When you click on the Google Play store, your options for phone apps are endless. There’s an app for tracking health, talking with friends, investing money, and much more. There are so many apps that your phone is likely cluttered with them.

Keeping your Android phone apps organized can help you use your phone in a functional manner; plus, you won’t lose anything or forget where you put things on your phone. Consider using the following advice to organize your phone.

Delete Unwanted and Unused Apps

Organizing can be difficult when you have multiple apps that you no longer use. The more apps you download and forget about, the more disorganized everything will become. For instance, you might need the Southwest Airlines app to check in for your flight, but if you’re not planning on using the app again for several months, what’s the point of keeping it? Delete any unwanted and unused apps before organizing anything.

Manually Rearrange Your Apps

Before we get into the more technical ways to organize your used Samsung phone or new smartphone, you can always manually rearrange your apps on the home page. Plus, you can have several pages so that each page can house different types of apps. To move an app, touch and hold on to the icon and move it to its new location. This is a quick way to organize when you don’t have time for the advice below.

Separate Apps in Folders

When you have a lot of apps on your phone, manually rearranging them on several home screens can still become cluttered. Separating your apps into folders is the best way to clean this up. For example, you might create a “social media” folder and drop all your apps, like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, etc., into it. This minimizes the number of icons on your homepage.

Create App Shortcuts

A fun way to keep your phone apps organized on an Android is through shortcuts. This makes performing tasks within a specific app much easier and quicker. An app shortcut is a particular action that users can click on to start a common function within that app. For example, you can create shortcuts for your messages app. Set a shortcut to directly message your significant other without opening the app, finding their name, and typing out your message.

Apply Widgets

Lastly, you can also organize apps through widgets. Essentially, widgets provide a mini version of the app anywhere on your homepage. This works for apps you check on often but don’t necessarily use. Typically, Android users use widgets for their weather, stock market monitoring, calendars, etc.

As you can see, there are several ways to organize the apps on your phone. Combine a few of the above examples to personalize the homepage on your Android. Consider a weather widget, email shortcuts, and separate folders for similar apps. How do you organize the apps on your phone?

Every year, Apple updates its operating system to fix bugs and add new features for users. Over the years, these updates have brought loyal customers many new features, such as emojis, facial recognition passwords, and more. The most recent update from Apple has been the largest, providing customers with a magnitude of new features and elements. Here are the most interesting updates made for iOS 16.

Customizable Lock Screens

One of Apple’s biggest changes with its new operating system is customizable lock screens. Many of these changes were made so users could personalize their devices. With this update, you can choose more than one photo to shuffle through the lock screen, change the style and font of the date and time, add widgets, and create multiple different locks screens to choose from.

Focus Schedules

Focus mode was initially introduced during the iOS 15 update, but Apple has enhanced the feature for more functionality. Now, you can make focus schedules. You can preset times of day for focus mode to turn on automatically. Using a focus schedule, you can set boundaries by blocking specific apps and hiding information to minimize distractions.

Editing iMessages

Have you ever accidentally sent a text message to the wrong person? Or maybe misspelled a word or forgot to add a thought to a text? One of the most interesting updates made for iOS 16 is the ability to edit your iMessages. For example, if you send a text that says, “Do you want to go our tonight?” you can edit the text to fix the spelling error to “out” without double texting the person. You can even unsend messages if the person you’re sending them to also has iOS 16.

Shared iCloud Photo Library

iCloud isn’t new to iPhones, but sharing capabilities are! When you go on a vacation with your friends and want everyone to have access to the photos from the trip, you can create a shared iCloud photo library. You can share with up to five people, and everyone has equal permission to access the photos, edit, favorite, and save them.

Upgrade to Driving Route Maps

One of the most frustrating things about the map app on your iPhone is that it can only show you directions to a single destination. Meaning you couldn’t input extra stops into your route. With the iOS 16 update, you can now add multiple stops to your trip, see how much a transit fare will cost, and add transit cards to your Apple wallet. Now if you need to get gas quickly on your five-hour road trip, you can easily add a stop to your map without deleting your entire route.

It’s important to note that the iOS 16 update is not compatible with older versions of the iPhone. So, if you buy a used iPhone, it must between the iPhone SE (2nd generation or later) to the most recent iPhone, the iPhone 14. Take advantage of this update and purchase a compatible device from Wamatek!

