Your smartphone can slow down for various reasons; the model might be old, the software could be out-of-date, your storage might be full, etc. When your phone is slow, it hinders your regular day-to-day routine and causes frustration. Using our tips for improving speed on your smartphone will increase the quality of the device and help revive it back to a similar speed as when you originally bought the phone.

Restart Your Phone

The most tried and true classic way to increase your smartphone speed is by turning your phone off and back on. Similar to how we need to rest at the end of the day, computers and other smart devices need to reboot themselves at least once a week to keep the system from bogging down your speed. On an important note, this will not give you dramatic results and might not help at all, but it never hurts to try this first before going to extreme measures.

When you restart your phone, don’t power it back on immediately after turning it off. Wait at least a minute before powering it back on. This gives the phone time to shut down and reboot fully.

Remove Unused Apps

Without you realizing, your phone might be cluttered with unused apps. Every single app you’ve used in the past is probably running in the background on your phone, slowing down the system. If you aren’t using the apps anymore or never plan to use them again, simply remove them from the device.

Too many apps take up tons of space in your storage and may be unnecessary to have. Some phone manufacturers have an automatic option to remove apps from your home screen that you haven’t used in a while. This isn’t for every carrier and device, so it is better to go through your apps every once in a while and delete unwanted ones.

Free Up Storage Space

In a way, deleting apps is freeing up storage space, but a lot more goes into a phone’s storage than you may realize. In fact, every task you perform on your phone leaves a trace that builds up in your cache or storage. The traces are left because the app can open much faster with a previous trace, but this slows down the phone tremendously.

Most manufacturers have a way to quickly optimize the storage for you built right into the phone. Go through other things in your phone that could be taking up space like photos, text messages, and music. Otherwise, you can clear your cache on your phone, deleting all the previous traces the phone made after opening apps.

Skip Using Live Wallpapers

Live wallpaper is an excellent feature to have on your phone, but it could actually be doing your phone more harm than good. The wallpaper requires several CPU cycles to run, making your phone work harder to keep its speed. This may not be the most significant factor in slowing down your phone, but sticking to static images for wallpapers and backgrounds will make your phone run faster than if you had those live wallpapers enabled.

Disable Animations and Reduce Motion

A phone has animations to help users navigate through an app and look very eye-appealing. However, these animations require a lot of resources to make them look fluid. After a while, the animations can cause lag or jittery displays. Turning them off could make the device work faster—or at least give you the illusion that everything is faster because you don’t have to wait for animations to complete. It also saves on processing power.

Removing the animations may not natively speed up your phone, but it will give you the perception that the device is working faster than it was before. This may be the trick you need to make your phone run faster—unless you notice that it is still slow.

Use Lite Edition Apps

Not everyone will have the next new and improved smartphone; if you have an older phone or a lower-end phone, apps made for faster software will slow down your phone. App developers create a “lite” version of their apps so they can work better on lower-end and older phones. Because the app storage space is smaller, it will use fewer resources and perform a bit faster.

Update the Latest Software

Occasionally, a manufacturer may release new software versions that fix problems many users of that phone face. If your phone is running on a later version of the software, chances are your phone is also running slow. Particular apps also need to be compatible with the version of software you are using, so larger apps cannot run properly if you fail to update your phone when a new patch is released.

Carriers often take feedback from their customers and use that for their software updates. Once you update your phone, it should be running a bit quicker than before.

Last Resort: Factory Reset

The last tip for improving speed on your smartphone will be your last resort—factory resetting your phone. This is a very extreme way of speeding up your phone but could be necessary to improve the performance. On a side note, factory resetting will delete your data and return the device to its factory settings, so back up any apps, songs, texts, or other personal files on your phone before resetting it.

If none of these options speed up your phone, it may be time for a new one. Wamatek sells unlocked used phones that you can buy to upgrade your old phone. Unfortunately, in some cases, the best thing you can do is to get a newer version of your phone.

Try out all these tips before resorting to a new phone. If all else fails, factory reset your phone to try to get it back to its original settings—just don’t forget to back up your phone first! Phones run slow for various reasons, but you can speed them back up a bit with these tips.

