Don’t let sluggish performance of your smartphone, tablet or PC force you into an expensive upgrade! This comprehensive guide shows you how to strategically manage your existing tech to save money and dramatically extend your device’s lifespan.

 

With Black Friday and Christmas sales just around the corner, it may be opportune to replace your smartphone or computer that seems to be ready for the recycle bin. Though initially fast and exciting, its performance has become painfully slow, resulting in endless frustration and countless reboots.

However, although there are many sales this time of year, the price of a smartphone or computer can still be eye-wateringly high. Perhaps you might still be able to eke out a bit more life out of your device and keep it just a bit longer with a little proactive maintenance and smart management. In this article, we outline key strategies to extend the lifespan of your smartphone or computer by optimising its performance, thus saving money and reducing electronic (e-)waste.

 

Free up space and reduce cloud fees

Many of our smartphones, in particular, download and save a broad range of files, such as images and videos sent via instant messaging, podcasts and cloud-stored files that will be accessed offline, which uses up the storage available on the device. However, excess data, which consumes almost all of the device storage, can be a major performance drain.

 Further, these digital devices are often configured to automatically back up saved files to cloud storage, such as iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox, for which a finite storage limit is either provided for free or at a nominal fee. However, if files are indiscriminately being saved to the cloud, it is virtually inevitable that storage limits and correspondingly fees will need to increase over time.

To improve device performance and reduce the recurrent fees for added storage, consider implementing the following to declutter your device:

  • Uninstall unused apps and programmes. Regularly audit your device and remove any apps that have not been opened in months. These apps still take up space and sometimes run background processes.
  • Clear cache and temporary files. Over time, applications and web browsers build up significant cached data, which slows down performance. On both computers and smartphones, manually clear the cache in your web browser settings. On smartphones, check app settings to clear the cache for frequently used apps, such as social media and messaging services.
  • Delete unwanted media and downloads. Photos, videos, and large downloaded files (like installers, PDFs, or old reports) hog a considerable amount of space. Delete duplicates, blurry photos, and unwanted screenshots immediately after reviewing them. Also, check your device’s Downloads folder regularly and delete old files.
  • Manage messaging app media. Chat apps like WhatsApp or Telegram often auto-download media files into your device’s storage. Turn off auto-download for media in these apps’ settings and regularly review their storage usage to delete non-essential media.

 

Strategically offload large files

Having addressed the somewhat files automatically being downloaded and the clean-up of unused apps, you ought to be strategic about the files you keep.

  • Utilise free cloud tiers. Keep only the most current and frequently used files on your device. Move older photos, videos, and documents to a cloud service. If you want to limit your storage to what is offered for free, regularly review the files stored there and purge if no longer needed, or if alternative storage arrangements can be made.
  • Use external storage.  For large, archival files (like video projects or massive photo albums) that you don’t need daily access to, move them to an external hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD). This is a one-time purchase that can prevent the need for continuous cloud subscription fees and the need to increase the storage limit.
  • Stream versus download. Instead of downloading entire music libraries, movies, or podcasts for offline use, rely on streaming services whenever possible to conserve local storage space. However, if connectivity is slow or unreliable and so it would make sense to download such files, delete them after use or if no longer needed.

 

Optimise device memory and processing

A significant drop in performance often occurs when there are excessive demands on your device’s Random Access Memory (RAM) and processor. To improve performance

  • Limit background processes. Close unused apps on your smartphone. Even if you don’t see them, many apps continue running in the background, consuming RAM and battery. On computers, use the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to identify and close resource-intensive programmes and apps you aren’t actively using. Further, disable unnecessary apps that automatically launch on device start-up, as they consume resources from the moment you turn on the machine.
  • Reduce visual effects and animations. Modern operating systems often use resource-heavy visual effects. In the settings of both your computer and smartphone, you can often choose a performance mode or reduce transparency/animation effects for a snappier feel.
  • Restart devices regularly. A simple restart clears out temporary files, flushes the RAM, and generally refreshes the system, which can resolve minor slowdowns.

 

Hardware care and additional longevity tips

Caring for the physical components is just as important as software optimisation.

  • Protect against physical damage. Invest in a quality case and screen protector for your smartphone and tablet to safeguard against drops and scratches. For laptops, use a protective sleeve when travelling and place the device on a stable surface.
  • Manage battery health. Battery degradation is a primary reason devices feel “old.” For devices with Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in most of our modern-day portable digital devices, avoid letting the charge drop to 0% or remaining at 100% for extended periods. Aim to keep the charge level between 20% and 80% as a best practice. Further, avoid using non-certified, cheap chargers, which can damage the battery.
  • Prevent overheating. High temperatures degrade internal components, especially the battery. Keep your device on a flat, hard surface to ensure proper air circulation (especially for laptops). Avoid using them on blankets or pillows, and use compressed air to gently clean dust from computer vents and ports every few months. Further, avoid leaving devices in a hot car or in direct sunlight.
  • (Finally) Keep software updated. Operating System (OS) and application updates often include critical bug fixes, security patches, and performance optimisations that keep your device running smoothly and securely.

 

Our smartphones, tablet and personal computers tend to be intensively used devices, which could support arguments that they should be replaced regularly. However, when current prices, the difficulty in responsibly disposing of existing devices and the potential environmental impact are considered, there is merit in holding on to them a bit longer if they are still able to work well. The above tips for strategic storage management and proactive care, if converted to habits, will significantly delay the need for a costly replacement and can ensure that your devices continue to operate at their best for years to come.

 

 

Image credit:   GREGOR (Pixabay)