In today’s society, you’re likely going to have a harder time finding someone who doesn’t own a smartphone than those who do. It’s mind-blowing to think we didn’t have this version of cell phones a mere 15 years ago. Now we can’t go a day without using them!

Smartphones are much more than just a device to call and text friends. There are plenty of essential accessories you need for your smartphone in 2023. You can find your next accessory in this guide!

Why Should You Accessorize Your Smartphone?

Anyone you know who has a smartphone likely has accessories for the device. Most individuals at least use a phone case and screen protector to keep the device safe from damage. However, there are tons of other accessories in the market that you could use. You would be missing out on expanding the capabilities of your smartphone if you didn’t consider using these accessories.

If you have no clue what accessories you could benefit from, we have the ultimate list for you! You might have heard of some of them before, and some might be new to you. Take a look at how you can enhance the experience of using your smartphone with accessories.

Armband Holder

Do you love to go jogging in the morning? Maybe you enjoy a peaceful hike through nature while listening to a podcast. Either way, an armband holder is a perfect accessory for someone who can’t sit still. Running, walking, or hiking with your phone can weigh down your pockets. Slipping the phone in this holder and wrapping it around your arm gives you a hands-free experience while you enjoy your music, podcasts, or audiobooks.

Wireless Headphones

Something that pairs well with the armband holder is wireless headphones. Most armband holders have a hole for wired headphones, but that can become annoying when a cord constantly swings in your face while running down a trail. Wireless headphones make the hands-free experience that much better.

Plus, you could wear these headphones anywhere. You almost can’t go to the store or a public space today without seeing someone with one wireless headphone in. Listen to podcasts while you’re strolling through the aisles at the store, or listen to your favorite audiobook while sipping on a latte in a coffee shop.

Waterproof Phone Pouch

Do you spend a lot of time in the water? Are you going on a kayaking trip? Waterproof phone pouches are essential when you live an aquatic life. Most smartphone designs these days have some water-resistant properties, but that doesn’t mean your device is 100 percent waterproof. Throw your phone in a waterproof phone pouch to give you peace of mind that it’s safe and secure.

Most of these pouches are transparent, so you can still use your phone while it’s inside. You could even take underwater videos or pictures with the pouch!

Phone Grips

When it comes to phone grips, you either love them or hate them. Fair warning, though, once you start using a grip to handle your device, it won’t feel right in your hand after taking it off. Essentially, once you start using one, you likely won’t go back.

There are several different types of phone grips you can use. The popular option is the little plastic circle that pops up and fits between your fingers, but you could use a hand loop or a ring that pops up too. We recommend the plastic circle version because it also acts as a stand for your phone. Pop out the grip, flip your device horizontally, and enjoy a full-screen video that’s easy to see.

Adhesive Wallets

Another essential accessory you need for your smartphone in 2023 is an adhesive wallet! This goes hand in hand with the phone grip because you can use them together. Some companies who manufacture these products even integrate the two accessories.

Wallets or small sleeves with card holders that you can adhere to the back of your phone case frequently come in handy throughout the day. With one, you don’t need to lug around an extra wallet or purse because all your ATM cards, money, and insurance cards are right in the back of your phone!

Clip-On Lenses

Are you the photographer of your friend group? While most smartphones today have multiple camera lenses, there are still plenty of lenses your device does not have. Clip-on lenses are an incredible invention because all you need to do is simply clip the accessory over your phone’s camera.

Some might want to play around with an ultra-wide lens to achieve the fisheye effect. Others might want to develop their craft for photography or videography by purchasing a clip-on telephoto, macro, or wide lens. You can achieve anything with the many different lenses on the market.

Tripods and Stands

To continue the theme of photography and videography, you might also appreciate a tripod specifically made for smartphones. A seasoned photographer knows they need a tripod on some occasions to stabilize the phone. Plus, depending on the tripod you purchase, they can come with a ring light to improve the lighting in your shots too!

Smartwatches

While some people still wear traditional wristwatches, many have switched over to smartwatches. Smartwatches can help the user track fitness levels and sleep patterns, respond to texts, answer calls, and much more. Plus, smartwatches are customizable through straps, so you can accessorize this accessory too!

Pro-Tip: Don’t choose a smartwatch and assume it’s compatible with your device. For example, iPhones are incompatible with devices that aren’t Apple products. Ensure you find a suitable smartwatch for your smartphone.