Before deciding on what smartphone you want to try next, get to know the different types of screens smartphones use to help your decision. Buying a brand-new phone sounds luxurious, but Wamatek buys and sells used cell phones, so you can sell us your old phone and shop our site for a more affordable one that still works like new. The phone’s display may be the deciding factor for you; take a look below to get familiar with the different displays that smartphones offer.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

LCD displays use an array of liquid crystals illuminated by a backlight. This screen displays well under direct sunlight, and it’s lower in cost. However, this screen may poorly represent colors.

TFT LCD (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display)

TFT LCD screens produce better image quality and higher resolution. This LCD version works more poorly in sunlight, but it’s on the cheaper end, working great in lower-end smartphones. Larger screens can also use more power, so they might not be as battery friendly.

LPS LCD (In-Place Switching Liquid Crystal Display)

This LCD display has wider viewing angles and consumes far less power than its counterparts. This screen, mostly in high-end smartphones, has superior color representation.

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)

OLED technology features a layer of organic material between two planes of glass. When the user touches the screen, an electric pulse is applied to the two sheets of glass, producing electroluminescent light from the organic material. These displays are much better than LCDs for their color representation, quick responses, and wider viewing angles.

AMOLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode)

AMOLED screens are always off until a touch electrifies an individual pixel, which then emits light. This display consumes less energy when darker colors appear on the screen, yet these colors aren’t not as visible in direct sunlight. This screen is more expensive to manufacturing but superior to the above displays.

Super AMOLED

The most advanced OLED display is the Super AMOLED. The screen has a built-in touch sensor, making it the thinnest display. This version is more responsive to touch and is used by higher-end phone manufacturers.

The different types of screens smartphones use depend on the phones’ quality and the prices the companies have to pay for the screens. Generally, lower-end brands will have lower-quality screens, while brands such as iPhone splurge on better displays—hence why those phones are more expensive. The next time you’re shopping around for a phone, keep in mind the type of screen you might want.

Our electronic devices are an essential part of our lives, but most people forget to add the task of disinfecting them to their cleaning checklist.

Phones, laptops, tablets, MP3 players (if you still have one) are magnets for dirt, bacteria, fingerprint smudges, and other contaminants. In fact, your device might be dirtier than your toilet bowl!

We take our electronics everywhere with us, so it’s essential to clean them regularly. But how can you clean them without causing damage? Let’s look at some of the best ways to safely clean your electronic devices.

Spray Gentle Cleaning Solutions

Most devices are manufactured with a thin, protective coating that reduces fingerprints, improves smoothness, and protects the screens from damage.

If you use abrasive cleaning materials like Clorox or Lysol, the harsh chemicals wear the already-thin layer down, leaving your device susceptible to damage.

When cleaning your phone, try to use a mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water to disinfect and protect your device’s coating.

Use a Minimally Textured Cloth

Try not to spray the natural cleaning solution directly onto the surface when cleaning, as it can seep into the device and cause internal damage. Instead, spritz the solution onto a minimally textured cloth and begin to wipe the device gently. A fabric that has a rough material can potentially scratch your screen.

Apply Compressed Air

Our keyboards tend to see a lot of bacteria, crumbs, and fingerprint smudges. Show them a little love by dumping debris and cleaning them out with compressed air. This can help to get into the tiny areas you can’t reach.

Keep in mind that compressed air is only suggested for keyboards, as a mobile device might be too sensitive for such a harsh cleaning solution.

Don’t Forget the Crevices

Whether you have a pre-owned Samsung or a brand-new Apple iPhone, be sure to clean the crevices out of your device.

While our phones might look clean on the exterior, there might be a plethora of bacteria hiding around the edges, so be sure to use a cotton swab to reach those places!

Try to clean your device at least once a day to reduce the spread of bacteria. Additionally, be sure to unplug your devices and turn them off before you start the process of safely cleaning your electronic devices.

Buying a brand-new phone can be way too expensive, which is why many people choose to hold onto their current phones for as long as they can. But sometimes, they might keep the phone for longer than it can last.

If you’ve noticed certain things but are uncertain whether you should get a new phone, here are some sure-fire signs that it’s time to get rid of your old smartphone.

Battery Declines Faster

Does your battery last until lunchtime and quickly decline soon afterward? This is a major sign it’s time to buy a new smartphone.

