Author: Justin Drake Carroll

It always happens in slow motion. The sudden loss of grip, the phone floating through the air until you hear the inevitable crack on the concrete. With the huge expenditure we are willing to pay on our devices, why don’t we take more care when protecting our phones?

If you do crack your phone, it could have easily been prevented. Below, we give our 9 tips on how to keep your device safe.

1. Place It in a Case

By accident or design, phones and tablets are not the most durable of items. One drop or nick and the whole thing can shatter into pieces. It stands to reason that you need an extra layer of protection to prevent craking phones.

If you are someone who uses their tablet while doing hands-on work or activities, you also need a case to protect it from paint, ingredients, chemicals, and for extra grip when you have slippery fingers. There is a wide variation of cases available, in all prices ranges, so you should be able to find one that suits you. 

The decision to place it in a hard or soft case is up to you. A soft case is likely to add more cushion if dropped from a height, though hard cases look more professional and keep the size of the item down. 

2. Add a Pop Socket

For anyone who does not know what a pop socket is, they are the plastic handles that you may have seen attached to the back of people’s phones. They allow you extra grip when using the device, by sliding your fingers around the circular handle. The flexible stem and disc end make them extremely ergonomic.

The main purpose is to stop you dropping your phone while texting or taking pictures, so it is more a preventative measure than a protection device. In addition to this, many of them are fashionable and customizable, so you can add some individuality to your phone. If you are a person who often uses their phone with one hand, then they are essential items. 

In fact, they are so essential that they are the number one selling phone accessory. The company sold over 25 million units last year alone and show no sign of slowing down yet.

3. Get a Screen Protector

Even when you have a case, you should still install a screen protector. This is because you may scratch the surface, or even drop something directly on to the screen and crack it. Screens can also be one of the most expensive items t replace on a phone. 

Although protectors seem like a simple piece of transparent plastic, they can also keep off finger marks and water damage. With such easy installation methods and a low price, you would be foolish not to pick one up and add it to your phone as quickly as possible. 

4. Store Devices Safely

It is really convenient to just throw your phone down on a table or slide it in your back pocket. However, these places are always areas that get lots of movement and objects trafficking through, which increases the possibility of risk and damage. Instead of doing this, try to place your devices somewhere safe. 

Set up specific spots, either in your home or on your person, to keep your phone. This decreases the chance of you losing it as well as the chances of cracking your phone. Make this spot safe and protected.

Inside a drawer or a desk would be a great place in the house. If you are on the move, a zipped up bag or internal zipped pocket would work well. 

5. Items on Top Will Crack Your Phone

One sure-fire way to crack your phone screen is to place items on top of it. You will have no doubt seen how fragile phones are at the corners when dropped. The centre of the screen is even more delicate.

The centre of the screen is filled with all the delicate sensors that make your touchscreen function. Behind it sits the circuits, chips and storage that power your device and keep it running. So why put external pressure on them?

Even if you place light items on top, you still risk scratching the surface. You can also find that it drops to the floor when the top item is moved or pulled. 

6. Use a Car Phone Holder

In an ideal world, you would not use your phone in the car. However, the reality is people do, and it may double up as your satellite navigation system. In this case, it pays to have a phone holder that grips the phone and attaches to the dash or windscreen.

7. Add a Skin

Many phone manufacturers are now adding glass backs to phones. While this does offer an added layer of protection, it can also make them extremely slippery. You can prevent the device sliding fro your hands by adding a skin.

8. Think About Where You Really Need It

While phones allow us to capture some amazing moments, we need to weigh up the risk factor and decide where we need to take our devices. It may be great to film yourself mountain biking down a trail, but one slip and your phone is gone. That is what durable mini-cameras were invented for. 

Use your common sense and think about the risk factor involved. If you are in a situation that would mean disaster for your phone, then store it securely or leave it altogether. 

9. Keep Liquids Away

Liquids will not crack your phone, but they can cause just as much damage, if not more. When a phone cracks, the screen or the shell needs replacing. When liquid gets inside, it seeps deep into the working mechanisms of your phone causing lots more damage. 

Prevent this by following all the advice for cases and screen protectors. In addition, keep your phone well away from any liquids. Even if they are sealed or have lids, knocking them over may still cause the contents to spill out and damage your phone. 

Keep It Clean

When you do crack your phone, make sure you replace the screen immediately and keep it clean. Cracks can allow dirt into the device and cause huge amounts of damage. Alternatively, call Fruit Fixed immediately for an instant repair quote from our professional, experienced team!

