Rapid changes in smart phone technology can be a challenge for some of us who are ages 60 and up. It seems like there is always something we could use assistance with. Does anyone else feel like they have to charge their cell phone more now than ever before? I find myself having to charge mine a few times a day. In addition, I would not know the first thing about transferring all of my data if I purchased a new phone online and had it shipped to me. More and more people are shopping online these days due to the COVID pandemic. Fortunately I know a smart phone expert who can help and have asked her to do a guest blog. Her name is Elisha, she has nineteen years experience in the cellular industry and owner of “The Smart Phone Teacher LLC. Here are thirteen tips from her blog. For more information you can visit her website:.http://www.thesmartphoneteacher.com/ She also mentioned she is willing to work virtually if you need help.
Guest Blog by: Elisha Shelley, “The Smart Phone Teacher” (thanks Elisha)
The leading issue on smart phones is getting through an entire day without running to a source of power. The best charge up will allow me to power up throughout the day, but what can my “SMART PHONE” do? There are always options to explore before a entire RESET on every smartphone or tablet. Battery management is a great place to start, below I provide 13 recommendations to get you started.
TOP 13 BATTERY MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
- Email refresh rates should be reduced to 1hr if possible or manual.
- Disable vibrations
- Disable app specific notification content and sync rates.
- Use less widgets / tiles
- Use the home charger the smart phone / tablet came with. This charger is optimized to function with your device for best results. Note car chargers are typically universal meaning they are optimized for short burst of charging on any compatible connector.
- Disable WiFi prompts / disable unless at home or work.
- Disable Bluetooth unless constant connection to an ear piece, car sync, or regular transfer of files.
- Disable location when not in some search instances, navigation
- Auto Adjust is not needed unless frequent reading in dark areas.
- Avoid leaving smart phone / tablet in extreme temperature conditions, for this effects the performance of any battery.
- Toggle between 3G, 4G / LTE and 5G networks when necessary
- Disable cellular data connection
- Power cycle device when signal has been an issue.
To properly complete a power cycle
You want to first take notice if information is being transmitted. You will notice up in the Notification ribbon a flow of arrows positioned next to the signal indicator (of your carrier / WiFi). If it is, keep in mind the first attempt to power down may take a bit longer to process due to the device “jamming up”. Power off the device and leave it off for a very long 30 seconds.
Take your time to power on the device
As the power up visuals appear, do not access any of the menus or attempt to make an outbound call, email or any message through various apps. Your device is transmitting through various channels, so let it do its job and communicate. Emails, voice mails, text messages and so much more will begin to flood in to the notification bar. If their are many email accounts and Social Media apps be extra patient the device is chugging through it all
GPS will also take a moment to position you, so let it chug and all will be better soon. If these recommendations are not a quick fix for you please reach out to a consultant in your area, or tech support with the carrier.