Wireless Charging Pad

We’ve all been in the position where we’re fumbling around with the charging cable in a dark room, trying to connect our phones while also being half-asleep. It’s so frustrating that you give up on charging your device for the night, or you have to get out of bed to turn the light on to see. With a wireless charging pad, the frustration goes away because you can simply set your phone on the pad, and it’ll automatically charge!

Again, the charging pad you purchase must be compatible with your device, or you can’t use it. It’s also important to note that some phone cases and grips can get in the way of charging, so be mindful of this. You may need to take your phone case off to properly charge your phone on a wireless pad.

Wamatek offers certified pre-owned devices to our customers that are affordable alternatives to the devices you can purchase from carriers. Don’t forget to accessorize the device you’re buying from us to enhance the functionality! Which accessories do you already own, and which are you considering buying?

9 Essential Accessories You Need for Your Smartphone in 2023

An unlocked phone does not have pre-downloaded software that links it to a specific carrier or provider. Many cell phone users are discovering that purchasing this type of smartphone provides freedom and convenience. There are many benefits of having an unlocked phone. Don’t ignore this option next time you’re looking for a new device!

More Options To Choose From

Working with a specific carrier can be limiting to customers because they can only choose the smartphones available through that provider. A smartphone that has been unlocked can work on any GSM (Global System of Mobiles) network. Therefore, you have more options to choose the mobile device of your preference as long as your carrier works on a GSM network.

Switch Carriers and Keep Your Phone

If you want to switch to a plan through a different carrier, you typically need to purchase a new phone from them. However, if you have an unlocked smartphone, you can continue using the device even if you switch to another provider or carrier. If you want to be picky about your mobile data plan, you don’t have to worry about compatibility with your device!

Easily Sell Old Devices

Do you like to sell your old smartphones before purchasing a new version? When your device is linked through a specific carrier, the number of people who can potentially buy your old smartphone drastically decreases. However, an unlocked smartphone can be sold to just about anyone, making it easy and simple to make money from your devices that are no longer in use.

Save Money

We all know an iPhone user who purchases a brand-new version of the phone every year it comes out. This isn’t sustainable on your wallet, especially if you’re only using the phone for one year. Purchasing an unlocked device is more affordable. You may not find the newer phone models available in an unlocked version right away, but if you’re patient, you can find recent models for a fraction of the original price.

Enjoy Dual SIM Functionality

Unlocked phones have the benefit of being able to use more than one SIM card. In other words, you could use your phone on two separate providers/carriers simultaneously. Users of unlocked smartphones use the dual SIM function to make their phones accessible outside the United States. For example, let’s say you’re traveling to Europe for vacation. Once you’re at your destination, purchase a local SIM card, and pop it into your device. Now you have an affordable international travel phone plan!

Did you know that purchasing an unlocked smartphone was an option for you? Next time you’re looking for a new cell phone, consider buying an unlocked version! Wamatek has a variety of phones for sale; find your next device through us!

iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 14: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Every year, Apple users patiently await the exciting announcement of the new iPhone. There is something special about discovering which new features the tech giant has in store for its loyal customers. In this brief overview, we review the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 to determine if an upgrade is worth your time and money. Take a look at what changes were made to features, what remains the same, and whether or not you should upgrade your device.

Network Connectivity

When you’re looking for an iPhone that works on 5G coverage, both the iPhone 13 and 14 have you covered. However, there is a slight difference in how you connect to this network on each smartphone. Typically, all phones have a tiny slot where you place a SIM card so that the phone works on the network your carrier provides. The iPhone 13 uses this technology. However, the iPhone 14 does not have this slot; it relies on the new eSIM technology, so you won’t need a physical card.

Camera Performance

Apple has made improvements to both the front- and rear-facing cameras after the iPhone 13. While both phones have excellent cameras, the iPhone 14 has new technology that provide better mid- to low-light performance. For the very first time, the front-facing camera on the latest Apple phone offers auto-focus in low-light settings. The iPhone 14 outperforms the iPhone 13 in both still photography and videography.

Device Colors

Surprisingly, the iPhone 13 has more colors available to users than the iPhone 14. The newest version of the iPhone only has five colors, while the iPhone 13 has six. The colors midnight and starlight are the only two available in both models.

