Common iOS 16 Problems

Battery Drain

One of the most common problems that iPhone users have reported after updating their iOS is battery drain. Many users have noticed that their battery life is draining much faster than before the update. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your phone for work or other important tasks. It’s also worth noting that new iPhones typically have a battery break-in period that can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week or more, so some initial drain after a new device setup or major update is normal.

Fortunately, there are several solutions to this problem.

First, check for any apps that may be running in the background and draining your battery. To do this, go to Settings > Battery and see which apps are using the most power. Close any apps that you are not using and limit the usage of those that are draining your battery excessively.

Another solution is to adjust the settings on your phone. Turn off features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and location services when not in use. Also, lower your screen brightness and enable the Low Power Mode option in your battery settings for an extra boost in battery life. By implementing these solutions, you can help reduce battery drain and prolong the life of your iPhone.

Connectivity Issues

One of the common issues that iPhone users have been facing after updating their iOS is Wi-Fi connectivity problems. Users have complained of slow or inconsistent Wi-Fi connections, dropped connections, and even the inability to connect to Wi-Fi networks at all. This is especially annoying when you rely on Wi-Fi for many of your daily activities.

Another issue that has been reported by users is Bluetooth connectivity problems. Some users have experienced issues with their Bluetooth devices not connecting properly, or not being able to connect to Bluetooth at all. This can be especially problematic if you use Bluetooth devices such as headphones or speakers regularly.

If you’re experiencing connectivity issues, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem. First, make sure your Wi-Fi or cellular data is turned on and that you’re within range of a strong signal. If that doesn’t work, try resetting your network settings by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will erase all your saved Wi-Fi passwords, so make sure you have them handy before you do this.

If all else fails, contact Apple support for further assistance.

App Crashes

One of the most frustrating problems with iOS updates has been the occasional spike in app crashes. Many iPhone users report that apps unexpectedly shut down or freeze, making it difficult to get anything done on their phones. The problem is typically caused by a variety of factors, including glitches in the operating system and compatibility issues with certain apps that haven’t yet been updated to support the latest iOS version.

If your app keeps crashing, don’t panic! There are a few simple solutions you can try. First, try force quitting the app by swiping up on the app preview in the app switcher. If that doesn’t work, make sure your app is up to date by checking for updates in the App Store. Keeping your iOS itself up to date is equally important, as Apple regularly releases patches that address crash-related bugs.

Slow Performance

Another common problem users have reported after iOS updates has been slow performance. This can be especially irritating when you’re trying to get things done quickly on your phone. The issue is often caused by a variety of factors, including outdated apps, a cluttered device, and even a lack of available storage space. It’s also worth noting that on the iPhone 16, the 8 GB of RAM handles most daily tasks well, but can show strain under heavy AI-intensive workloads. But don’t worry – there are a few things you can do to fix the problem and get your iPhone running smoothly again.

If you’re experiencing slow performance on your device, there are a few simple solutions you can try.

First, try clearing your device’s storage by deleting any unused apps or files. This can free up space and improve overall performance.

Additionally, restarting your device can also help resolve any issues causing slow performance. Give these solutions a try before seeking further assistance.

Display Issues

If you’ve ever noticed a lag in motion or a flickering screen on your iPhone, you’re not alone. Display issues are among the more commonly reported problems following iOS updates. These can include a flickering screen, screen freezing, or touch response problems – all of which can impact the overall usability of your device.

It’s worth noting that display behavior can vary significantly depending on your iPhone model. Pro models feature a 120Hz ProMotion display, which can sometimes expose refresh rate-related quirks more noticeably than the standard 60Hz displays found on non-Pro models. Apple has addressed some of these concerns over time – for example, a frozen screen issue was specifically fixed in the iOS 18.0.1 update, which also resolved a camera freeze bug affecting 4K Ultra Wide video recording in macro mode on iPhone 16 Pro models.

If you’re experiencing display issues, there are a few solutions you can try. First, try adjusting your display settings by going to Settings > Display & Brightness and making sure the settings are optimized for your preferences. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your device by holding down the side button and either volume button, then sliding to power off. This can clear up temporary display issues.

If the problem persists, it may be worth contacting Apple support for further assistance or ensuring your device is running the latest available iOS version.

Addressing iOS Hurdles Is Easier Than You Think

If you’re one of the unlucky people that has happened to run into any of these issues – or others – it’s always worth attempting to troubleshoot the bugs yourself. Sometimes a software problem has a fix as easy as restarting your device, while there may be times that you need some assistance from tech experts.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a newer device or trade in your current one, you can do both with Gazelle! Our convenient online trade-in tool makes selling your device a cinch. Then, you can peruse our inventory to upgrade to your next device at a fraction of the retail price tag. Take a look and start shopping and selling the smarter way, today!

