We’ve all been there. You’re getting out of the car, rushing to answer a message or simply trying to juggle too many things at once. Then, suddenly, your phone slips from your hand.
Crash! You pick it up and hope for the best.
Sometimes it’s fine. Other times, you’re left staring at a cracked screen, a damaged camera or a phone that no longer works properly.
Our phones go everywhere with us, so accidental drops are difficult to avoid completely. Modern smartphones are also becoming bigger, thinner and increasingly made with glass. While manufacturers have made huge improvements in durability, no phone is completely drop-proof.
The good news? There are some simple things you can do to reduce the risk of accidental damage.
Use a case with a good grip
A phone that looks sleek can also be surprisingly slippery.
A good-quality case can make your phone much easier to hold while providing an extra layer of protection if it does hit the floor. Look for a case with a textured or non-slip finish, raised edges around the screen and extra protection around the corners.
Silicone and rubber cases can be particularly useful if you find your phone tends to slip out of your hands.
For even more grip, consider adding a phone grip or ring to the back of your case. It can make a big difference when you’re using your phone one-handed.
Protect your screen
The screen is one of the most vulnerable parts of your phone.
A tempered glass screen protector can help protect against scratches, chips and some of the impact caused by accidental drops. It won’t make your screen completely unbreakable, but it can provide an additional layer between your phone and the pavement.
It’s also worth replacing a screen protector if it becomes badly cracked or damaged. A protector that’s already taken a few knocks may not provide the same level of protection as a new one.
Be careful where you put your phone
Sometimes, the biggest risk isn’t actually holding your phone. It’s where you leave it.
Putting your phone on the edge of a table, chair or worktop makes it much easier to knock onto the floor. The same goes for placing it loosely in a pocket or bag where it can fall out when you sit down or stand up.
Try to keep your phone somewhere secure when you’re not using it.
And yes, that includes your back pocket. It’s an easy place to forget about your phone until you sit down.
Avoid using your phone while distracted
A quick message while walking doesn’t seem like a big deal. Until you trip, drop your phone and suddenly have a much bigger problem.
Using your phone while walking, climbing stairs or carrying other things can make accidental drops more likely.
If you need to use your phone, stop somewhere safe and give it your full attention. It only takes a few seconds.
Keep your phone away from risky places
Some places are simply not phone-friendly.
Bathrooms, kitchens, swimming pools and even the edge of a bathtub can all spell trouble for a smartphone.
Water isn’t the only concern. Hard surfaces, tiles and concrete can cause serious damage if your phone falls onto them.
If you’re somewhere where your phone could easily get wet or knocked over, keep it somewhere secure until you need it.
Take extra care when charging
Charging cables can become another accidental trip hazard.
If your phone is charging on a table or bedside cabinet, make sure the cable isn’t hanging somewhere it can be caught or pulled. A sudden tug can send your phone straight onto the floor.
When using wireless charging, make sure your phone is placed securely on the charging pad rather than somewhere it could easily be knocked off.
Don’t assume your phone is drop-proof
Many modern phones are designed to be more durable than older models. But durable doesn’t mean indestructible.
A drop onto carpet might leave your phone completely unharmed. The same drop onto concrete could result in a cracked screen, damaged camera or internal component damage.
Even if your phone looks fine after a fall, keep an eye out for problems such as:
- Cracks or chips in the screen or back
- Camera issues
- Buttons that no longer work properly
- Charging problems
- Unusual battery behaviour
- Touchscreen problems
- Unexpected shutdowns
If something doesn’t seem right after a serious drop, getting it checked could prevent a small problem from becoming a bigger one.
What if your phone does get damaged?
Even when you’re careful, accidents happen.
A phone can slip from your hand, fall from a table or get knocked off a worktop in seconds. That’s why it’s worth thinking about how you would deal with an unexpected repair or replacement before it happens.
CoverMy Gadget Insurance can help give you extra peace of mind when accidents happen.
From cracked screens and accidental damage to other unexpected problems, having the right cover means you don’t have to face the cost of getting your gadget repaired or replaced alone, subject to your policy terms and conditions.
Because you rely on your phone every day, keeping it protected is about more than avoiding a cracked screen.
It’s about keeping your life moving when something unexpected happens.
Keep your phone safe. Keep it protected.
A good case, a screen protector and a little extra care can all help reduce the risk of accidental damage. But you can’t prevent every accident.
Get a quick CoverMy Gadget quote today and protect the gadgets you rely on every day.