It’s fine if your battery does this every so often, but if it happens frequently, there might be an issue. This may occur because the phone no longer has the ability to run at high speeds, so the battery needs to work harder to function.

Most experts recommend avoiding charging your phone overnight because it slowly reduces your battery’s lifespan over time.

Apps Crash Often

If your apps repeatedly crash on you, it might be because the applications are only optimized to work for the “newer” software, rendering them useless on older smartphones.

However, before replacing your phone, try to update your system and test apps from there—you may just need an update!

Reduced Screen Feedback

The whole point of touchscreen smartphones is to enable users to use the screen to operate the phone! If your screen takes longer than a millisecond to register your finger tap, it could be a good sign that you need a new phone.

Phone Randomly Shuts Off

Your phone might randomly power off because it’s experiencing water damage, faulty apps, or perhaps battery issues. It’s possible to stop your phone from turning off unexpectedly by performing a hard reset, but that’s not guaranteed to solve the problem in the long run.

Let’s face it: phones don’t last forever; they’re built to last only a few years so we can upgrade to the newest model. However, that’s why many people purchase certified pre-owned devices to upgrade their phones to a new model and save money simultaneously!

If you’ve noticed any of the above signs that it’s time to get rid of your old smartphone, you may be in the market for a new phone. Wamatek sells pre-loved devices and ensures each one undergoes a rigorous inspection routine to provide the highest quality electronics possible!

Both children and adults spend a bit too much time on their phones today, and it’s quickly becoming an epidemic. Many don’t realize how much our cell phones impact our mental, physical, and emotional health and our relationships and general goals in life.

Unfortunately, children don’t understand the risks behind their cellphone usage, which is why we must discuss the importance of parental controls on smartphones. Let’s explore why parents must make an effort to monitor their children’s activity on their phones.

Keeps Children Safe

Most kids typically use their phones to interact with friends via social media sites like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and more. When a child goes on a website they shouldn’t be on, either intentionally or by accident, parental control technology informs you so you can put the activity to a stop.

Many children and teens may view parental controls as “controlling” or “limiting their fun,” which is why it’s essential to communicate with your child about how parental controls keep them safe.

While you don’t need to disclose everything that parental controls track on their phone, try to be open and honest about establishing good habits.

Track Conversations

Many parental control software allows you to track conversations between your kids and their peers via text, social media, FaceTime, etc. At the same time, this may seem like a breach of privacy; it’s critical to know who your child is interacting with on and offline.

It’s essential to remember that it’s not necessary or recommended to “spy” on your child’s conversations often. This can create an unhealthy habit and build mutual distrust in your relationship with your child.

Understand Their Locations

Parental controls also enable you to track your child’s locations. While analyzing a child’s online presence is debatable amongst many parents, most would agree that GPS tracking is vital to their safety.

Apps such as Life360 is a location-based service that enables families to share their locations. Approximately 27 million people use this app monthly due to the increasing dangers of our communities.

Monitor Websites

The internet can be a wonderful thing. It allows us to do our jobs, homework, and connect with our loved ones. But there’s also a dark side to the web that not many know about and can accidentally stumble on if they’re not careful online.

While adults know about the dark side of the internet, many children are vulnerable to inappropriate content. This is why parental controls allow you to monitor your child’s websites to prevent them from visiting sites they shouldn’t be on.

Prevents Over-Charges

With the overabundance of mobile games offered on app stores, it’s easy for your child to spend money on your card (if it’s linked to their account). Many mobile games require in-app purchases, which means they ask your child to pay money to level up in their favorite game or buy a costume for their avatar.

Parental controls give you the ability to require authentications for all purchases made on your child’s phone. That way, they don’t unknowingly spend more than they realize on video games. This can also be a great time to teach them about financial responsibility and to be aware of their spending.

Prevents Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying has only increased as smartphones become more accessible to children. Although parents and school staff can help minimize bullying in school, it’s more challenging to manage bullying online without the help of parental controls.

Bullying causes many issues in children and teenagers, including:

• Depression
• Low academic achievement
• Sleep issues
• Suicidal thoughts

In fact, 59% of teens in America experience cyberbullying at some point in their lives, which will only increase if parents don’t actively manage their child’s online presence.

Parental controls allow parents to either prevent their child from being a cyberbully or save them from becoming victims.

