High-end smartphones, laptops, and tablets come with hefty price tags and we rely on them daily for work, entertainment, and communication. But while these devices are designed for performance and durability, your everyday habits may be quietly damaging them, reducing both their lifespan and resale value.
Here are five common practices that can harm your tech and how to avoid them.
1. Overcharging Your Battery
Most modern devices use lithium-ion batteries, which degrade over time. Keeping your device plugged in at 100% for hours like overnight can accelerate this degradation.
What to do instead:
- Unplug your device once it reaches a full charge.
- Use smart charging modes (available on many newer phones and laptops).
- Keep battery levels between 20%–80% for optimal health.
2. Ignoring Software Updates
Delaying or skipping software and firmware updates can do more harm than good. These updates often include vital security patches, performance enhancements, and bug fixes.
Why it matters:
- Outdated software can leave your device vulnerable to malware and cyberattacks.
- You may experience performance lags, app crashes, and incompatibility with new features.
3. Using Cheap or Uncertified Accessories
That $5 charger from an unknown brand might seem like a deal, but low-quality or non-certified accessories can damage your device’s battery, ports, or internal circuitry.
How to avoid it:
- Use manufacturer-approved or certified third-party accessories (look for MFi certification for Apple products, for example).
- Avoid fast chargers that don’t match your device’s voltage and wattage requirements.
4. Exposing Devices to Heat and Moisture
Excessive heat and humidity can destroy internal components. Leaving your phone in a hot car, using your laptop in bed with blocked vents, or bringing your device into the bathroom can all cause problems.
Best practices:
- Keep devices in cool, dry environments.
- Avoid charging or heavy gaming while in direct sunlight or hot conditions.
- Don’t leave your laptop on soft surfaces that block airflow (like blankets or cushions).
5. Neglecting Storage and Digital Clean-Up
A cluttered device with full storage, too many background apps, and outdated files can seriously impact performance over time.
Tips to maintain performance
- Regularly delete unused apps, old downloads, and large media files.
- Clear cache and temporary files.
- Use cloud storage to offload large data and backups.