The post Common iOS 16 Problems and How to Fix Them Claire Calvet appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

There’s good news – you can sometimes salvage a phone with water damage. Repair costs can vary depending on your device and where you go: iPhone water damage repairs usually run $70-$400, but Android repairs usually fall between $50-$250. Apple’s out-of-warranty repairs can cost $269-$699 depending on the model, though AppleCare+ drops that to a flat $99 for accidental damage. Third-party shops usually offer the same repairs for $60-$300 with faster turnaround. Learn how to evaluate your phone’s water damage repair cost and determine if your phone has some more life in it – or if it’s time for a replacement.

What Affects the Cost of Water Damage? 

The cost of repair for a water-damaged cell phone can vary widely — it’s tough for a technology repair shop to choose a Samsung or iPhone’s water damage repair cost unless they see its internal parts. That said, iPhone water damage repairs usually run between $70-$400. But Android repairs usually fall in the $50-$250 range. Apple specifically charges $269-$699 for out-of-warranty repairs depending on the model, though that drops to a flat $99 with AppleCare+ for accidental damage. Third-party repair shops manage the same repairs for $60-$300, frequently with faster turnaround times.

Still, you might be able to review your phone to estimate the cost of water damage repair. Think about these things that could affect the cost of repairing a cell phone with water damage:

1. Severity of Damage

The type of damage your phone experienced can vary from mild to severe, and you might not necessarily be able to tell immediately. Water can enter your phone through its charging port, speakers and other openings. If water gets inside, it can stay there for days. Even if your phone is dry on the outside, water could be corroding or rusting internal circuitry.

How do you assess the severity of your cell phone’s water damage? Think about how much water your phone was exposed to. Spilling half a glass of water on your phone will cause less damage than submerging it for a few minutes. The best way to determine the extent of your phone’s damage is to have an expert open it up. Remember that if your data needs to be professionally recovered, repair shops usually charge an extra $50-$150 on top of the base repair cost. If you need the repair done faster, expedited service can add another 20-30% to your total bill.

2. Whether or Not You Have Insurance

Many insurance providers offer electronics insurance that gives cell phone owners a break if their phones experience water damage. These plans are usually affordable, with monthly premiums ranging from $5 to $20. Liquid damage is one of a few accidents that electronics insurance can cover, along with mechanical problems, theft and sometimes loss.

Water damage might not faze you if you have electronics insurance for your cell phone, as the cost of repair will be lower. According to Allstate Protection Plans surveys conducted in 2023, the average cost for smartphone repairs and replacements has reached $302 — a figure that goes to show just how helpful a protection plan can be. Cell phone screen repair spending surged to $8.3 billion in 2023, nearly tripling from $3.4 billion in 2018, which makes insurance coverage more worthwhile than ever.

3. Whether Your Phone Is Water Resistant

Many newer cell phones have a level of water resistance. Phone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung offer water-resistant devices tested in laboratory settings to determine how much water the phones can withstand, and each phone is rated according to ingress protection (IP), a universal measurement for liquid resistance.

A rating of IP68 means the phone can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, though some phones carrying the IP68 designation are rated for greater maximum depths. Even though a phone’s water resistance rating suggests it’s less likely to sustain water damage, it’s no guarantee that your phone is immune from water damage — and it’s worth mentioning that water damage is not covered under standard manufacturer warranties even on IP-rated devices.

Apple gives a list of water-resistant iPhones. You can also find a list of Samsung’s IP-rated cell phones. A water-resistant phone may sustain less internal damage from exposure, potentially lowering your repair cost compared to a non-rated device in the same situation.

4. Type of Phone

The age, type and model of your cell phone can also affect how much it costs to repair it after water damage. If you have a newer cell phone, the cost of repair is usually higher than for an older phone, because the latest devices have innovative technology and the newest parts. These parts are more expensive to buy and, so, more expensive to repair.

That means your brand-new cell phone might cost you more to repair than an older model. For example, the water damage repair cost on an older iPhone model is likely considerably less than repairing a latest-generation iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S25. As flagship phones continue to push the boundaries of display and chip technology, the cost of sourcing and replacing those premium internal parts only goes up.

How to Tell if Your Phone Is Fixable 

If your phone has been water damaged, you could be trying to stay away from taking your cell phone in to see the tech doctor – at least for now. Fortunately, you can do a few things to determine if your phone is fixable. Ask yourself these questions to decide if your phone is repairable:

1. Does It Turn On?

You may be tempted to immediately turn on your phone after retrieving it from the water to see if it’s still working – this isn’t a good idea since water is a conductor of electricity. The power surging through your phone could ruin it.

Instead, power your phone off as soon as you dry it off. If there’s any leftover water inside your device, turning it off can prevent further damage to the internal circuitry. It’s best to wait at least 48 hours before turning on or charging your phone – maybe a hard wait, but it matters. If your phone powers on after this time, it’s probably fixable.

2. Have You Removed the SIM Card?

Give your phone a fighting chance by removing everything from it you can; it can protect expensive elements from water damage and help the phone dry out better. You should make sure that the phone is externally dry before taking this step.