Helps Establish Healthy Habits

Children are naturally active when away from their phones, video games, and other lazy hobbies. When they spend too much time on their smartphones, they begin to develop unhealthy habits that lead to mental and physical concerns. This is why many parents buy used iPhones for sale to reduce their child’s desire to go on their phones as often as they would with a brand-new device.

Mental/Physical Health

Many adults have self-esteem issues due to spending too much time on social media. Unfortunately, this issue is even worse for children. Too much time on social media can be detrimental to a child’s mind.

Parental controls allow you to limit how much time your child spends on their smartphone, giving them a mental break from the internet. This can also help their physical health as well, as the child may develop other, healthier habits such as:

• Mindful activities (meditation, meals, etc.)
• Creative hobbies (music, art, sports)
• More playtime
• In-person hangouts with family and friends

Stops Them From Over-Sharing

When people go on vacations or hang out with others, it’s fun to take pictures of the entire experience—silly selfies, landscapes, celebrations, etc. While this can be a fun way to remember their time, it’s where the photos go during or after the trip that can potentially be dangerous.

For example, if your child is at the mall with friends, they might take selfies with their friends at that specific mall, which is fine! However, if they post the photo on social media, they let others know where they are, making it easy for someone to find them.

Parental controls help you remain conscious of what they’re posting and on which site, preventing them from over-sharing their personal information. Furthermore, when families go on vacation, it’s essential to remind children not to share that information with others until they return home.

Keep in mind that parental controls are there to help keep your children safe. Be sure to communicate the importance of parental controls on smartphones with your child. If they think you’re monitoring their activity to limit them, they’ll be tempted to rebel. Try to sit your child down and talk about the dangers of the internet and how to be safe.

Just as parents are responsible for managing their children’s behavior offline, they’re also accountable for what they do online.

Are you looking for a new phone but debating purchasing a new or refurbished device? While buying a new phone has many immediate benefits, you might see longer-lasting advantages with a refurbished one!

Today, we’ll examine the useful benefits of buying a refurbished phone so that you can make your next tech decision confidently.

It Saves You Money

One of the most notable benefits of investing in a refurbished device is the amount of money you save. Most new cell phones cost upwards of 1,000 dollars or more, whereas refurbished can cost half of that price.

Additionally, like a new vehicle, the product loses value as soon as you take it out of the store. While purchasing a new car is an entirely different situation than buying a new phone, why spend thousands of dollars on a device you might trade in later?

With a refurbished device, you essentially get an almost brand-new phone for a fraction of the price.

It’s Environmentally Friendly

Buying new things just to throw them away years later contributes to pollution and wasteful habits. But when you buy refurbished phones, you’re giving life to a pre-owned device. In essence, you’re recycling, reducing your carbon footprint, and encouraging lower technology consumption.

It Has a Flexible Warranty

Many companies offer a warranty when you buy their refurbished phones, helping you to feel more confident in your decision. This can be especially helpful if you’re purchasing the device for a child or consider yourself clumsy!

Warranties may extend from 30 to 180 days or include a money-back guarantee, which can be helpful when debating between new and refurbished devices.

It Has Ensured Quality

When you purchase a refurbished phone from a reputable seller, you know you’re getting excellent quality for a smaller price tag.

At Wamatek, every single device we sell goes through a rigorous inspection that ensures quality in function and aesthetics. Our expertly trained technicians then test the devices and give them a tech certification, representing our mission to provide reliable devices to each customer.

These useful benefits of buying a refurbished phone will help you make the right decision when choosing your next cellphone.

Technology has advanced further than humanity could’ve ever imagined, and it’s only getting faster. With new technologies come easier ways for hackers to gain access to people’s private information, which is why we need to do our part to protect ourselves.

Most of the population owns a smartphone by now, even children! That creates many opportunities to either efficiently protect your phone or accidentally set yourself up for a cyberattack. Today, we’ll examine some of the worst cybersecurity mistakes you need to avoid to ensure you’re protected online.

Clicking on Suspicious Links

Avoiding clicking on suspicious links is a tip you repeatedly see on the news because hackers continuously devise new ways to trick people into sharing their information.

Having a minicomputer at the palm of your hand makes it easier for criminals to encourage you to click on their malicious links. This is called “phishing.” It’s a technique that includes sending false links to a victim to steal their information.