The iPhone 13 offers blue, pink, green, red, midnight, and starlight. The iPhone 14 offers blue, red, and purple on top of the two other colors. The blue and red in both models are not the same; they fluctuate in opacity and vibrancy. Both models still use the ceramic shield front and an aluminum body.

What Remains the Same?

This is likely the smallest upgrade in Apple history because many of the features across both versions of the iPhone are identical. The dimensions of both phones are very similar, with the iPhone 14 being slightly lighter yet thicker. The overall performance difference between these smartphones is not noticeable to the user and won’t significantly affect the daily performance or usability. The display, battery, and storage all remain the same in both iPhones.

Is It Worth Upgrading to an iPhone 14?

If you’re looking at this upgrade from a logistics standpoint, it’s not worth it unless you prefer better camera performance and using the new eSIM card system. You’re better off purchasing a preowned iPhone if you prefer an upgrade because it can help save you some money. However, the iPhone 13 is just as impressive and functional as the iPhone 14, so the choice is up to you.

Now that you know more about the differences between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14, is it worth the upgrade for you? While it is up to your preferences, know that the iPhone 13 is almost identical to the upgrade.

Each year, new technology trends emerge. For example, foldable screens were all anybody could talk about regarding smartphones in previous years. But what smartphone trends should you watch for in 2023? If you want to upgrade your phone this year, consider purchasing a device with the current trends in focus.

Mobile Payments

In recent years, paying for your purchases via a mobile device has become quite popular. With Cash App, Venmo, Apple Wallet, Google Pay, and many other apps, paying for store items becomes much less complicated and more secure. Having your debit and credit cards linked to your mobile device is convenient, so you don’t have to carry extra cash. And if you accidentally forget your wallet at home—no worries—many stores and websites now allow you to use mobile payments!

5G Coverage

More and more major cities across the globe are adopting the 5G coverage network. In comparison with its 4G LTE counterpart, 5G has far less latency and far more speed. Many individuals looking into upgrading their devices are also looking for carriers that work on the 5G network, so they can take advantage of the technology. This coverage is by far the best any smartphone users have available, so it’s not hard to understand why it’s so popular.

A Smarter Home

When you search “smart home devices,” many electronics pop up. You can find anything from security cameras to thermostats. Because making your home smarter is a trend, many people want a smartphone that is compatible with these devices.

For example, you could use your phone to set the thermostat before you get home from work or turn off the living room lights if you’re already lying in bed. Many of Wamatek’s pre-owned electronics are compatible with smart devices or have an app to simplify using your phone and smart devices together.

Virtual and Augmented Reality

In the last year, augmented and virtual reality has become popular. However, virtual reality isn’t just for video games; you can do many other things with this technology. Many apps you can download on your smartphone use this technology to help users with various things.

For instance, you might use an app to decide whether a new furniture piece will match your living room decor. This app will place an augmented reality picture of the furniture item in your living room, so you can see what it would look like in your home!

Safety and Security

Do you think of your smartphone as an extension of your being? You should because it holds vital information, photos, and data. Protecting your privacy with a secure device is paramount for smartphone users. Because of this, manufacturers and tech giants are working to better security updates and safety measures to enhance user experience and satisfaction.

There are plenty of smartphone trends to watch for in 2023. These trends can help shape what each tech manufacturer decides to do with their upcoming electronics. If you’re purchasing a new smartphone this year, will you look for any of these trends?

There are several different smartphones on the market. Each phone, however, is different; you can fully customize some, whereas others are less lenient on what you can change. Android phones have interesting features you can customize. Tailor your Android device to better fit your needs, personality, and preferences by installing new apps, wallpapers, keyboards, and more.

Dark or Light Mode

Your new Android phone will probably automatically be in light mode. This means the interface of your Android is a white screen. For example, when you open your mail app, the screen will be white with black text. This can cause eye strain because the screen is very bright, making it difficult to see.

Many individuals prefer dark mode. This exchanges the white background for a black one. It’s easier on your eyes, and you won’t have to squint to see the screen. However, it’s important to note that this won’t change every app on your phone to the dark theme; you will need to do this manually for some apps, like Facebook or other social media apps.

To switch to the dark theme, navigate to your device’s settings app. Now select “Accessibility” to open the screen with the appropriate setting. Under “Color and motion,” turn on the dark theme. Remember, if you don’t like the look of this, you can always change it back.

