Ever notice how our phones seem to age faster than we do? One day they’re sleek and speedy, and the next, it’s a lagging, low-battery grump. Before you let your device become another tech fossil in the landfill, here’s a few ideas on how to give it a longer, happier life (and feel good doing it).
🌿 1. Treat it kindly
Get a case and a screen protector—it’s like sending your phone into the world with a seatbelt. I’m always amazed at the ‘hits’ my phone case and screen protector can take—I’ve dropped my phone more times than I can count and they take it in stride.
Bonus points if the case is made from compostable or recycled materials. I like my eco-friendly Pela case but you might want to check out Niimbe’s cases made from recycled compact discs. Otterbox is incorporating recycled plastics and plant-based options into many of their products and are packaging their products sustainably too. I even found really cool bamboo-based phone cases on Etsy.
And please… keep your phone out of the sauna (aka your car dashboard in July). Leaving it in the car or direct sun shortens battery life and can warp components. Cold weather can reduce battery charge and life too!
Double bonus: You can apply many these tips to your smart watch and tablets too!
⚡ 2. Charge smart
Your battery likes moderation. Try keeping it between 20–80% charged. Think of it as healthy snacking instead of all-you-can-eat charging buffets.
Unplug it once it’s fully charged—no one likes being overfed. Another option to consider: Use a “smart plug” that turns off after a few hours.
Some smartphones will alert you when they are 80-100% charged. If your phone doesn’t have a built-in alert, on an Apple phone, you can create a Shortcut Automation trigger to notify you when it’s charged. Other phone models have similar features too.
I really love that my Apple Watch pings my iPhone, letting me know it is fully charged. Even better, the “fully-charged” notification helps me remember to put my watch back on—I’m notorious for running out the door without it—sadly, leaving it behind on the charger.
Keep your device updated—the updates often include power optimization features which can keep your phone running smoothly and efficiently.
User Low Power mode to conserve battery life especially when you’re in areas with poor cellular coverage. Low Power mode helps manage the heat level too – leading to a longer device lifespan.
🧘 3. Declutter your digital life
Unused apps are energy vampires. Give them the boot and delete them.
Close apps that you only use occasionally; for example, that airline app that was required to watch a movie while on the plane. It doesn’t need to be running in the background when you’re back down on the ground. Close it and reduce the drain on your phone’s background resources.
Fewer notifications and cleaner storage keep your phone running cooler and calmer (kind of like a little digital mindfulness practice). Turn on push notifications o
nly for your most important apps. Fewer pings = less battery wear.
🔧 4. Repair, don’t despair
Cracked screen? Wobbly battery? Dropped in the water? Don’t assume it’s the end. Many phones can be revived at local repair shops or through self-repair kits. Fixing instead of replacing saves resources—and feels quietly rebellious in a throwaway world.
Some repair stores have special vacuum-dryers in the event your smartphone cannot handle getting wet. If it gets wet—it’s best to act immediately: turn the device off, avoid charging it, and bring it in quickly.
Newer models are more water resistant still are not waterproof. Think of it like a raincoat: It’ll protect you in a drizzle, maybe even a downpour, but it’s not meant for deep-sea diving. Treat your phone’s “waterproofing” as a safety net, not a scuba suit. Keeping it dry — and knowing its limits — helps your tech last longer and stay out of the landfill.
🔁 5. Pass it on
When you’re truly ready to upgrade, give your old phone a graceful second act. Donate it to a charity, pass it to a relative, or sell it refurbished. Someone else’s “old” can still be perfectly good—and perfectly useful.
A quick search will yield some wonderful organizations that will refurbish or recycle your smartphone but here are a couple of potential organizations to consider:
Secure the Call (provides emergency phones)
Alternatively, you can take advantage of eosystem or corporate programs offered by businesses like Apple GiveBack, Samsung Recycle, or Verizon HopeLine to donate or trade-in your phone.
Tips Before Donating
- Back up & erase your data: Use “Erase All Content and Settings” (iPhone) or “Factory Reset” (Android).
- Remove SIM and SD cards. Newer models have moved to eSIMs, so you don’t have to remove anything.
- Include charger or cable if possible — helps reuse programs.
- Use protective packaging if mailing.
♻️ 6. Recycle responsibly
If it’s truly toast, recycle it right. Many stores (like Best Buy or Staples) take old tech for safe recycling. It’s a small act with a big ripple effect.
For security and privacy, be sure to wipe your device first!
💲7. Buy Smarter Next Time
Some manufacturers are designing phones for longevity and modular repair (e.g., Fairphone, Teracube).
Save some money and buy refurbished or certified pre-owned models — cheaper, less waste, same performance.
Little steps, lasting impact:
Keeping your phone just one extra year reduces its carbon footprint by nearly a third. That’s a big win for such a small device—and an even bigger win for the planet.
Because being the change doesn’t always mean grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s as simple as charging smarter, clicking less, and holding onto what we already have—just a little longer. 🌎✨