For example, one might receive a text stating that they’re pre-approved for $100,000. It may also be possible that the text comes at the perfect time (the victim may have trouble paying rent this month), and now the hacker has got that person right where they want them.

Now, the first thing to look for is incorrect grammar and misspellings. This is a surefire way to detect scams. While a professional business may make these mistakes, too, it’s scarce. Remember, it’s always best to Google the company, research them, and possibly even call them to ensure they actually sent that text.

Thinking “It won’t happen to me.”

You see millions of hacker avoidance tips on the news because it happens every day. In fact, there is a hacker attack every 39 seconds.

A large portion of the world’s population experiences a cyberattack each year. So, while it may not have happened to you yet, it’s possible that you could experience one too if you don’t set up the proper cyber protection.

Underestimating cybersecurity threats can put you at risk and be detrimental to your personal and professional life. However, by following proper cybersecurity advice, you help block the hacker’s access to your information.

Accepting Random “Followers”

One of the biggest mistakes many people make on various social media platforms is accepting random followers without researching them first.

For example, let’s say you just received a friend request from a friend. It seems harmless to accept it, so you click “confirm.” But wait a minute, aren’t they already in your “friends” list? Perhaps they created a new account. A few days later, someone hacks into that social media account…

This happens more often than you think. Hackers create new accounts using photos and information from existing profiles to trick people into thinking they are friends.

When you receive a request from an existing friend, reach out to them and ask if they created a new account. If they say no, you’ve just caught a hacker, and your next step is to report them.

Recycling Passwords

Reusing passwords is one of the easiest ways for hackers to access your information. Here are a few methods they use to hack into your account:

• Brute Force: This happens when a criminal simply guesses every potential combination of password features you might use. This method can be slow and ineffective (unless you use Password123).
• Dictionary: Hackers use this method when they fact check different passwords in a dictionary to determine all known words and common passwords you might’ve used in the past.
• Social Engineering: This is perhaps the scariest method criminals use to steal our information. This is when they analyze your social media accounts to determine your interests, partners, pets, and more. 15% of the population use pet names as their passwords. They use the information you provide online to crack your passwords.
• Phishing: As mentioned before, phishing is another form of a cyberattack where a hacker sends you false URLs to trick you into entering personal information.
• Malware: If you see an application that appears legitimate, be sure to check it twice before downloading it on your phone. Installing malware on your cellphone essentially forces you to share your info straight to the hacker’s computer without you even realizing it.

To create a strong password, you might use four different words that have nothing to do with each other (upper and lowercase), numbers, and symbols totaling 12+ characters. Try to use this method to create a different password for all your accounts.

Using Free Wi-Fi

Have you ever been to a coffee shop, medical office, or an airport that advertises free Wi-Fi? It may sound like a miracle, but it’s actually an excellent way for hackers to steal your info.

Wi-Fi that enables access to the public has an unsecured connection, allowing criminals to secretly plant malware on your phone or see important login info, emails, texts, and more.

Before visiting public locations, turn off the Wi-Fi feature on your phone to avoid automatically connecting to an open internet.

Keeping Too Much Info on Phone

We use our phones for just about everything in today’s world, so it makes sense to keep your personal information on your phone. However, it’s a quick and easy way for a hacker to steal addresses, banking info, photos, health info, and more all in one place.

If you struggle to remember passwords, write your login info on a piece of paper and place it in a secure location in your home.

This can also help save space on your device, which can be especially helpful if you own pre-owned iPhones.

Pre-owned mobile devices might not have as massive memories as newer iPhones, so it’ll be easier for you to regularly backup your data. Just be sure to periodically update your phone to ensure you allow your phone to fix security holes for you automatically.

Banking on a Web Browser

Most banks in the U.S. now enable their customers to do their banking online, making them easier targets for hackers.

If you access your bank account on a web browser, you might be at risk of a cyberattack because specific mobile browsers don’t utilize the same security as banking institutions.

Be sure to utilize your bank’s mobile app to access your account to stay safe and protect your information.

Now that you understand some of the worst cybersecurity mistakes you need to avoid, you can better manage your mobile device and protect yourself from cyber-attacks. Use your phone wisely!