As the prices of phones continue to rise, you need to protect the ones you have now. You can protect your phone and prolong its life by using an iPhone case.

However, there are many iPhone cases in the market, so it can get difficult to choose one for your phone. Well, here’s a guide to tell you more about the types of iPhone cases and the different materials they’re made from.

Materials Used in Different Kinds of iPhone Cases

There are many kinds of material for your iPhones to shield your phone in different ways. Besides aesthetic appeal, iPhone cases are great for durability against heat and dust. Here are the common materials for the iPhone cases:

Plastic

Plastic iPhone cases are the most common, and it’s the first case that comes with your iPhone. This kind of iPhone case is durable and tough, which is great for many situations. If your budget is low, the plastic case is the most affordable option.

You can also customize the design, and it’s easy to hold. Note that the plastic case gives basic and limited protection. The color also can change once you expose the case to too much sunlight.

Leather

The biggest highlight for leather cases is that they age well over time. Unlike the other materials, leather cases become better the more you use it. If you tend to drop your phone, then leather cases are great for anti-slip since they’re quite grippy.

Leather cases have a great texture, which makes it easier to hold onto your phone. However, leather doesn’t offer much protection when you drop your phone.

Wooden

If you want an eco-friendly phone case for your phone, you can try out wooden cases. It comes in either real or faux wood materials. Wooden cases offer more protection, and it’s difficult to get it dirty.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber cases are best for those who want a case with strong protection. This material is stronger than steel, but the cases are very light. The carbon fiber has a headlining trait with a unique look and grippy texture.

The majority of cases built from carbon fiber use military-grade Kevlar fiber. Although carbon fiber is the best choice, it is also the most expensive among the materials for cases.

Silicone

Silicone cases have a soft material made from a mix of petroleum and silicon. This material is soft and flexible, which many people consider it to be safer than plastic. Silicone is quite affordable, and it comes in many styles and colors.

The downside to silicone cases is that it’s not easy to clean. It also can get difficult to place and bring out your phone into your pockets.

Types of iPhone Cases

Many stores cater to iPhone cases, providing a wide range of styles. It adds to your phone’s aesthetic and protection. Some cases can strengthen your reception.

Below are some of the most common types of covers and cases in the market.

Flip Case

Flip cases are the most common cases, and you can find them in carbon fiber or leather. They are available in many colors so that you can match your case to your iPhone’s tones. The greatest downside to flip cases is that they get dirty easily.

It can trap lots of dirt and dust between the screen and the case. If it traps any small, hard objects, it’s likely to damage your screen beyond use.

Hard Core Case

These types of heavy-duty cases can get the job done when it comes to protecting your iPhone as a whole. If you’re looking for a slim phone case, then this type of iPhone case is not for you. Hardcore cases have top-quality materials that give your phone protection in extreme environments.

Transparent Case

Transparent cases help add a layer of protection, and they won’t hide your phone’s natural design. You can choose to have hard or soft transparent covers and plastic or glass cases.

Alternatively, there are bumper cases that are like transparent cases. However, bumper cases have a sheet of rubber surrounding the edges of the case. It helps produce safe sleeves and improves your phone grip.

Wallet Book Case

Your phone case can help you store your things in one place. Wallet cases have flip pockets that serve as a small bag to store things like credit cards. You can also place IDs, money, papers, and other valuables.

Wallet cases come in a variety of materials, from leather to silicone. You can choose those with minimal design or covers the entire phone.

Thin Fits Case

Thin fits are like your regular covers, but they are extremely thin. This type of iPhone case is ideal for you if you have smaller hands or you’re getting used to your large phone. They are thin, light cases that can still protect your phone when it falls.

Stand Case

Stand cases are ideal for those who no longer want to use their hands to hold up their phone. This type of case has small stands on the back to help prop the phone up. You won’t have to buy a phone ring holder to help place your phone in a better viewing angle.

Solar Charging Case

Solar charging cases allow you to charge your phone while on the go. There are solar panels at the back of the case which let you charge the phone as long as you have a light source.

Although they are convenient, it charges your phone at a slower rate compared to wall chargers. This type of case is ideal for those who are always outdoors or love the exposure from sunlight.

Battery Case

If you’re going for a more functional case, then a battery case can help you charge your iPhone while on the go. The battery case can help prolong the battery life of your phone.

It offers protection against any dead batteries, along with most physical damages. They offer plenty of functionality, but battery cases have a higher cost than leather cases.

