How to Ensure Your Phone Stays in Good Condition
Keeping your phone in good condition isn’t just about how it looks – it can have a real impact on how long it lasts and how much it’s worth when you decide to sell it. A well-looked-after phone is more reliable day to day and far more appealing on the resale market.
Below are some simple, practical steps you can take to keep your phone in great shape from the moment you start using it.
Use a Case and Screen Protector Early
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting too long to protect their phone. A good-quality case and a tempered glass screen protector can prevent most cracks, dents and scratches caused by everyday drops.
Even small cosmetic marks can reduce a phone’s resale value, so protecting it early is one of the easiest ways to protect its future worth.
Keep Your Phone Clean
Phones collect dust, pocket fluff and grease surprisingly quickly. Over time, this can affect buttons, speakers and charging ports.
Clean the screen and body regularly with a soft, dry cloth. For charging ports and speaker grills, use compressed air or a soft brush. Avoid liquids and never use sharp objects to remove debris.
Look After the Battery
Battery health plays a huge role in how well your phone performs and how valuable it is second-hand.
Try to avoid letting your battery hit 0% too often, charging to 100% every time, or leaving it plugged in overnight. Keeping the charge between around 20% and 80% where possible can help slow battery wear.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Both heat and cold can damage your phone, especially the battery. Leaving it in a hot car, near a radiator, or outside in freezing conditions can shorten its lifespan.
If your phone becomes very hot or cold, allow it to return to room temperature before charging or using it heavily.
Keep Software Up to Date
Software updates aren’t just about new features. They often include important security updates and performance improvements that help your phone run smoothly.
An up-to-date phone is less likely to experience crashes, glitches or security issues, all of which can affect usability and resale appeal.
Be Careful Around Water
Even phones advertised as water-resistant are not completely waterproof. Water damage is one of the most common reasons phones lose significant value.
Avoid using your phone near baths, pools or heavy rain where possible. If it does get wet, switch it off and allow it to dry fully before charging.
Store It Properly When Not in Use
If you’re keeping a spare phone or planning to sell it later, store it carefully. Turn it off, keep it in a dry place and avoid placing heavy items on top of it.
This helps prevent screen damage, battery issues and internal wear.
Why Phone Condition Matters When Selling
When it comes time to sell your phone, condition plays a major role in the price you’re offered. Phones with intact screens, good battery health and minimal wear are quicker to assess and often receive higher payouts.
If you’re thinking about selling, you can check current prices and start the process here:
Taking care of your phone from the start means fewer surprises later and a smoother, better-value selling experience when you’re ready to upgrade.
