Your phone is going off as you read this. Like milk, bike helmets, and condoms, phones are sold with a built-in expiration date.
On the low end, we’re talking about only a couple of years, but most are supported for three or four. It’s not because the hardware breaks down (although that can happen); it’s about how long the manufacturer will offer support.
Let’s dive into how to find out your phone’s expiration date, plus tips to make sure it lasts as long as possible.
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The average is really mean
Below is the average lifespan of some of today’s most popular phone brands and models:
- Apple iPhone: 4 to 8 years
- Samsung: 3 to 6 years
- Google Pixel: 3 to 5 years
- Huawei: 2 to 4 years
These are averages, which means your mileage may vary.
Cell phones, like many other things you buy, come with their own built-in expiration dates. (Fox News Digital)
What’s your Number?
The life of your phone starts from the date of manufacture, not when you bought it, so knowing when it was manufactured is key. Here are ways to find out:
- Look around: The manufacturing date is usually listed on the package. If you threw it away, check the “About” section in your phone’s settings for a date or serial number.
- Serial number: Many manufacturers encode the manufacturing date within these numbers. The place SNDeepInfo can help you decode yours.
- Dial secret codes: Special codes and menus may reveal manufacturing information. Dialing *#06# It could show your phone serial number.
Yes I know. This seems like too much work.
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Hallelujah, there is an easier way
Instead of following the steps above, go to weekendlife.date. This handy site lists end-of-life (EOL) dates for devices, software programs, and more. Some quick links so you can check your phone’s EOL:
The links below are not for phones, but you may want to check your other technician’s EOL:
This is a great site to check out. before You buy any used technology. If it’s close to reaching its EOL date, don’t buy it.
You can easily check online how long your phone (and other devices) is set to last. (SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
this is something serious
Using technology after its EOL date is bad for several reasons.
- No major updates: Sure, you won’t get the latest features, but more importantly, you won’t get new security updates either.
- Hackers love you: Cybercriminals can access your outdated technology much more easily to exploit unfixed bugs and security issues. We’re talking about unauthorized access from your phone to your bank accounts, health data, and even your voice from calls and voice messages.
- Poor battery life: As phones age, their battery performance degrades because lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time.
- Decelerate: Older phones have a hard time running newer apps and operating systems.
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So how do you make it last a lifetime?
Maybe you’ve been using your phone for a year and you think: there’s no way this can last four years. With a little maintenance, it can be done.
Keep it updated: Updates can not only keep your device running smoothly and safe from errors, but they can also speed up performance. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software update. On Android, it’s below Settings > About of the phone > Search for updates.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to maximize the mileage of your phone and ensure it lasts its entire life. (Photo by Silas Stein/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
Replace the battery: This is one of the most effective upgrades you can give to your phone. Try to replace the battery every two years, although you should hire professionals to do it. Contact Apple, Samsung, or Google directly for options. You will pay less than $100.
Use a case: Keeping your phone “bare” is too risky. Get a otterbox if you are a butterfinger. Spigen makes military-grade slim cases if you like the sleek look. intelligent It has wallet cases, grip options, and much more.
Take care of the battery: Phones work best at temperatures between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your phone out of the sun when it’s hot and in your pocket when it’s really cold. If it is burning, turn it off or leave it in a shady place for a while. Putting it in the freezer is a bad idea.
Remove trash: Phones run faster with lots of free storage, so delete all the apps and files you don’t use. A quick cleanup: Open the Files app on Android, then tap the Clean eyelash. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone storage to see which applications can start.
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