Find the iPhone Case For You

It’s in your best interest to get a good case for your iPhone to protect it. Choose among the best types of iPhone cases and get the right one for you today!

Are you looking for iPhone repair services? Get in touch with us and check out what we can offer you!

So you dropped your phone in water, now what? After the panic subsides, your first thought might be to put your phone in rice. The rice hack has been around for many years, but does it work? Well, the answer might surprise you. 

If you’re curious to know whether or not you should put your phone in rice after dropping it in water, continue reading the content below.

What Is the Phone in Rice Trick?

According to the phone in rice hack, you’re supposed to put your phone in rice after it falls into water. The myth is that the rice absorbs the water and dries your phone out without damaging it. Unfortunately, this isn’t true.

In fact, putting a water damaged phone in rice does more harm than good. The reason being is because starch, dust, and small bits of rice can get lost in the crevices of your phone, such as the opening for the headphone jack. 

Don’t Put Your Phone in Rice: Alternative Methods

You might be wondering what to do with your water damaged phone if you shouldn’t put your phone in rice. Well, there are some tricks that’ll help to prevent your phone from becoming ruined:

Take Preventive Measures

Your first order of business after dropping your phone in water is to turn it off as soon as possible. Next, remove your phone case and take out your sim card. Keep the SIM card door open so the water doesn’t stay trapped inside.

Lastly, wipe off the outside of your phone. After you’ve completed these steps, focus on drying your phone out. 

Use Silica Gel Packets

If you want to preserve your water damaged phone, use silica gel packets instead of rice. Silica gel packets are found in many items—like shoes—because they help to absorb moisture.

Luckily, they can do the same for your phone. Place several of them under your phone or on top of it. Let it sit for a few hours while the silica gel packets draw in the water.

Keep in mind that although gel packets absorb water, they may not fix the issue with your phone. Depending on the severity of the damage, it’s best to get your phone fixed by a professional. 

Air Dry

Allowing your phone to air dry might seem too good to be true. But most of the time if you drop your phone in water, allowing it to air dry is an effective method. Put it on a flat surface on top of a paper towel and let it dry out in a warm environment. 

You can also allow a fan to blow over it to help with the drying process. After 24 to 48 hours, turn the phone back on. But avoid switching it on while it’s going through the air-drying process. 

Again, you might not want to risk doing your own repair after you’ve dropped your phone in water. Instead, take it to a professional repair shop, like Fruit Fixed, and we’ll take care of it.

How Does Water Damage Occur?

Water damage usually happens through the open ports of your phone, like the speakers, microphone charging port, and headphone jack. There are some phones that provide covers for the charging docks, but that doesn’t make it waterproof. Even if you find a way to cover all the openings of your phone, water could still get through. 

If you drop your device in the toilet or a puddle of rainwater, the water usually creates the most damage once it infiltrates the internal circuitry. That’s why you should turn your phone off and remove the SIM card when you drop it in water.

Doing so cuts off the power before the water gets into the circuitry. It’s also a good idea to remove the battery too—only if the battery on your phone is removable.

Furthermore, you shouldn’t shake your device or use a hairdryer to draw out the water. Both of these methods could ruin it further by pushing the water deeper inside the phone or causing heat damage. There are also other harmful hack methods for drying a water damaged phone out that you should avoid, like letting your phone sit in the sun. This is a terrible idea, especially since water can create rust on the inside of your phone. 

As you can see, there aren’t too many solutions for fixing water damage at home. But taking your phone to a professional right away can help to save it.

How to Know if Your Phone Is Water Damaged

Sometimes you can drop your phone in water, and it’s fine. Other times it’s completely ruined. However, certain phones will let you know how bad your device is damaged.

Many smartphones have a liquid contact indicator sticker that changes colors when it comes into contact with water. It’s usually located under the SIM card slot or under the battery, depending on what type of smartphone you have. If it shows severely damaged, take it to a technician as soon as possible.

Let Us Fix Your Water Damaged Phone

If you’ve dropped your phone in water, don’t put your phone in rice. Sometimes DIY methods aren’t effective, and there could be more extensive damage to your phone than you realize. So, let our expert Fruit Fixed technicians help out instead.

We provide a variety of repair services for smartphones, tablets, and computers. 

If you have any questions for us, call 804 698-0004 or check out our online repair tool for more information.

Did you know that the average battery life of smartphones is 10-17 hours?