Remove the SIM card as soon as possible. You can open the SIM tray on iPhones with a paper clip or a SIM-eject tool. For a Samsung device, the SIM tray is usually accessible via an eject tool as well. Most modern Samsung phones no longer have removable backs or batteries. Keep your SIM card in case you can salvage some of your phone’s stored data.

Here are a few other pieces you can remove to help your phone dry:

• The phone case
• The screen protector
• The memory card (if your device has one)
• The stylus (if applicable)

3. Have You Tried Removing the Water?

You probably toweled your phone off immediately after you got it wet – this dried off your cell phone’s surface. But since water can also be inside your device, try to remove it from the inside before taking it to a repair shop.

Here are some of the best methods for removing water from inside a phone:

• Open air: One of the best ways to dry your phone is by setting it out in warm, open air. The air evaporates the moisture effectively, although this process might take several days. You can place your phone in an area with some ambient warmth, but avoid external heat sources like hair dryers, as excessive heat can damage internal components and circuitry.
• Silica gel: Silica gel – found in the form of crystal cat litter or silica gel packets – is one of the most effective drying agents available. Place your phone in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and cover it with silica beads. Leave it for at least 24 to 48 hours before attempting to turn it on.
• Instant couscous or rice: If silica gel isn’t on hand, instant couscous or instant rice from your pantry can help absorb moisture in a pinch. These work better than uncooked white rice because the instant varieties absorb water more quickly. Place your phone in an airtight container covered with the couscous or rice and wait at least 24 hours. Note that this method is considered a last resort, as food particles can occasionally find their way into ports and openings.

If none of these different methods get your phone working again, it may be time to visit a repair shop. Water damage repair for an iPhone usually runs between $70 and $400. But Android repairs usually range from $50 to $250 at third-party shops. If you have AppleCare+, Apple charges a flat $99 for accidental damage repairs – savings compared to out-of-warranty costs of $269 to $699 depending on the model. Remember that if data recovery is needed, professional shops may charge an extra $50 to $150, and rush service can add another 20 to 30% to the total bill.

The Cost to Repair a Phone

Taking your cell phone to a professional is sometimes the only way to know how damaged it is. However, the cost to repair your phone could be more than the device is worth.

While the cost to repair a water-damaged phone changes by repair shop, phone model and severity of the damage, the expense is likely to fall on a number. Let’s talk about what you can expect:

1. With Insurance

If you have cell phone insurance, all you’ll pay to have your water-damaged phone repaired is your deductible. Your deductible can vary according to your insurance provider. For example, AppleCare+ covers accidental damage for a flat $99 deductible. Other providers have deductibles as low as $29. Remember that some devices might prompt a higher deductible than others.

Many cell phone insurance providers allow you to take your phone to a local repair shop. Others will accept mailed-in phones or give you home visits from their technicians. Check with your insurance provider’s policy to see what coverage you have.

2. Without Insurance

Having phone damage insurance can considerably cut back on the cost of repairing a phone with water damage. But this insurance is pretty underutilized. According to Allstate Protection Plans surveys, the average cost for smartphone repairs and replacements has reached $302 – a figure that goes to show just how expensive going without coverage can be. Spending on cellphone screen repairs alone surged to $8.3 billion in 2023, nearly tripling from $3.4 billion in 2018.

The cost to repair a water-damaged phone can depend on the type of damage, your phone’s model and where you get it repaired. Some water damage repair means a liquid cleaning and others need replacement parts and labor. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:

• Apple (out-of-warranty): $269-$699 depending on model, or a flat $99 with AppleCare+
• Third-party repair shops (iPhone): $70-$400
• Third-party repair shops (Android): $50-$250
• Third-party shops vs. Apple: Third-party shops typically charge $60-$300 and often offer faster turnaround times
• Data recovery: Can add an extra $50-$150 to the total bill
• Rush/expedited service: Expect to pay 20-30% more for faster repairs

What to Do if Your Phone Is Beyond Repair 

Maybe you’ve tried multiple home remedies that haven’t helped your waterlogged cell phone. If the cost of having a professional repair it seems too expensive, what should you do with it? Ridding your phone of water damage can be more trouble than it’s worth.

Consider your options for what to do with your water-damaged phone:

1. Calculate the Cost

First, determine if your phone is worth more broken or repaired. You can calculate your phone’s net value after the necessary repairs by:

• Finding the current value of your cell phone based on its model and condition
• Determining the cost of repair for water damage
• Subtracting the cost of the repair or your insurance deductible from the phone’s value

Repair costs can vary depending on where you go and what device you own. Apple charges between $269 and $699 for out-of-warranty water damage repairs depending on the model, though AppleCare+ cuts that down to a flat $99 for accidental damage. Third-party repair shops usually charge $60-$300 for the same work and usually give you faster turnaround. In general, water damage repair for an iPhone runs around $70-$400, while Android repairs tend to fall in the $50-$250 range. Remember that data recovery services can add another $50-$150, and rush service fees can tack on an extra 20-30% to the total bill.

