The technological world changes so rapidly that it can often be challenging to keep up with all the new gadgets and how to use them.

These days, smartphones are virtually super-computers in our back pockets. While they are immeasurably useful, it can also be difficult for those that aren’t naturally tech-savvy to understand the best ways to use and take care of a phone.

Whether you opt for a brand new release or reconditioned phone, knowing how to get the most out of it will help give you the best experience.

Phones now go far beyond making and receiving calls, but this does not mean using a smartphone has to be a mystery! Our guide walks those new to smartphones through the basics.

What to Look For When Buying a Smartphone

The smartphone you choose to buy will depend on a number of factors, including your budget and what functions are most important to you.

Consider the size of the phone and screen; many new phones are large and some users find it difficult to use them one-handed. On the other hand, a larger phone will mean a larger screen which will suit some better.

Camera quality will also be something to consider. Do you want an ultra-high definition camera with Optical Image Stabilisation and Phase Detection or is something more modest, and potentially less expensive, more appropriate for you?

You may also want to look into storage and processing options. All of this information will be available in the phone’s specifications; a phone’s specs will give you a run-down of everything the device has to offer. You can compare models' specs to see which one matches up with your needs.

Keep an eye out for extra features like fingerprint scanners, facial recognition and Qi wireless charging. Most top phones will have these features, but it is worth making sure.

Getting Started With a Smartphone

Although smartphones run on different operating systems (i.e. iOS or Android) depending on which brand you choose, navigating a smartphone and taking care of one will be much the same no matter which phone you have.

You will be able to access the internet, download applications and take photos as well as doing the basics like sending texts or making calls.

Smartphone Settings

Every phone will have a settings menu where you can access numerous things including details about:

• Wi-Fi connection
• Bluetooth settings
• Passwords
• Accessibility
• Language
• Display controls
• Notifications

Often, the best thing to do upon purchasing a new device is to play around with it and figure out where your setting or controls are and which ones will be relevant to you.

Many modern phones will also have an inbuilt ‘tips and tricks’ application that will give you insight into how to use and get the most out of your specific model.

Prolonging Your Smartphone’s Battery Life

There are plenty of helpful tips and tricks that will help prolong your battery life and ensure you get the best out of your phone when you need it most. These include:

1. Turning down your screen brightness: This can be done through your phone’s settings. Selecting an ‘auto-brightness’ option will help ensure that your screen dims automatically if you are in a dark location and intense screen brightness is unnecessary.
2. Selecting low power mode: Also accessed through settings, the ‘low power’ or ‘battery saving’ mode will reduce background activity and save power until you can charge your phone in full.
3. Enabling auto-lock functions: Turning on auto-lock will lock your phone when it is inactive after varying periods of time. This will ensure that on-screen usage will not run indefinitely and more battery is preserved.

Charging Your Smartphone

Upon receiving a new smartphone, one of the first things you should do is to charge it. Gone are the days of removable batteries encased in the back of your phone; charger ports are located somewhere on the edge of your phone, usually the bottom, and it is here that you will plug the charger into.

Smartphones are not necessarily known for a super-long battery life; continuous use will mean that you have to plug your phone in to charge more frequently.

What and Where is My IMEI Number?

Navigating a phone itself can be easy enough to get the hang of, but when terms like IMEI number get thrown around you can start to feel out of your depth again.

Essentially, an IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity number, is a unique identification on your phone. It is usually 15-digits long and functions to differentiate your device from any other.

As an identification number, the IMEI can be useful if you ever need to contact the manufacturers or providers of your device. If you ever take your phone to be repaired, they will use this number to differentiate it from other individual devices.

If your phone is stolen or lost, the IMEI number can be used to single out your device and blacklist it from networks, essentially making it useless to anyone who tries to use it after it is no longer in your possession.

The IMEI can also come in handy when looking into buying a second-hand phone. As already mentioned, the number indicates which make and model is being sold. You can use the number to ascertain whether the phone you intend to buy comes from a reputable seller by checking whether that number has been reported lost, stolen or blacklisted.

How to Find Your Phone’s IMEI Number

Depending on the brand and model of your phone, the IMEI number can be found in various places.

For most phones, you will be able to find it on the back of your phone, under the battery, or on the phone’s original box. You can also access the number by going to your phone’s settings.

Mobile Phone Security

Often, one of the main concerns for new smartphones users is security. Luckily, there are numerous steps you can take to ensure that you are keeping yourself and your phone as safe as possible.

Here are some of the most important ones to pay attention to when setting up and using a smartphone.

Understanding the Risks

Your phone can become vulnerable for a couple of reasons. It could end up in unwanted hands, through either being lost or stolen. This could mean your data is exposed or lost completely.

Malware can also give hackers access to your phone, meaning they can take control of the handset, generate unwanted charges, intercept or interfere with messages and gain access to sensitive information, such as your bank details.