If your iPhone performs lower than these averages, it might be because of a problem with your iPhone charging port. In most cases, it’s dirty and needs some cleaning. But with no prior experience, you might feel scared to do it on your own.

With this guide, you’ll learn how to clean an iPhone charging port. That way, whenever your smartphone charges slowly, you can try this solution to solve the problem. Read on and find out more.

1. Use a Q-Tip Method

iPhone charging ports get dirty as time passes. That’s why you must clean it periodically to avoid building it up. Aside from Q-tips, you can also use paper towels and cotton rounds, rolling its corner to make a gentle, non-abrasive, and dry tip.

To start, you must get a paper or cotton product that you can roll or small enough to go inside the port. After that, put the tip into the port and move it around carefully. Ensure that you get all the edges before reinserting the charger cable into it.

Jiggling the paper around slowly enables you to make debris and dust cling to it. This can also dislodge the same particles, making them fall out of the port. This frees smaller pieces of connections the iPhone needs to charge faster.

Take note, never put chemicals like cleaning supplies onto the material inserted into the port. It’s because your iPhone will get internal damage. With the cheapest iPhone model priced at $399, you can’t afford to make unnecessary replacements.

2. Paper Clip Method

This method is as simple as the Q-tip way, but it carries some risk. After all, you might scrape and damage some of the port’s internal sensitive touchpoints. But as long as you aren’t too aggressive, you’ll be okay.

This method can also use small pins, paperclips, and needles. Put the thin metal inside the port and jiggle it with utmost care. This will help in loosening the dirt and other debris that might lurk within.

Do your best to find where dirt is and get rid of them with the thin metal. If you feel like you knocked it loose, shake your phone to bring it out. Once done, reinsert the cable and see whether it charges faster.

If it doesn’t work, you can learn how to fix a dysfunctional iPhone charging port with our guide here. Do this to ascertain whether it’s the right time to call in the experts.

3. Compressed Air Method

An important consideration when cleaning an iPhone port is the risk of damaging it more by putting in foreign objects. It’s because the port has fragile touchpoints used for attaching the charging cable. If you end up damaging these, the charger might stop working, regardless of how clean it becomes.

That’s why this method is the safest since it’s the only one without the potential of damaging any internal machinery. Start by looking for a can of compressed air and hold it upright.

When doing this, be careful not to put the nozzle inside or too near the port. Once it’s in an optimal position, press the nozzle and use bright, light bursts of air spray. After the last burst, wait for a few moments before putting the charger table into the port again.

An important reminder is to resist blowing into the port using your breath. Hot air coming from your mouth won’t benefit the charging port’s points of contact. It does more harm if you blow sharply into the port.

4. Get Professional Help

If you have the time, you can get out of the house and go to the nearest Apple Store. Experienced employees know the best methods of cleaning the charging port safely. They also have the right tools to accomplish the job, like minuscule vacuum cleaners.

If the Apple Store is too far for your comfort, go to a repair shop or business specializing in mobile gadgets. They also have the tools and expertise necessary to deal with the charging port’s delicate parts. Sometimes, paying a fee for this type of repair is better than replacing the phone because of untoward damage.

How Does Dirt Get In There?

Your iPhone port becomes dirty for many reasons. It often depends on your home and work environment since dust particles and lint can accumulate inside it. A day out in the dust won’t matter, but you’ll notice the impact as months and years go by.

A more obvious reason for this is when you dropped it in the dirt. If you use it even when exposed to dust and mud, your charging port becomes clogged. That’s why you must take precautions and shield your iPhone from these environments.

How Does a Dirty Charging Port Affect Performance?

A dirty port could mean accessories not recognizing your iPhone. Also, the charging cable might not fit as snugly, meaning your iPhone won’t charge as fast. The worst part is when it becomes loose and prevents data transfer from happening smoothly.

What Do You Do When Cleaning Doesn’t Work?

If you still have problems after fixing your charging port, consider replacing it instead. You can either do it by yourself or pay a professional to do it.

The former is riskier since you must look for the right connector for your hardware and a set of tools. If you look at its interior, you’re likely to find lots of screws and other parts that you must remove. That way, you can access the connector’s assembly and replace it.

Learn How to Clean an iPhone Charging Port Today

These are some methods on how to clean an iPhone charging port. Use these tips if you’re confident enough with your skills.

Do you need more cleaning tips for your iPhone? If you do, we encourage you to go through our library of guides today. You can start with this post and learn how to remove sand from your phone.