Exchange Your Default Apps

When you go to play a song on your Android, what app does it think you want the music to play from? When you open a link in an email, what app does your phone open the browser on? If you don’t like what your phone pre-selects for you, change it in the settings!

Exchanging your default apps for the ones of your choice can help you tailor your phone to suit your needs better. To change your default apps, navigate to your device’s settings. Open “Apps and notifications,” then tap “Advanced.” Once you’re on the correct page, choose “Default apps” to begin customizing which app opens for music, web browsers, and more.

Change Your Wallpaper and Lock Screen

One of the first things many people do when they buy a new smartphone is change the wallpaper on the home and lock screen. You will be staring at this photo every time you pick up your device, so you might as well choose something you love to look at. This setting is not permanent, so feel free to change it as often as you like.

You could even download an app from the app store that allows you to create your own custom wallpaper themes or download photos with motion graphics. Have fun with your wallpapers by long-pressing any blank space on your home screen. Select “Styles and wallpapers” after it pops up on the screen; tap “Wallpapers” and then “Change wallpapers” to choose a photo for your home or lock screen. After you select an image, you can set the wallpaper, and it should appear as your new background!

Install Widgets

A widget is a mini, easy-to-use version of an app. For example, you might install a weather widget on your home screen that displays the temperature and weather conditions for your current time. Simply look at the widget on your home screen without opening the weather app.

Widgets are fun ways to personalize your phone to your preferences. Other widgets you might add include your calendar, sports scores, alarms, notes, fitness trackers, and more. Most of these widgets come in various sizes, so you can rearrange them on your home screen until you’re happy with the layout.

Long-press on a blank space within the home screen again. This will bring up “Widgets.” Click on this. Once you’re in the widget gallery, you can pick and choose which ones you want to appear on your device’s home screen. Your Android should have pre-selected widgets, but the multiple apps you download could also come with a widget too.

Swap Out Your Keyboard

While the default keyboard on your Android phone is perfectly fine, some people might want to personalize it more or choose a bigger one so it’s more accessible. Your phone won’t have another keyboard you can use (other than the emoji keyboard), so you must download one from the Google Play store.

The app store has many different keyboards you can download, depending on your preference. After downloading your chosen keyboard, head over to your device’s settings. From here, select “System” and “Language & input.” Tap “On-screen keyboard,” toggle off the default keyboard, and re-select the one you downloaded. Once you’re done, tap “OK.”

Install a New Launcher

A launcher app can completely change the way you use your phone. This can change everything on your home screen, from gesture controls to color schemes. Clean up the interface on your Android with launcher apps.

Most of the launcher apps on the Google Play store are free but may come with in-app purchases. Browse through them in the store to find one that fits your needs and personality. Typically, when you download these launchers from the app store, they will come with instructions on how to integrate them into your phone’s home screen. Follow those instructions to ensure you do it correctly.

Customize Your Icons

One last interesting feature you can customize on your Android phone is the app icons. Who knew you could change the icon for your favorite app? Instead of the distinctive logo for your email app, you can exchange the graphic and colors of the icon by downloading an app from the app store.

Before you download a bunch of random apps, you must ensure they’re compatible with the launcher we mentioned above, or you won’t be able to change your icons. Many users choose app icons that match their home screen theme.

Don’t forget; when you buy a refurbished Samsung phone or a new Android, you may want to transfer your data and settings over from the old device before customizing your features. This ensures you have all your information before altering the settings on your phone.

Don’t leave your Android smartphone in its default mode. Use this list of suggestions to tailor your device to fit your needs and style! What will you change first?

7 Interesting Features You Can Customize on an Android Phone

How often do you use your cell phone? How many places do you bring it with you? We encounter many kinds of germs and bacteria throughout the day, and our devices can house many of these germs. Thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing your phone is an essential practice to adopt into your routine. Keep reading to learn why cleaning your smartphone is necessary, the best way to clean the device, what you shouldn’t do, and much more.

Why Clean Your Smartphone?

Your smartphone is a “high-touch item,” meaning you touch it multiple times a day. This also includes other people handling your phone and resting it on various surfaces. Because of this, many bacteria can find their way onto it, which could harm your health. When you’re constantly touching your phone, ensuring you’re disinfecting the device is beneficial to your health and the longevity of your phone too.