The typical lifespan of an iPhone can be anywhere between five and seven years, but only if the owner takes care of the device. To ensure your iPhone lasts you for years to come, follow these four iPhone maintenance tips to extend its lifespan.

Delete Unused Apps

Oftentimes, we download apps we see online because they claim to help with productivity, sleep, grocery shopping, and more. But when we download them, they sometimes don’t quite live up to the app’s reviews.

Additionally, we may download apps with the intention of using them, but they end up sitting in our phone memory until it runs out of space. We’ve all been there!

A great way to extend your iPhone’s lifespan is to simply delete apps that you don’t regularly use. It might even benefit your mental health to delete social media apps. In fact, social media applications require a large amount of memory on your phone because they store images, videos, and more.

Regularly Clean Your Phone

When we use our phones daily, we might go days or even weeks without cleaning them, which can cause an issue with function over time.

If your iPhone has been slowing down recently, it might be because the charging port or speaker is clogged. Gently clean your phone’s exterior every day and the ports at least once a week with a toothpick to prevent buildup.

Charge Smart

Many people allow their phones to reach below 10% before charging them. However, they’re unknowingly damaging their battery power over time because the phone needs to work harder to reset back to 100%.

One might suggest charging your phone before it falls below 75% to extend the lifespan of your battery, thus improving your iPhone functions.

Utilize Protective Casing

A surefire way to extend your iPhone’s lifespan is to utilize a protective casing. Everyone is prone to dropping their phone every now and then, so it’s essential to keep it protected at all times.

If you’re worried you might drop your phone more than the average owner, you may benefit from purchasing a used iPhone for sale.

It’s all in the mind! Knowing you didn’t pay over $1,000 for your phone can help you feel more confident in handling it. Furthermore, here at Wamatek, we provide insurance coverage options for our devices to help you extend the lifespan of your electronics.

Whether you’re a new iPhone user or a dedicated customer, following these iPhone maintenance tips to extend its lifespan will ensure you can upgrade as often or as little as you want!

Are you looking to get some extra cash in exchange for your smartphone? These helpful tips for preparing your phone for a trade-in will ensure your phone is ready for a new life.

Refurbished electronics are quickly becoming the primary way consumers purchase new products in the technology industry. It’s a fact: most Americans don’t have $1,000+ laying around to buy the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy.

We offer a variety of options to help you get the latest tech for a price your wallet will agree with! Let’s explore some ways you can prepare your current phone for a trade-in.

Test Functionality

First, you want to make sure the phone is in working condition. Use your phone like you regularly would, but try to take notes as you perform specific tasks. For example, call a friend and listen to the sound quality—is it clear? Crackly? Keep track of specific changes you might notice on your phone to ensure you’re handing off a functional phone.

Take Extra Care

While you’re testing the phone, be extra careful with it; avoid dropping or mishandling the phone. Treat your phone like you’re giving it to someone as a gift—because you technically are!

Check Eligibility Online

If your phone seems to be working fine, look at the exterior and determine which grade it might be assigned. For example, below we list some common conditions a phone might be analyzed for.

Excellent

When a pre-owned device is in “excellent” condition, it essentially has little to no scratches or buffs, and the functionality of the phone is almost new!

If your phone is in excellent condition, you might get a higher selling price because of the demand this phone might receive once put on the floor.

Good

A phone that is in “good” condition is almost like the “excellent” except it contains light blemishes like dents, nicks, or scratches. However, the phone is still functional and be a great way to save money if you’re looking for an essential device.

Fair

The “fair” condition means the phone can have deeper scratches or a glass crack, but does not affect the phone’s functionality.

This condition typically gets a bad rap in the tech industry because people assume that “fair” means the phone isn’t usable. On the contrary, here at Wamatek, our certified technicians complete a rigorous inspection process to ensure the device is worthy of consumer purchase.

If you’re unsure if your phone is eligible, you may walk into a facility to have an employee check the eligibility of your phone, or you could hop online and check yourself.

Back Up Data

Like many people, you might have everything stored on your phone, which is fine! But before you trade it in, you want to make sure to back up your photos, contacts, info, and more.

You can back up your phone by using a laptop, cloud, Google backup, and more. If you’re unsure how to complete the process, ask a friend to help you or check out some tips online.