According to Allstate Protection Plans, the average cost for smartphone repairs and replacements is $302 – a figure that puts the true expense of water damage in perspective. If repairing your phone would leave it with a comparable resale value, having it fixed might make sense. Once you know the repair cost, compare it against what your phone is worth in its current broken state before making a choice.

2. Sell or Recycle It

If professional repair isn’t an option for your phone, you can always sell it broken or recycle it. Many businesses will buy water-damaged cell phones, though some will consider a phone with water damage as broken. The amount you can expect for a water-damaged phone can depend on the extent of the damage and if the water triggered its water damage indicator. You can put any cash you get toward buying a replacement phone.

Recycling is an eco-friendly way to get rid of a water-damaged cell phone. While most smartphone owners still don’t recycle their used devices, doing so is healthier for the environment than sending them to landfills. The smartphone repair market has grown dramatically – cellphone screen repair spending alone surged to $8.3 billion in 2023, nearly tripling from $3.4 billion in 2018, according to Allstate Protection Plans research. That growth reflects just how many devices are damaged each year, which makes responsible disposal more important than ever. While you aren’t likely to get much money back recycling a damaged phone, you’re helping reduce pollution, which is a rewarding feeling.

3. Buy Used

If your phone is old or you were already due for an upgrade, it may be better to forego the repairs and buy a new device. Repairing extensive water damage and replacing multiple parts of your device can be as expensive or more so than simply replacing your cell phone.

If you’re in the market for a new cell phone but want to stay away from paying full price, shop at Gazelle. We give you used Apple, Samsung and Android phones with certified quality for a fraction of the cost of a new phone. You can choose from a wide set of pre-owned cell phones to find the best replacement.

Shop Used Cell Phones at Gazelle

If a repair isn’t in your cell phone’s future, Gazelle is the best place to buy used phones for less. We’re a respected reseller with honest and fair pricing. With our Gazelle Certified guarantee, you can be sure your new cell phone is in working order. Our 30-day returns give you security just in case your buy isn’t everything you hoped.

Browse our selection of used phones! Looking to update to the latest iPhone? Check out the Gazelle Flex program for the most affordable way to experience the latest certified preowned iPhone models – an alternative when water damage repair costs can run $269-$699 through Apple or $60-$300 at a third-party shop. Not sure which model is right for you? Read our guide to the best Apple iPhone to buy, or explore the best phones under $300 if you’re shopping on a budget.

The post What’s the Cost to Repair a Water Damaged Phone? Claire Calvet appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

In other words – no excuses!

Delete Unused Apps

Sometimes it’s hard letting go of that photo app you used on one photo over a year ago, or the audience app you play when no one’s there to laugh are your hilarious one-liners. The novelty of these one-time apps doesn’t seem to shine next to the amount of space and data they use while staying idle on your device. Kindly show these space suckers to the door and enjoy a faster device almost instantly.

Unfriend the Unwanted

We know, it’s rough. It’s not that you still like that person, you just want to be able to check up on their life and reassure yourself your better without them. Push yourself in a new positive direction by simply clearing up your friends list!

Check for Software Updates

Our devices are a lot like our own bodies and need a check-up every now and then. Take advantage of the cleaning season and run those tests that your electronics sorely need. Worried about time? Perform updates while you clean out your drawers or closet and time will fly by.

Check Social Feeds for Questionable Content

Sure, we have photos set to private and privacy settings enabled, but those party pics from your weekend in Cabo aren’t invisible to everyone on the web. Set aside some time to dive into your social feeds this spring, including your lesser-used accounts. Trust us, your future employers will thank you.

Organize Your Photos

There’s no such thing as taking too many photos – that is, until you’re constantly deleting a few just to open up storage on your device. Save the good selfies, scrap any duplicates and even organize your pics to make the most out of your electronics.

Declutter Your Desktop

Whip your desktop or home screen back into shape by tidying up messy documents and loose-floating apps. Folders are your new best friend, especially when you realize what a difference unlocking a device to an organized screen can do.

Sync Devices

Bring some much needed Zen to your life by taking a few minutes to ensure your devices are in sync. Not many mobile users are aware of the convenience that comes with using cloud technology, and you’d be amazed at how easy it is incorporate into your daily life.

Trade in Your Old Electronics

Have you come across your graveyard of old phones while cleaning? Get those old devices traded in! Not only can turning your gadgets into Gazelle put added funds back into your wallet, it can also protect you and your family from the lurking chemicals inside that can cause harm to anyone around them.

With the help of these steps, you’re certain to have a breezy cleaning season. Comment below with your own personal tips that you’ve found helpful for staying organized.

The post 8 Simple Ways to Declutter Your Digital Life Claire Calvet appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Investing in an iPhone protection plan, either from your wireless carrier or a third party, is a smart option when trying to prevent an iPhone causality. While plans vary from a one-time fee to monthly payments, they often come with more coverage than you’ll ever need. Educate yourself and shop around to learn what fits your needs in a protection plan without overpaying.

