Essential Smartphone Tips for Festival Goers
Festivals are brilliant, but they’re not exactly friendly to smartphones. Between the crowds, the mud, the battery drain and the dodgy signal, your phone goes through a lot in a few days. A bit of preparation can make the whole weekend smoother — and save you from trying to revive a dead phone at midnight during the headline set.
Sort Out Your Battery Before You Go
Portable chargers are essential at festivals. Even a small power bank gives you enough extra juice to get through a long day. If your phone’s battery already struggles, a refurbished upgrade might be a smart idea — especially if you don’t want to risk your main device. You can browse affordable models here.
Use a Proper Protective Case
Festivals are unpredictable: rain, dust, drops, spilled drinks… you name it. A sturdy case and a screen protector will give your phone a fighting chance. It’s one of those small investments that saves a lot of stress.
Download Everything You Need Before You Arrive
Signal at festivals can be hit or miss. Download your tickets, maps, timetables and payment apps in advance. Offline versions of Google Maps or Apple Maps are handy if you’re wandering around late at night trying to find the right exit.
Turn On Low Power Mode Early
Rather than waiting until you hit 20%, switch on low power mode from the start each day. It cuts background activity and helps your battery last much longer — especially when your phone is constantly searching for signal.
Consider Bringing a “Festival Phone”
Not everyone wants to take their best phone into a muddy field. A cheaper refurbished device is perfect as a festival backup — solid camera, long battery life and less worry about damage. If you’re thinking along those lines, you can pick up budget-friendly options in the refurbished iPhone section or Samsung equivalents.
Stay Waterproof
Even if the weather looks good, a quick shower or a drink knocked over can ruin a phone quickly. A simple waterproof pouch lets you use your phone safely without worrying every time someone brushes past you.
Use Airplane Mode When You Don’t Need Signal
One of the biggest battery drains at festivals is your phone trying endlessly to reconnect to a weak network. If you’re watching a set or don’t need to message anyone for a while, switching to airplane mode stops the constant searching.
Share Your Location Before You Lose Each Other
Festival crowds make it incredibly easy to lose your friends. Share your location early, screenshot your tent spot and take a photo of nearby landmarks. Even if the app stops updating, you’ll have something to go by.
With a bit of planning, your phone becomes a helpful part of the weekend instead of a stress point. And if you're heading to a festival with a tired old device, a reliable refurbished one might be the upgrade that saves you from battery anxiety.
