5 Bad Habits That Are Shortening the Lifespan of Your Devices

There’s nothing like a new gadget. Taking a new smartphone, tablet or laptop out of the box is the closest an adult can get to being a kid on Christmas. These days, we rely on our electronic devices for just about everything – work, school, travel, entertainment and nearly every other aspect of your life. Naturally, you want your devices to work like new for as long as possible. But some bad habits can actually shorten the lifespan of your tech. The good news is that these bad habits are easy to change. We’ve gathered five expert tips on how to keep your devices working longer and better.

Bad habit 1: Not using the manufacturer's chargers and cords

Cheap, off-brand chargers may seem appealing, especially when your battery is running low and you’re away from home. But many of these knockoff chargers haven’t gone through the same rigorous testing as official chargers from brands like Apple or Samsung. Not only are they less efficient at charging your battery, but they can also be dangerous, potentially causing your device to overheat or even catch fire.

Here’s what to do instead:

• Use chargers and cords made specifically for your device.
• Purchase from approved retailers to ensure product quality and safety.
• Avoid off-brand and counterfeit chargers, which can be harmful.

Bad habit 2: Improperly cleaning your device

Your smartphone, laptop and tablet are breeding grounds for germs. And those germs go right onto your hands, face and everything you touch. Beyond that ickiness, regularly cleaning your electronics can prevent dust and debris from getting into your device’s ports, which can affect performance. However, using standard household cleaning wipes – especially those with harsh chemicals – can damage your device’s screen and surfaces.

To clean your devices properly:

• Use a microfiber cloth with a 50/50 solution of alcohol and water.
• Wipe down screens gently to avoid damaging the display.
• Avoid harsh disinfectants or household cleaning wipes.
• Consider professional cleaning for a deep cleanse.

Bad habit 3: Charging your device overnight

Charging your devices overnight may seem convenient, but it can actually shorten your battery’s lifespan. Nowadays that means you could be on the hook for an entirely new device much earlier than you were anticipating.

To protect your battery life:

• Keep your device between 40% and 80% full.
• Avoid leaving it plugged in overnight.
• Use charge-delay features available on many newer devices.

Bad habit 4: Not regularly restarting your devices

Restarting your tech once a week can make a big difference in performance. Skipping regular restarts can cause your device to slow down over time, as memory fills up and minor issues accumulate. This simple habit keeps your tech running smoothly and prevents common performance issues.

Benefits of restarting include:

• Clearing out memory and improving device speed.
• Fixing bugs or malfunctioning apps.
• Closing background programs that drain battery life.

Bad habit 5: Skipping a case or other protection

Accidents happen - whether it's a cracked screen or a device dropped in water, we've all been there. Without a sturdy case, waterproof cover or screen protector, your gadget is more vulnerable to damage.

Consider these protections:

• Invest in a durable case that offers impact resistance.
• Use a screen protector to prevent scratches and cracks.
• Get a waterproof cover if you use your device near water.
• Purchase a device protection plan to cover repairs in case of accidents.

A device protection plan offers peace of mind, so even if you drop your phone or spill something on your laptop, you’re covered for repairs. Since standard homeowners policies don’t cover everyday tech mishaps, the VIU by HUB Advisory Team recommends the Asurion Home+ coverage in addition to your personal insurance policies to protect your equipment.