Password Protection

Now that things like your personal finances can be managed through your phone, smartphone manufacturers understand just how important mobile security is.

Password protection on a phone is by no means a new concept. However, as security becomes a higher priority, phones are being released with increasingly sophisticated technology that ensures only you can get into your phone.

Some phones will have a fingerprint scanner that allows only you and selected trusted people to gain access to your device. Using your fingerprint in place of a password can be helpful for people who are always forgetting them!

In a similar vein, many newer devices will use facial recognition, meaning they will only unlock when you, or other approved people, pick it up. This, and all password options, can be accessed through settings.

If you opt for the more traditional route of using a password, make sure you don’t reveal your code to anyone or enter it too obviously in public. And certainly don’t write any passwords on your phone or its case!

Legitimate Apps

One of the easiest ways to pick up malware on your phone is through corrupt apps. Rogue apps, downloaded from fake app stores, can give hackers access to your phone and personal information.

To avoid falling prey to these kinds of illegitimate apps, be sure to only source your apps from official stores. Even when you think you are downloading a real app, make sure you research it thoroughly and are confident it is as advertised; check reviews and see if other users have had good experiences.

Secure Networks

It is always a good idea to use a secure, trustworthy network when gaining access to the internet. This means being careful when connecting to public Wi-Fi.

Try to stay away from suspicious-looking networks even if they have a decent connection; you never know who could gain access to your data this way!

Using unsecured networks can leave you vulnerable to attacks known as ‘man-in-the-middle’ attacks, whereby hackers intercept your details when you join the corrupt connection.

If you do connect to public Wi-Fi, avoid logging into any online banking accounts; instead, use your 4G connection if accessing your bank details is an absolute necessity.

Caring For Your Phone

Making sure your phone is secure and protected is important, but knowing how to physically take care of it will also help give you the best user experience.

How to Clean a Phone Headphone Jack

Even just a little dirt can interfere with your headphone’s connection; luckily, cleaning the port where you plug headphones in is easy enough.

Using Cotton Swabs

This method should be your go-to, as it merely uses a common household item and a splash of water.

The most important step here is cutting down your cotton swab, as the majority will be too big to fit inside a headphone jack comfortably. You must avoid any of the cotton coming loose and getting stuck in the jack, as that can compound the problem.

When the swab is cut to size, dab a drop of water on the end and insert it into the jack. Then you can swab it around to remove any debris. Follow-up with a dry cotton swab to remove any excess moisture.

How to Clean a Phone Charger Port

If your charger suddenly stops being effective or becomes sporadic in its charging capabilities, it could be that there is dust in the phone’s port. This kind of problem can be easily diagnosed; shine a light into the port to check if there is an abundance of dirt that needs to be removed.

Using Compressed Air

If possible, it is often better not to stick anything into the delicate port in case you end up disrupting something that would be less of an easy fix. This is why using a can of compressed air can be particularly useful.

Before cleaning, switch your phone off to be on the safe side. To clean, point the nozzle on the can of compressed air into the port and spray in light bursts. Shine a light into the port again to check you have dislodged everything.

Using a Toothpick

If you can’t get your hands on some compressed air, a toothpick is a possible alternative. However, you will need to be very careful and gentle to ensure that you don’t poke something out of place!

Like when using compressed air, it is best to switch your phone off before attempting this cleaning method. You can use a toothpick to gently scrape the dirt to loosen it and then shake it out. Avoid using pressure; instead, opt for the lightest of scraping motions.

How to Dry a Wet Phone

So you’ve just got to grips with your new phone, but disaster strikes and your phone is on the brink of a watery grave! Getting your phone wet does not necessarily have to mean the end.

Dismantle Your Phone

Regardless of what drying method you use for your smartphone, the first thing you should do is turn it off and take it apart if you can. No matter what device you have, you should look to remove the sim card.

This is helpful as the more exposed your phone becomes, the better chance it has of drying inside and out. Furthermore, if the device itself can’t be saved, the sim card or battery might, which could be vital if you look to buy an identical replacement.

Using Rice

If you’re not familiar with this method, it can sound odd, but putting a wet phone in a container of dry rice can help draw out the moisture and save your phone. You will usually have to keep your phone in rice for a couple of hours at least; in some cases, it can take up to 72 hours.

Using a Towel and Vacuum

The first part of this process is allowing the excess water to drain out of your device. Once you’re confident that there is no more water leaking from the mobile, wipe it down with a towel.

Instead of using a hairdryer, which can do more harm than good, a vacuum is surprisingly effective at drawing out any remaining drops of water. A small attachment can pull out any remaining water that is still inside.

If you are taking your first foray into the world of smartphones, why not consider choosing a second-hand device? Professionally reconditioned phones will give you the same performance as a brand new model for a reduced price.

Take a look at our extensive range here at Second-Hand Phones to find your next phone!