Do you own an iPhone? Did you open your device this morning only to find the message that your SIM card is invalid? Or do you experience SIM card errors far too often lately? 

Then you may need a timely SIM card replacement.

Generally, people don’t replace SIM cards. These cards can last several years or even over a decade before they require a replacement. As for the reasons to replace your SIM card, there are a few. 

But the more important concern is to learn how to remove a SIM card properly.

Continue reading below as we break down the steps for removing an iPhone SIM card the right way.

How to Remove a Sim Card From Your iPhone 4 (and Later Models)

As we mentioned earlier, removing a SIM card from your iPhone involves some steps. And if you’re using an iPhone 4 or any later model (including all the X models), here’s how you pull it off.

First, hold your device upright. You want the screen of your iPhone facing you. Next, find the SIM tray of your device.

You will find this near the center of the right edge of your smartphone. In case you have an iPhone 11 or an iPhone X, you will find the tray a little bit closer to the bottom-right edge.

After finding the tray, take the SIM eject tool that came with your device. In case you lost the tool, get a thin paper clip and straighten it. Insert the end of the pin into the hole then gently push it in. 

Continue pushing until the tray ejects. Thereafter, pull the tray outward and lift the SIM card off the try. 

Before installing a new SIM card, look at the orientation of the card. This will help you insert the new one seamlessly and avoid scratching the sensitive part.

Also, there are newer iPhone models like the iPhone 11 and X models that feature dual trays for NANO SIM cards. If you own any of these phones, be sure to remove the correct card from the dual trays.

A pro tip is to look for the name of the carrier on the SIM card. 

And as you insert the new SIM card, keep in mind that it will only fit the tray in one direction. This is because the SIM card comes with a notch. Hence, if you feel some sort of resistance, it means the SIM card is facing the wrong direction or if it’s backward.

Removing the SIM from Original 3GS (and Earlier Models)

If ever you’re using an iPhone 3GS or any of the earlier models, here are the steps to follow. Like with the newer iPhones, hold your smartphone upright with the screen facing you.

Go to the top of the edge of your device and find the SIM tray. You will find this right at the center, beside the Power button.

Get your trusty SIM eject tool or straightened paper clip and insert it into the small hole on the tray. You should find this hole on the tray’s left side. After inserting the end of the clip or eject tool, gently push it inward.

As soon as a portion of the tray comes out, slowly pull it outward. Remove the SIM card gently and place the new SIM on the tray. Again, check the orientation of the SIM card and see if it matches the correct direction of the tray.

Complete the process by pushing the tray into the smartphone. If you feel any resistance, check the orientation of the SIM card and adjust the position accordingly.

Key Considerations When Removing Your SIM Card

As we earlier said, there are a few instances that merit a replacement of your old SIM card. Furthermore, there are also some risks that you may encounter should you decide to discard your old one.

First, there is the risk of damaging your device. If you are someone who doesn’t have a steady hand, you may damage not only the new SIM but also your iPhone. Some people have a heavy hand, which results in forcing the clip or ejecting tool too hard.

When this happens, you risk damaging the tray or other similar components. In turn, you will void the warranty if ever your smartphone is still under one.

Hence, you will have to look for a trusted iPhone repair center to fix the problem.

But if your device is no longer under warranty, then you can proceed with the SIM card replacement without much worry. However, you need to be careful when inserting the ejecting tool. 

Protecting Your SIM With a PIN

Apart from learning how to remove a SIM card, you should also learn how to protect your SIM card using a PIN lock. A SIM PIN lock is an excellent way of protecting your data and account information from unwanted access.

This is different from the usual passwords that you apply to your device. A password can lock your smartphone but it doesn’t protect your SIM.

The same thing goes if you’re using filesystem encryption. Learn how to set up a SIM PIN lock on your device.

Additionally, you need to be extra careful when performing a SIM card lock. There is a risk of botching your SIM card lock if you don’t do it properly. 

It can render your SIM card obsolete. It will also leave your device useless until you insert a new SIM card. But if you do it correctly, it will be one of the wisest decisions you can make with your smartphone.

Let’s Fix Your iPhone, Today!

Learning how to remove a SIM card is a simple yet essential skill any iPhone user should learn. Not only will it ensure the safety of your device, but it will also get you back on track faster when it comes to your iPhone usage. But if you’re dealing with more serious issues with your device, then you came to the right place.

We offer comprehensive iPhone repairs at friendly prices. Get in touch with us and tell us more about your iPhone concerns. Let us look into your device and let’s get it running, ASAP!