Modern components such as large, bright screens, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and 3G/4G drain the battery. And despite the computational power of cell phones experiencing exponential growth — cell phone manufacturers have yet to find a major breakthrough that will let us use our cell phones longer than 24 hours without recharging the battery. In addition, all batteries’ capacity to hold a charge decrease gradually over time — impacting their ability to store power.

With all that in mind, what are some simple tips to follow that can increase the lifespan of your phone — and how do you know when it’s time to replace your battery?

Tips to extend your cell phone battery life

Turn down the brightness

This might seem like a no-brainer, but just by turning the brightness down on your cell phone’s screen, you can prolong the amount of use you get out of it from charge to charge. Disabling auto brightness settings also helps with battery life, as does choosing a dark background photo or theme.

Turn off notifications

If notifications from Facebook, Instagram, news sources, email, or text messages are constantly popping up on your phone, your battery’s lifespan will suffer. Check your system settings to see what apps have permission for push notifications, and only allow what is necessary.

Turn off animations or auto play

If you have an older phone, or if you don’t care about flashy effects, it is possible with both ios and Android systems to disable these battery suckers by going into system settings or ‘Developer Mode’ and disabling animations, depending on which system you are using.

Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when unneeded

Disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can give you more time between charges. These programs search for signals, even when that may not be needed, and eat up a great deal of your battery.

Buy a back-up battery, if possible

While not all phones have removable batteries, for those that do, an extra battery comes in handy when you just can’t squeeze enough juice out of your current one. They’re usually compact enough to simply throw in your bag, or even wallet, until they are needed.

How to tell if your cell phone needs a new battery

Check the charge

Even a high-use battery should last for a few hours without having to be recharged. If your cell phone comes off the charger, and the battery charge indicator immediately turns orange or red — you may need a new battery.

Feel your cell phone

When you’re browsing the web or playing a game, does your cell phone feel hot to the touch? If so, the battery is likely working much harder than it should — just to make sure your phone stays running. Much like a laptop, most smart cell phones will warm up when you use them a lot. But if your cell phone gets excessively hot, it’s time to consider getting a replacement battery.

Check for a bulge in your battery

Some cell phone batteries will bulge out when they need to be replaced. This is due to the overheating and the poor connection they establish with your phone. If you cannot visibly see a bulge on your cell phone battery, try taking your battery out (if possible) and putting it down on a table. If it has a bulge, it will spin like a top.

Troubleshoot with another battery

If you have a back-up battery — or know someone else who has your same phone —borrow their battery for a test. If the phone works fine with their battery, you probably need to get a new battery.

Reset your phone

You could perform a soft or hard reset on your cell phone to see if the problem could be with the device or software, rather than the battery. The process for conducting a soft or hard reset will vary by cell phone, so you will need to make sure you take the right steps for your specific device. If a soft or hard reset gets your phone working the way it is supposed to, your battery isn’t the problem. If it doesn’t fix anything, get a replacement battery so you can continue using your phone in the future.

Still not sure if you need your cell phone battery replaced? Bring your cell phone in for a FREE diagnostic service by the expert techs at UZOOX Repair in Indianapolis. We can get you and your cell phone up and running in no time.

Cell phone cameras have improved drastically over the years. So much so, that they have all but replaced the need for a separate camera device. From capturing a perfectly plated dinner to recording a child’s first shaky steps — our cell phone cameras are an integral part of our daily lives. So when something goes wrong, it can leave your feeling lost. The tech experts at UZOOX Cell Phone Repair in Indianapolis take a look at some of the most common cell phone camera problems and offer suggestions on what’s preventing you from taking that perfect picture.

Problem: Blurry images

If your photos are coming out blurry or aren’t focusing, first rule out the fact that you might be focusing incorrectly. Make sure that you’re taking the time to watch what’s in focus before you press the shutter button to snap the photo. If this isn’t your problem, then you may want to check for hardware issues such issue as a smudged lens. Smudges — or grease marks from fingers — can be easily cleaned using a micro-fiber cloth.