Use our top tips as a checklist for choosing your iPhone protection plan.

1. Is it Covered by Water Damage?

Water damage is one of the leading causes of iPhone accidents. Make sure your warranty covers liquid and water damage, just in case your phone goes for a quick swim.

2. Cracked Screen, No Problem

iPhones can do great things, but a cracked screen ruins the seamless experience. A quality protection plan will cover broken screens and accidental damage at minimal cost to you. You’ll want to stay protected and avoid the shame of unprotected text.

3. What About Hardware Defects?

New technology brings glitchy screens and broken buttons. But you shouldn’t be held liable for those issues. Look for hardware defect coverage in your protection plan.

4. Check the Deductible

With any protection plan, it’s all in the details. All the bells and whistles might be covered, but if the deductible is too high, you’ll be wasting your time and a great deal of money. Most replacements will run you a $50-100 deductible and if it’s higher, ask why and shop around.

5. Lost iPhone?

Unfortunately, protection plans often do not include lost or stolen devices. Your best bet is to use Find My iPhone and these strategies to locate the device – and learn from your mistakes.

Image courtesy of Flickr

The post 5 Tips for Choosing Your iPhone Protection Plan Kevin Walther appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Have you ever dropped and shattered your smartphone? What about a dive into the pool, forgetting it was in your pocket? Accidents like that happen to nearly every smartphone owner, and truth be told, phone damage is not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when.

Summer is the Most Dangerous Time for Smart Devices. Here’s Why:

Summertime isn’t called the season of broken for nothing. Smartphones and tablets are especially prone to irreversible damage when exposed to hazardous conditions like sand, water and extreme heat.

Over the past few years, Gazelle has seen the summer months as the prime time for damaged devices. Thirty-four percent of all devices last July were traded in broken, and those numbers continue to rise year-over-year.

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You Can Prevent Summertime Damage

Summer elements can kill your smartphone. Here are tips to ensure your phone stays safe and sound.

1. Keep it Out of Direct Sunlight:

With a strong summer sun and forgetful minds, direct sunlight can heat devices 10-15 degrees warmer than if left in the shade. This may not seem like much, but it could decide whether your phone lives or dies. Both Apple and Samsung advise keeping devices in ambient temperatures between 32 and 95 degrees.

2. Protect it From the Beach:

We’ve all been there: You arrive at the beach and decide to “protect” your phone by leaving it in the car. Big mistake. Cars heat up fast in the summer, reaching temperatures well above 100 degrees. Stay on the safe side and leave your phone at home. If you can’t break the umbilical cord, check out these beach-proof safety products:

Phone Condom

This highly functional sleeve allows you to stay protected without drastically reducing the aesthetics of your phone. It may not be as fun to text with a phone condom, but it reduces the risk of sand damage like no other.

Price (pack of 3): $14.99 for smartphones, $24.99 for tablets. Buy from Smartskin.

Photo courtesy of Firebox.

Dust Plug

Keep sand and other particulates out of your phone crevices with a Dust Plug. These are available in thousands of designs for low-prices on Amazon.

Price: Ranges $1.00 – $5.00. Shop on Amazon.

Photo courtesy of HD Image Gallery.

Ultimate Beach Towel

Towels with pockets, who knew? This won’t just store your devices, but will also keep books, hats, sunscreen and other beach essentials safe.

Price: $45.00 $30.00 for a limited time. Buy from Towelmate. 

Photo courtesy of Towelmate.

3. Use an Anti-Glare Screen Protector:

Can’t see your screen in the sun? An anti-glare screen protector allows you to see your phone in direct sunlight without turning up the brightness, extending battery life and keeping your phone from overheating.

Price (pack of 3): starts at $6.95. Buy from Tech Armor

4. Use a Solar-Powered Charger:

Turn your phone’s worst enemy into its new power source with a sleek on-the-go solar charging station. Never worry again about your phone dying. Now your phone can enjoy the abundant sunshine just as much as you do.

But What if Your Phone is Already Damaged?

It happened: Just before sending one last text, your phone slipped and fell into the pool. Or sand slid in-between the screen before overheating in the sun.

Here are steps to take depending on which summer element attacked your device:

1.  Sand in phone crevices:

• Use a cuticle pusher to get sand out of the crevices
• Grab scotch tape to lift sand off the phone, similar to using a lint roller

2.  Water damage:

• Follow these immersion therapy instructions to give your phone its best shot at survival.

3.  Overheated iPhone:

• Don’t continue using the device. Turn it off, or if this isn’t feasible, at least close any unnecessary apps – Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or LTE. iPhones are built to restrict operations if the phone needs to cool down.
• Remove from direct sunlight and move it to a cool area. DO NOT panic and throw it in extremely cold place such as the fridge or freezer. Rushing the cooling process can cause condensation to get trapped inside the device.