Sign Out of Apps

It’s time to sign out of all your apps! It’s best practice to check every app that’s installed on your phone to ensure you don’t miss anything. You might check Gmail, Facebook, Starbucks, Spotify, Grubhub, and essentially any app that might contain your information.

Turn Off Location Services

The next thing you want to do is turn off all location services to avoid any mishaps in the new user’s experience. If you have services like Find My iPhone, be sure to go into your settings and sign out of iCloud or delete the account. Once you get a new phone, you can resign in and turn it back on.

Perform a Factory Reset

While it might be tempting to delete all your data manually, it’s a safer option to perform a factory reset to wipe the phone and restore it to factory settings permanently. The process might be different depending on what kind of phone you have, so be sure to follow proper instructions.

This protects your information and ensures that your phone will be ready for the newest owner to call it their own.

Carefully Clean Phone

Before trading in your phone, try to clean it as best you can! You might clear off fingerprints, stains, and dirt. Be sure to carefully take off the case and screen protector before doing so to ensure you can clean in between the tiny spaces of the phone!

Let Your Contacts Know

If you’re unsure how long you’re going to be without a phone, be sure to let your important contacts know. For example, you might let your manager know that you won’t have a phone for a certain period of time so they can reach you via other forms of communication. Of course, you’ll want to do this before you wipe all the contacts from your phone!

Additionally, you can also post on social media and let your family and friends know they can reach you via Messenger so your loved ones are aware of your situation.

Determine the Next Steps

At Wamatek, we make the entire trade-in process easy from start to finish so you can trade in your phone and get a new phone in one swift motion.

You might take advantage of our certified pre-owned devices for your next phone, as they’re thoroughly inspected, analyzed, and certified!

All you have to do now is head over to our shop in Eden Prairie, MN, or visit our website and follow the simple steps we have provided. What kind of phone are you looking for? We carry many types of phones and other electronics you can choose from! We also have additional electronic accessories like smartwatches, wireless headphones, chargers, cases, and more.

If you’re looking for an easy way to get rid of your current phone and receive a high-quality device for a great price, these helpful tips for preparing your phone for a trade-in will help you get ready for your next technological chapter!

Cell phones and other electronic devices allow us to work more efficiently, communicate with others, and much more.

With technology only advancing, our society encourages us to rely on our phones to complete most tasks. This means that the time may be quickly approaching for your child to need their own device.

These five tips for choosing your child’s first smartphone will give you the tools you need to set your child up for success.

Assess Their Maturity

Most parents purchase a phone for their children when they are around 12 to 13 years old. But the choice is up to you. Do you feel like your child is mature enough to be responsible with their new phone?

You can assess their maturity levels by checking how they take care of the family pet. You can also see how they carry out chores that you ask them to do at particular times, such as cleaning their room. If they succeed, that’s a good indicator that they’re ready to have more responsibility.

Purchase for the Right Reasons

Before buying a new phone for your child, consider the “why” behind your purchase. Is your child starting school, and you’re considering giving them a phone to enable them to communicate with you?

Whatever the reason, be sure to establish a foundation of technological trust between you and your child.

Consider the Price

When buying a cell phone for your child, you might want to buy a refurbished phone, which won’t cost as much. That way, you won’t waste lots of money if they break the phone!

All the refurbished electronic devices at Wamatek undergo a rigorous inspection process to ensure they’re in tip-top shape for you and your family. Getting a phone with us is a win-win!

Set and Discuss Rules

Now that your child has their own cell phone, they may feel excited about everything they can do with their new device. But before they can use it, sit them down and have a serious conversation about the significance of owning a phone.

This is the time to set and establish rules. For example, you may have them ask permission to download apps onto their device. Or you might say that they can only use their phone after they’ve finished their homework. This will help your child establish a healthy relationship with technology.

Setting usage times, app approval rules, and more will ensure your child understands the responsibility that comes along with owning a phone.

Manage Parental Controls

Most tech devices allow parents to install parental controls to ensure their child’s safety. For example, some apps may be for teenagers or adults, such as dating apps or gory video games. Parental control gives you the ability to track your child’s location, app use, and the time they spend on the device so that you have peace of mind.

By following these five tips for choosing your child’s first smartphone, you can help your child establish a healthy relationship with technology. You’ll also have someone to play games like Words with Friends with!