How Dirty Are Our Cell Phones?

Studies have shown that our phones harbor ten times as much bacteria as our toilet seat. When you really think about this, it paints a not-so-pretty picture of the number of bacteria we could encounter daily.

Most bacteria come from our hands because we touch multiple things throughout the day while also handling our smartphones. However, it doesn’t stop there. You could also give your phone to other people, whether they’re adding their phone number or showing you a funny meme. This can then introduce their germs and bacteria to your device too.

Can Your Phone Get You Sick?

Most of the organisms on your devices aren’t pathogens that could make you sick. Albeit, some of the bacteria could pose risks, such as streptococcus, E. coli, MRSA, influenza, strep throat, etc. So, if you hand your phone to someone who carries these pathogens or viruses, you’re now at risk of contracting them due to your dirty cell phone.

The Best Way To Clean Your Smartphones

Technology and liquid don’t mix well together, so how do you thoroughly clean and sanitize your phone? It’s actually a simple process that requires minimal effort or supplies. Still, it’s best to double-check with your phone’s manufacturer to ensure you’re not using a cleaner they don’t recommend.

In general, the main ingredient or supply you’ll need to properly clean your smartphone is isopropyl alcohol. This isopropyl alcohol must have a 70 percent concentration because that’s high enough to kill the bacteria and germs on your phone’s surface.

Pro-Tip: You could always purchase anti-bacterial wipes that are easy to discard afterward. Many stores also sell wipes specific to electronics that you could get.

The first step in disinfecting your phone is to turn off the device and ensure it isn’t plugged in. You shouldn’t handle a clean device with dirty hands, so wash and scrub them for 20 seconds with soap and water before wiping down your phone. Take the isopropyl alcohol and a clean microfiber towel, then begin wiping the surface of the device, including the screen.

Never get alcohol or liquid in any of the ports or speakers on the phone. Never spray your anti-bacterial ingredient directly onto your phone. Always spray the alcohol onto a cloth or towel first. Lastly, allow the device to dry for a few seconds before handling it again.

Don’t Forget the Accessories and Phone Cases!

Your smartphone is likely in a phone case, which also touches other things frequently throughout the day. Therefore, it’s essential to sanitize this item as well. Furthermore, you’re probably also using headphones and other accessories with your devices that harbor germs and bacteria.

You can clean all your accessories the same way you clean your smartphone—with an anti-bacterial wipe or 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. However, because you can remove your phone case, it might be best to soak it in water and use soap to clean the surface. Remember, you should only do this if the phone case has a hard shell to avoid ruining a softer material.

How Often Should You Sanitize Your Phone?

Typically, health experts and manufacturers agree that you should disinfect the electronics you frequently use, such as a smartphone, about once daily. This removes any new bacteria your device might have accumulated throughout the day. While once a day is a great rule to follow, you can clean your device more than that if you want.

To get into the habit of doing this task, consider how you’ll work it into your routine. You could clean your phone after going out for the day or make a conscious effort to include cleaning your device in your regular nighttime activities. If you’re cleaning your face and brushing your teeth, why not also clean your device while you’re at it?

On a side note, if you purchase a used smartphone, you should clean it as soon as you receive it to ensure it’s ready for you to use.

What You Shouldn’t Do When Cleaning a Device

Do you remember the isopropyl alcohol from before? Don’t go above or below 70 percent. Anything below this won’t kill bacteria, and anything above this could potentially damage the phone’s protective coatings. This means you should also never use liquid bleach because it could damage your phone.

We mentioned this above, but you should never apply the cleaning agent directly on your device. Also, don’t let any liquid seep into the ports on the phone. It should go without saying, but you should also be sure to avoid submerging your phone into a liquid.

Lastly, never use a paper towel or facial tissue to clean your smartphone. This is critical because the fibers and lint on them can actually be abrasive and scratch the surface of your device. Plus, these materials can shred easily, which will leave debris behind. It’s in your best interest to use a lint-free microfiber towel.

When we use our smartphones day in and day out, sanitizing and disinfecting them is essential to their longevity and our health. Now is a great time to get into the habit of cleaning your device once daily. Stock up on the appropriate supplies so that you don’t forget to do this task every night. Do you clean your phone every day? Will you start after reading how important this is?