4.  Broken screen:

• Broken screens are a bit trickier to cure with homemade remedies. Your best bet may be to trade in your broken device and purchase a certified pre-owned phone at Gazelle.com

The post How to Keep Your Smartphone Safe, Away from Water and Damage Free this Summer Taran Loper appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

In 2013, 1.4 million smartphones were lost and never found, and another 3 million were stolen, according to Consumer Reports. The hassle of losing your primary source of communication with the outside world is rough. But there’s a bigger problem with losing track of your smartphone: The increased use of mobile banking and storage of personal information on our phones makes them an attractive reward for smartphone thieves.

Fear of losing one’s phone is so gut-wrenching that 68 percent of Americans would put their personal safety at risk in order to retrieve their phones and the data they hold, according to a report released last year by mobile computer security firm Lookout.

That may not be the best idea. Instead, follow these three steps:

1. Tap Your Tech Tools

Get to another device and log onto Apple’s Find My iPhone or Google’s Android Device Manager as soon as your smartphone goes missing. (You’ll need to have the apps downloaded on your lost phone as well.) Android users can also use Google.com to find an Android device.

These apps let you lock the phone remotely and write a home screen message providing your contact info for any good Samaritan who might find the device. They also let you ring the phone, even if it’s on silent mode. (Note: These tips only work while the phone is turned on and has a battery charge.)

If you have no luck finding your phone, you can use these apps to remotely wipe all of your data. You might want to still change your password on important accounts just to be safe. 

2. Report the Loss

Once you’ve given up hope of finding your smartphone, or if you’re fairly certain it’s been stolen, report it to the police. You can make the report over the phone in most cases. Unfortunately, they won’t prioritize finding the thief (or the phone), but they’ll take down the serial number in case they come across it in the midst of another investigation.

Then call your wireless provider, who will suspend service and make sure you’re not charged for calls and data used by someone else. If it’s a company-owned phone, you’ll have to report the loss to your IT department as well.

3. Find a Replacement

Since smartphones never seem to disappear when you’re due for an upgrade, you may be looking for a low-cost option to hold you over until you can get a new phone. Going with a certified pre-owned device will earn you a significant discount, even on the latest phones.

Image courtesy of WeHeartIt

The post These are the First Steps to Take When Your Smartphone Goes Missing Beth Braverman appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

Updating your iPhone to the most recent version of iOS will ensure that your battery is being used most efficiently by hardware and software. Here are some other tips that will improve both battery life and lifespan so your iPhone will last for years to come.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

An iPhone’s battery is designed to perform ideally between 62°–72° F (16°–22° C). You can maximize phone battery by keeping your phone within the ideal temperature range and avoiding extreme temperatures.

In fact, exposing a battery to a temperature over 95° F (35° C) or charging an iPhone in high temperatures can cause permanent damage. On the colder end of the spectrum, battery performance is only temporarily hampered and should return to normal when the phone warms up.

Adjust Screen Brightness

When your phone has to emit more light, it will draw more power from the battery. Dimming your screen’s brightness or setting your phone to automatically adjust its brightness based on your surroundings will allow you to extend your phone’s battery life.

• To set your dimness, simply swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone screen to open the Control Center and then drag the brightness slider down accordingly.
• To turn on Auto-Brightness, open your phone Settings, select “Display and Brightness” and turn on the “Auto-Brightness” option.

Use Wi-Fi

When accessing data on your iPhone, Wi-Fi always consumes less battery power than your cell phone’s data network. Additionally, Wi-Fi connections are often faster and more reliable than a typical 4G network, although this can vary depending on how many users are sharing the connection.

The two ways that you can turn on Wi-Fi and maximize phone battery are:

• Swipe up on your screen to open up the Control Center, then tap on Wi-Fi, and select your desired Wi-Fi network.
• Open up Settings, select Wi-Fi and connect to your preferred Wi-Fi network.

Kill Idle Apps

Running multiple apps simultaneously is one of the biggest consumers of battery life. There are a couple of ways to go about closing down active and inactive apps.

• Double-tap the home button on your phone. This should bring up a carousel that shows all currently running app processes. Swipe up to close any app you don’t need running in the background.
• Restart your phone. This will close all unnecessary apps and ensure that you’re getting the best battery life possible.

Visit a Certified Repair Shop

In the event that your battery is simply no longer holding a charge, you can visit or send your phone out to a certified phone repair shop. Here, the technician will diagnose any issues with your phone. It is not recommended that you attempt to replace your own battery, as this is a labor-intensive and precise maneuver. If you follow the above measures to increase your battery life and lifespan, though, it’s unlikely that you will have to resort to this measure any time soon.

Extending your phone’s battery life and lifespan isn’t difficult. These days, we all depend upon our phones for essential daily needs like communication and navigation. With these tricks in tow, you should be able to carry your phone on you all day long without worrying about hitting those dreaded single-digit battery percentages.

What tips do you use to maximize your iPhone battery?

Image courtesy of Flickr

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The post How to Maximize Phone Battery on the iPhone Ian C. Paul appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

From iPhone . . .

