What Happens to Your Phone If Left Unused for a Year?

If you have multiple phones or use them sparingly, you may wonder what happens to your device if left unused for an extended period.

In this article, we'll explore the impact of leaving your phone unused for a year and provide tips to keep your device in good condition. We'll also use examples from Phone Daddy's catalog of iPhone and Android phones to demonstrate the effects of neglecting your device.

Battery Life

One of the most significant concerns when leaving a phone unused for a long time is its battery life. The battery naturally degrades over time, and leaving it unused can accelerate this process.

For instance, an iPhone X or newer model has a lithium-ion battery that can only maintain 80% of its original capacity after about 500 charge cycles. Leaving it unused for a year can further reduce its capacity and cause it to become completely drained, damaging the battery permanently.

Android phones, like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, can also experience similar battery issues.

Software Updates

Software updates are crucial to keeping your device secure and free from bugs. Keeping a phone unused for a long period can prevent it from receiving important software updates.

iPhones, for example, require iOS updates to patch any security vulnerabilities and bugs. If your iPhone X or newer model isn't updated regularly, it may become vulnerable to security threats, leading to potential data breaches or loss.

Similarly, Android phones require regular software updates to improve performance and fix any bugs.

Storage

New phones can also experience storage issues if left unused. The internal storage may become corrupted, resulting in lost data or an inability to save new files.

For instance, the iPhone 11 Pro Max has an internal storage of up to 512GB, but if left unused for a year, it may become corrupt and unusable.

Android phones, like the Google Pixel 6 Pro, require proper storage to prevent data loss or corruption.

4 Tips to Store Your Phone Properly

To ensure your phone remains in good condition, even if left unused for an extended period, here are some tips:

1. ??Charge the battery: Before storing your phone, fully charge the battery to prevent it from becoming completely drained.
2. ?? Turn off the phone: Turning off your phone conserves battery life and prevents unnecessary software updates or notifications.
3. ?? Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your phone in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture from damaging the internal components.
4. ?? Remove the SIM card: If you plan on not using your phone for an extended period, remove the SIM card to prevent any damage to the card or the phone.

Final Thoughts

Leaving a phone unused for a year can negatively impact the battery life, software updates, and storage capacity. iPhones and Android phones can experience these issues if left unused, even for a short time. To prevent these issues, it's important to properly store your phone by fully charging the battery, turning off the phone, storing it in a cool, dry place, and removing the SIM card if necessary.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your phone remains in good condition and ready for future use. Remember, taking care of your device will prolong its lifespan and ensure it continues to serve you well.

Thank you for reading!

To read the original article by Phone Daddy,?click here.

If you travel regularly, learn how to prepare your smartphone for international travel here.

If you buy a locked used phone, learn how to activate an unlocked phone here.