How To Thoroughly Clean and Sanitize Your Phone

We’ve all experienced the dread of accidentally dropping our phone in the toilet or spilling a glass of juice over it. We must act quickly to prevent any moisture or water damage to our devices. You might have heard of the rice method, but this can actually scratch your phone, or the rice can get stuck in the ports, damaging the hardware. If you find yourself in this situation, consider using our tips for the right way to save your phone if it gets wet.

Immediately Take the Phone Out & Turn It Off

If any liquid spills over your smartphone, remove it from the puddle as quickly as possible. The longer your device stays in the liquid, the higher the chances of damaging the device. You should also power down the phone immediately to prevent it from short-circuiting.

Remove Any Accessories

Your phone should be completely bare before using any techniques for absorbing the water. Any phone cases or accessories on the phone can trap water and further damage it. Remove the accessories after removing the device from the liquid and powering it down.

The Desiccant Method

We all know the tiny little packets that come in consumer packaging that says “Do not eat” or “Keep away from children.” It is in your best interest to save these packets because the material inside is perfect for absorbing moisture and water—more so than rice. Collect these packets or purchase desiccant pouches online until you can fill an entire container. Place your water-logged phone into the container of packets and allow them to do their job.

The Drying Technology Method

New technology also extracts moisture and liquid from your phone using a vacuum chamber and low heat. Technologies such as DryBox or TekDry are great devices you can use for this method! The right way to save your phone if it gets wet is to insert it into the chamber of the device and allow the technology to use pressure from the vacuum and low heat to extract and dry the liquid in your phone.

Power the Phone Back On

After 24 hours in the desiccant packets or however long the manufacturer of the drying technology recommends, take your phone out to ensure it’s completely dry. If you don’t notice any moisture, try powering the phone back on. If it turns on, you’re likely in the clear! If it doesn’t, you may need to retry the drying method, take it to a professional, or purchase a new phone.

If you’re in a pinch and do not have desiccant packets or a drying device on hand, then you could use kitty litter! This method is better than rice because it’s more gentle on your phone. Wamatek knows how important your device is to you and the feeling of dread that comes with water-damaged technology—consider buying and selling your used cell phone to replace your water-logged phone. Try the above methods first, but if all else fails, you can purchase a new phone from us by selling your old electronics.

Nothing will make your stomach drop more than realizing you’re missing your Android smartphone—whether you accidentally left it somewhere or a sneaky thief stole it. But what should you do if you lose your Android phone? All Android devices come with a built-in feature that allows you to locate your phone if you lose it. In this article, you will learn the steps you need to take to track your device.

What Is Find My Device?

Find My Device is a built-in feature on all Androids that allows the owner to track and locate their device if they ever leave it somewhere or lose it. However, in order to take advantage of this app, your phone must be signed into a Google account and have the Find My Device app downloaded. This means you will need to download this specific app if you purchase a used Samsung phone for sale from Wamatek. Additionally, the location, the “store recent location” feature, and the Find My Device app must be on and visible in Google Play. If your phone is turned off or not connected to data/Wi-Fi, you will not be able to locate the device.

Can You Do More Than Tracking?

The Find My Device app is capable of doing much more than just tracking your device. In fact, you can use it to lock your phone or erase its contents even when the device is no longer in your possession. This is a great feature to utilize when you believe someone has stolen your device. You can use this app to block them from unlocking your phone or extracting any critical information.

How To Utilize Find My Device

There are two separate ways you can utilize Find My Device when you lose your Android phone. You can connect with the app on another Android tablet/phone or on an internet browser.

If you want to use another Android device, it must have the Find My Device app downloaded from the Google Play store. After opening the app, you must sign into your Google account. Once you’re logged into your account, you can select which device you need to locate.

The lost phone will then get a notification and appear on the map based on an approximate location or its last known location. From here, you can choose to “Enable lock & erase,” which will ring your phone for five minutes at full volume, secure your device by entering your PIN, or erase the phone’s data, which will disable Find My Device.

To find your Android on an internet browser, navigate to android.com/find. Here, you must enter your Google account information. Then, you can locate, lock, or erase your phone the same way you did on an Android device.

This feature, which is available to all Android users, is a highly valuable tool. If you were unaware of the Find My Device app, now is a great time to ensure it’s downloaded on your phone—you never know when you might need to use this function! You can easily find your Android smartphone whether you accidentally lost it or someone stole it.