Another possible issue is that dirt or debris may have worked their way inside the lens itself, or your lens may have been scratched. Although most newer cell phones use a hard glass that makes scratches and cracks unlikely, it’s not impossible or uncommon for dirt and debris to get trapped in the lens.

Problem: Black or blank screen

Sometimes seeing a black or blank screen — instead of the image you’re planning to take — can be related to software issues, but many times this is a concern of the hardware.

If the problem is related software, turning the phone off and back on may help. If the problem is related to the hardware itself, as in something is blocking the camera, you’ll need to make sure that any cases you have installed aren’t covering the lens in any way. Also make sure that you’re not holding anything behind your cell phone as you’re trying to take a picture, as it could be blocking the lens.

Problem: Flash won’t turn on, or won’t turn off

If you find that the flash is turned on when you open your camera app, you may have had the flashlight function on your cell phone turned on from the last time you used it and forgot to turn it off. This can sometimes happen in broad daylight when it’s not bright enough for the environment to remind you that your flash is still on, and is usually followed by significant battery drain. If this is the case, then you need only simply turn the flash off.

However, if you’re taking photos and the flash is either turning on when it should not, or staying off when you want it to turn on, then you probably have automatic flash enabled.

If your flash refuses to turn on at all and you see no reason why, check to make sure that your cell phone hasn’t been sitting in a hot environment, or that the cell phone hasn’t been used for an extensive amount of video recording. In some circumstances, cell phones are set to disable the flash when the phone gets too hot — as the flash can increase heat output in itself and worsen the conditions for the cell phone — but will begin working again once the phone cools down.

Solution: UZOOX Cell Phone Repair

If you are experiencing any of the issues outlined above, and our suggestions don’t work, let the expert technicians at UZOOX Cell Phone Repair in Indianapolis take a look at your cell phone camera. We will perform a free diagnosis, and can quickly and efficiently repair your cell phone camera so you can get back to capturing every moment.

What is a cell phone warranty, and how do they differ from an insurance plan?

Cell phone manufacturers offer an initial warranty — usually for one to two years — with the clock starting at the time of purchase. However, manufacturer-provided warranties only protect against problems caused by the manufacturer. They do NOT cover accidents, or loss or theft, but may cover some software issues. An extended warranty — which is purchased in addition to your cell phone — usually covers an additional one to two years but doesn’t safeguard against anything beyond the original warranty. If you get your phone wet, the warranty is voided. Insurance plans from cell phone carriers cost between $7 and $11 a month, and typically cover all repairs due to clumsiness, and other misfortunes — such as a dip in the toilet.

Questions to ask regarding an extended warranty or insurance plan for your cell phone

First, find out the true cost of the plan. There’s typically a high deductible plus a monthly service fee. Over time, that can add up to the original cost of the phone. There are also limits to how often you can replace your smartphone or tablet. Most only allow up to two replacements per 12 months. So if you are prone to breaking your phone, it may be an issue.

If you’re seriously considering an extended warranty or insurance plan, always read the fine print. Don’t hesitate to search online for reviews. They will give you a good indication if the plan is worthwhile. A big drawback to purchasing cell phone insurance, is that even if your old device is beyond repair — you will not receive a new phone if your claim is approved. Instead, you’ll be sent a refurbished, pre-owned device that may not even be the same model as your previous phone.

Alternatives to extended warranty or insurance plan for your cell phone

To prevent damage, start off with the cheaper ways of protecting your investment. Cell phone cases are an inexpensive option. Get a durable, waterproof case — especially if you are an accident-prone individual. If you tend to misplace your cell phone, consider using tracking apps can help you find a misplaced, or stolen, cell phone. Also, if you purchased your cell phone using a credit card, check with the credit card company, as many include coverage beyond the original warranty for all electronics purchased with the card.

Even with the high price of cell phones, the subsequent cost of additional protection is probably not worth it for most cell phone users. If you can’t use your cell phone any longer due to an accident — it could be more cost effective to take it to one of the expert techs at UZOOX Repair in Indianapolis for a FREE diagnostic service. We will get your phone back in tip-top shape without a high premium.