. . . To iPhone: Apple’s iCloud makes switching between Apple devices nearly effortless. Go to “Settings,” “iCloud,” and select all of the options you would like to sync. It can back up nearly everything to the cloud, even your Safari browsing history, Notes, and passwords stored in Keychain. When you get a new iPhone or other Apple device, linking it to your Apple ID will automatically prompt it to download all of your information to the new device.

. . . To Android: The easiest way to do this will be through a Google account, which you’re going to want to use with the Android OS anyway. Set up a Google account online by visiting Gmail. Next go to your old iPhone’s “Settings,” then “Mail, Contacts, Calendars,” and select “Add Account.” Add your Google account, then select the options that you want to transfer to your Android device.

Open your new Android device and log in to your Google account—the rest will be done for you automatically. If you skipped setting up a Google account before using your Android, you can still sync everything; just add your account manually under “Accounts & Sync.”

From Android . . .

If your old device is an Android, Google is likely already storing data in the cloud for you. Under “Settings,” go to “Accounts & Sync” and click “Google.” Select each item you would like to sync from the list, like “Contacts” and “Calendar.” Select “Sync Now” and your information will be stored securely and linked to your Google account.

. . . To Android: Start your new Android and input your Google account information—you’re done.

. . . To iPhone: On your new iPhone, go to “Settings,” “Mail, Contacts, Calendars,” and select “Add Account.” Add your Google account, then select all the options you would like to sync from the cloud.

Switching between any combination of devices is made easy by storing data in the cloud. For more information, check out our previous article on syncing contacts to a new Android device.

Have you made the switch between Apple and Android devices? How did the cloud work for you?

Image courtesy of Flickr

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The post Storing Data in the Cloud Makes Switching Devices Simple Ryan Dwyer appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

After countless instances of pulling my phone away from my face to find a thin layer of my makeup on my phone, or a sweaty cheek print after leaving the gym, I decided that maybe my phone isn’t as clean as I thought it might be and decided to look into it.

The Dirty Truth

I’m horrified to tell you that I was correct. Phones are disgusting. I came across a study on The Ministry of Health conducted by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine that tested phones for germs and stated:

“Lab tests of phones have found staphylococci, e-coli and MRSA bacteria, flu viruses, pink-eye and 27- to 42- thousand times the amount of fecal-related bacteria that is allowed in one ½ cup of drinking water.”

What is even scarier is the ease of which these germs transfer to your hands, and inevitably your mouth, eyes, and everywhere else. GROSS. The good news is there are plenty of ways to prevent this bacteria playground from forming and growing.

How-To- DIY Style

What you’ll need: A lint-free microfiber cloth, Q-tips, isopropyl alcohol, and water.

1. Take off your phone cover and screen protector if you have them. There is no cheating in this cleaning game, and these phone accessories should be cleaned too.
2. Dilute the alcohol to roughly 60% water and 40% alcohol.
3. Dampen your cloth with the solution and wipe down your entire phone. For smaller areas dampen a Q-tip and wipe those areas. Do use caution to not overly soak your Q-tip and cloth, or use too much force reaching areas. It could mush water inside the phone and cause irreversible damage to components inside the phone.

Things to keep in mind: Don’t put any liquid directly on your phone. Water damage can and will happen and can be even more of a headache. Window and other glass cleaner contains harsh chemicals that can damage your touch screen, and using a paper towel instead of a lint-free microfiber cloth can scratch the surface.

How-To- Lazy (and poorer) Man’s Way

There are some products out there to make this process a little less painful. Wireless Wipes are pre-packaged, scented, cleaning wipes designed for your phone. At around $3 per pouch it’s not bad.

How-To- The Cream of the Cleaning Crop

For those germaphobes that I have officially terrified to no end, I introduce you to the Phone Soap Charger. This $60 device uses UV-C light to destroy bacteria on your device, while also charging it! It even gets those nasty germs that have become resilient to chemicals and other cleaning methods.

Preventing the Problem

While cleaning your phone is absolutely something you should be doing, there are things you can do to keep germs off your phone from the get-go. Keep your hands clean, wash them frequently. DO NOT bring your phone into a bathroom, or a gym. Try to refrain from sharing your phone with other people. Susie may want to talk on your phone, but she doesn’t want your face germs, I PROMISE.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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The post Cleaning Your Cell Phone: The filthy reality Allison Smith appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.

We wanted to find the truth about rescuing drowned phones, so we gathered nine devices slated for recycling and put popular wisdom to the test. What we learned surprised us, and may have you running to the store after you read this.

NOTE: If you JUST dropped your phone into water, follow the instructions in our “What to do right now if you drop your phone in water” article to give your phone its best shot at survival.

What were we trying to learn about water damage?

1. If your phone gets wet, what is the absolute best way to recover it?

2. Is rice really the best household substance for drying out a drowned phone?

3. What are my chances, doc? Be honest – will I ever make a call again?

What did we do to test this?

