphone. Many people own a smartphone, but they tend to use it for going online or checking emails. If you don’t plan on using your phone for these purposes, you can save a lot of money by opting for a non-smart phone.

Try to avoid having your phone battery completely drain before recharging it. Frequent recharging is expected and planned into the design. They do not hold a charge as well when you repeatedly let the battery power get too low before charging it. Try getting your cellphone’s battery charged at an earlier time.

With current phones, you may not need a case. Designers have made recent phones out of Kevlar, which can resist force. A case will protect the glass, but can make the phone hard to use. Think about your choices, and make your decision based on what you have.

Break up the monotony of a slow day by playing games on your cell phone. Smartphones can stream great graphics, so you are able to play many great games on them. Don’t load your phone with games. It will reduce your memory greatly.

Know your apps inside and out. Many of them are browsers or music programs. It also likely includes a calendar. You’ll get better value if you know how the programs work.

Learn to use your phone’s calender. You can plan your whole week on your phone. You can also set the phone to give off an alert that lets you know an event is about to take place. This is one way to manage your time more efficiently.

Even though you will find that a cell phone is portable, you shouldn’t talk on it when you drive. No matter whether you’re using a hands-free system or not, any cell phone use can create concentration issues. Research shows that even doing this can be dangerous.

Family plans for cellphones are not only for those that are related. A lot of folks are unaware of this, so they don’t get to take advantage of the involved discounts. Use this to your benefit with people whom you trust to fulfill their portion of the bill. You will not have any issues, seeing as providers don’t check family ties.

Screen Protector

If you do have a new phone, then you likely don’t need a screen protector. Most new phones come with a built-in layer of protection to prevent scratches or smudges. An additional screen protector may make your display hard to view. Additional screen protectors also risk air bubbles or scratching on their own.

Don’t pay for a text plan if you do not text much. Text plans can be quite pricy for the small amount of information they send. You can get apps that allow you to send texts for free.

Disable features that go unused as a way to maintain battery life. For example, your phone probably has GPS included. You won’t need these features all of the time. Sometimes, you may never need them. They can easily be disabled by visiting the “settings” area of your phone.

You may not know a great deal about cell phones, but this is okay. Technology can be difficult to understand sometimes. This article has offered many tips to help you understand your cell phone better.