Hello there! With the sun finally peeking through, it's time for some spring cleaning. And that includes cleaning up your phone. Simply wiping your screen with an anti-bacterial wipe is a great start, but what about decluttering the content on your phone too?
A thorough clear out can do wonders for your phone's performance, from longer battery life to quicker loading times. Plus, finding your favorite photo or video won't be such a hassle when you don't have to sift through years of memes and screenshots.
Here are some tips to help you spring clean your phone:
Back up your data:
Before you start cleaning, it's essential to back up all your data, including contacts, photos, and important files. You can back up your data to the cloud, such as iCloud or Google Drive, or to your computer. This step is critical in case anything goes wrong during the cleaning process.
Delete photos and videos:
Start by tidying up your camera roll. Get rid of anything that's not worth keeping and move the rest to external or cloud storage. This frees up space and ensures that everything is backed up in case you lose your phone.
Uninstall unused apps:
Take a look at the apps on your phone and uninstall any that you don't use anymore. These unused apps take up valuable storage space and can slow down your device's performance. To uninstall an app, simply press and hold the app icon and select the option to uninstall or delete.
Clear out your contacts:
If you're scrolling through your contacts and can't remember who someone is, it's time to delete their number. You can also use WhatsApp to refresh your memory or clean out old chats.
Turn off location tracking:
Apps constantly checking your location can drain your battery and invade your privacy. Go to your phone's settings and control which apps can track your location to conserve your battery life and protect your privacy.
Clear your cache:
Clearing your cache helps speed up your phone's performance by removing stored data that can slow things down. To clear your app cache, go to your phone's settings, select "Apps," and then choose the app you want to clean. Tap "Storage" and then "Clear Cache." Repeat this process for all your apps.
Organize your home screen:
A cluttered home screen can make it difficult to find the apps you need quickly. Take some time to organize your home screen by grouping similar apps together and removing any unnecessary icons or widgets.
Update Your Software:
Regular updates to your phone's software can help improve its performance and fix any bugs or glitches. To check for software updates on an iPhone, go to "Settings," then "General," and select "Software Update." On an Android device, go to "Settings," then "System," and select "Software Update."
Reset:
If your phone is still slow, a factory reset can give you a fresh start. However, remember to back up everything properly before doing so.
Physically clean your phone:
Finally, give your phone a physical clean. We all use our phones constantly, which can lead to them getting pretty dirty over time. From gunk in the charging port to a sticky screen, it's important to keep your phone clean and hygienic.
Before you begin cleaning, make sure to unplug any cables and turn off your phone. This will prevent any damage and keep you safe. Google and Apple recommend using a 70% alcohol wipe, but make sure to only use it on your screen and the casing at the back. Avoid getting moisture in the headphone port or speakers, as it could damage your phone.
Remember to clean your phone case too! Simply remove the case from your phone and soak it in warm water with dish soap for a few minutes if it's made of plastic, silicone, or rubber. For any stubborn stains, use an old toothbrush to scrub them away. Be sure to dry the case with a cloth before putting it back on your phone.
That's it! With these tips, your phone will be refreshed and ready for spring!