To answer these burning questions we conducted several tests, all in the name of science!

• Test 1: We deliberately drowned nine smartphones and then attempted to revive each. (We then appropriately recycled the phones.)
• Test 2: We compared 7 common materials to see which is really the king of all cures for water damage.

Test 1: Drown & Revive

The Experiment

We tested five Samsung Galaxy S IIIs, three iPhone 4s and one iPhone 3GS. Two of the Galaxies went dead the moment they hit the water. The remaining three turned off after a few seconds in the water. The iPhones seemed to do much better. All of the iPhones emerged from the water still running, with no evidence of damage… yet.

We dried the phones as best we could using paper towels. We removed batteries and parts (when we could), and shook the phones to get as much water out as possible. Then, we placed the phones in drying agents such as rice and silica gel for the weekend.

On Monday, were excited to get to work (seriously!) to see if any of the phones had survived. To our surprise, the iPhones faired the poorest despite continuing to run so well underwater. Only one of the iPhone 4s worked and it showed significant water damage under the screen. The other two iPhone 4s and the iPhone 3GS were completely unresponsive.

Given their spectacular failures in the dunk test, we expected the Galaxy S III smartphones to be a lost cause. We were flabbergasted when every single one started right up without any sign of water damage.

Where does the water go inside the phone?

Before the test, we placed water-contact indicators inside the phones to see how far the water got into each phone. When we opened them up to see the results, the Galaxy smartphones surprised us again. Every water sensor had been completely exposed, so the phones had been entirely flooded, but had dried out and recovered.

The iPhone 4 smartphones were a different story in water. The two dead phones weren’t even dry when we opened them up. It appeared that water had been trapped around and under the battery and under various pieces of electronic shielding.

The iPhone 3GS was the only phone that wasn’t completely flooded. The water sensors near the top of the phone (close to the earpiece) were still bright white when we opened it up. But it was dead nonetheless.

Close inspection of the dead iPhone 4s revealed corrosion around the battery connector and swelling of the battery. A replacement battery fixed one of the dead iPhone 4s. The second dead iPhone 4 was at least able to sync once it got a new battery, but never fully revived.

So, does the iPhone or the Samsung Galaxy have better water resistance?

We were impressed by the resiliency of the Galaxy smartphones. The removable battery probably contributed to the improved drying process and higher survival rate. It is also possible that the relatively open design of the phone’s housing allowed water to escape and/or evaporate more readily.

The iPhones were a disappointment in water. The lack of a removable battery is a minor annoyance under most circumstances, but in this case it proved to be the primary point of failure for two of the iPhone 4s. The compact nature of the iPhone may also have inhibited draining.

Test 2: Is the rice trick king?

The Experiment

We wanted to see if rice is really all it’s cracked up to be. We tested six common household materials to see which could absorb the most water from a wet sponge in 24 hours:

• Cat litter
• Couscous (pearl)
• Classic rolled oatmeal
• Instant oatmeal
• Instant rice
• Silica gel (crystal kitty litter)
• Uncooked rice

Rice is most definitely not king

Dry, uncooked conventional rice was the worst of the seven options we tested. It absorbed the least water in 24 hours, losing out to silica gel, cat litter, couscous, instant oatmeal, classic oatmeal and instant rice.

More importantly, the sponge that we left in open air performed far better than any of the drying agents. It’s possible that the absorbent materials could have matched open air if we’d used a lot more. But it seems that leaving your phone on a shelf may be the best option.

So, what can increase the chances that my phone will survive water?

We recommend focusing on shaking, blowing, or vacuuming as much water out of the phone as you can before trying to dry out your device. You should only rely on drying agents such as silica gel or rice to absorb the last few drops of residual moisture.

If you absolutely must save your phone or data, your best bet is probably to open the phone up as soon as possible and leave it in front of a fan. Most phones can be opened with a Philips screwdriver, but the iPhone requires a specialized “pentalobe” screwdriver, which can be purchased on eBay or from iFixit.com. Don’t worry about voiding your warranty by opening the device– it ended the moment water entered your phone and tripped the water damage indicator.

Once you’ve gotten as much water as possible out, silica gel or instant rice may be helpful, but only if you use a large quantity. We’d suggest at least 4 cups, and a container that’s at least 1-2 quarts. Don’t waste your time with conventional white rice. And if you don’t have silica gel or instant rice, don’t worry. Leaving your phone in open air, (perhaps with a fan for better air circulation) works just as well.

If you’ve drowned your phone and there’s no getting it back, head on over to Gazelle’s Certified pre-owned site for a replacement smartphone. Your drowned device is probably still worth some good money, so trade that wet phone in and you can use the cash to help purchase or rent a new phone (or a waterproof case).

Want to know more? Download our technical write up for all the technical details you can stand. We know you miss your science lab report book from middle school and… science!

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The post Gazelle’s Guide to Water Damage: The Truth About Rice, the Galaxy and Everything Scott S. Lyman appeared first on Gazelle The Horn.