MYTH 1: Placing your water-logged cell phone into a bowl or bag of uncooked rice repairs, or even reverses, the damage.

BUSTED! While rice can soak up the excess liquid around your cell phone, it simply cannot leach the liquid out of the phone or speed up the drying process. In fact, the rice can cause further damage as rice contains simple starches and sugars that can leave a residue. Once liquid has entered the handset, the only way to dry it out and determine the scope of damage is to open it up. At UZOOX, we use special equipment and chemicals to carefully clean the cell phone’s motherboard and other parts to avoid corrosion, and to test the phone to ensure it’s working properly.

MYTH 2: Once a cell phone is wet, there is no chance that it can be repaired.

BUSTED! If a cell phone has gotten wet, there is a 50/50 chance that the phone can be restored. Many people erroneously believe that once liquid has been introduced to the phone, it’s a hopeless case. If your cell phone has been compromised by liquid, avoid plugging it in — as the water can act as a conductor carrying the electric current through the cell phone and fry the main board — and bring it into the repair shop to see if it can be saved.

MYTH 3: Work by a third-party repair shop void cell phone carrier warranties.

BUSTED! Carrier warranties are put in place to cover manufacturer defects — not normal wear-and-tear or accidents. If your cell phone finds its’ way into a toilet bowl, or beneath the tire of a car, your best bet is to bring your phone into a repair shop like UZOOX. It’s often far less expensive than replacing the cell phone, and we offer lifetime guarantees on all our repairs (excluding water damage).

MYTH 4: Cell phones with Gorilla Glass screens cannot be broken.

BUSTED! (Literally.) Gorilla Glass has been touted as a vastly superior, more flexible and virtually unbreakable material. But the truth remains: it’s still glass, and glass is fragile. Glass is used on touch-screen cell phones because of it’s response to body heat and slick surface area. While glass is the ideal cell phone screen material for many reasons, it is no match for a concrete floor. Despite the name, Gorilla Glass is still liable to break, smash, and crack.

MYTH 5: Cracked cell phone screens only affect the aesthetics of the cell phone.

BUSTED! A busted screen not only looks bad; it can be downright dangerous. Putting shattered glass shards against your face is not recommended. Broken screens can also lead to several other issues such as backlight malfunctions, dead spots, dark spots and discoloration. If you find yourself with a cracked screen, get it repaired immediately to ensure your phone works properly.

MYTH 6: Once broken, your cell phone will never be the same.

BUSTED! If your cell phone has been repaired by a professional cell phone repair company, such as UZOOX, it will work just like new. Our expert techs are trained on all types of smartphone repair. We stand behind our work and guarantee it to be free from defects.

MYTH 7: Cell phone repairs are expensive and time-consuming.

BUSTED! No one wants to deal with the extra cost and hassle of a broken cell phone. We get it. We strive to provide our customers with affordable pricing. As a result, our repair solutions are less expensive than purchasing a new device and often less than paying the high deductible on your insurance policy. Our goal is to provide fast and convenient repair service. In fact, many repairs can be performed on the same day — under an hour with no appointment needed.

According to a 2015 Pew Research Center report, more than 90 percent of Americans own a cellphone — with 64 percent owning a smartphone, up from 35 percent in 2011. Mobile devices are not just used as communication devices that keep us in touch with friends, family and coworkers — but they are relied upon to check the weather and latest news, daily schedules, help navigate from place to place, shop online, and even diagnose an illness.
As mobile phones become more and more ingrained in the day-to-day lives of Americans, it is no surprise that nomophobia, an abbreviation for “no-mobile-phone phobia,” is on the rise.
When separated from their cellphones, those who experience nomophobia experience symptoms similar to other anxiety disorders, such as intense feelings of panic and the inability to focus.
More than 60 percent of participants in a 2013 survey conducted by Harris Interactive said they would be upset if they left home without their mobile phone and would return home to retrieve it — even if they were just out for a quick trip to the store.
To find out just how severe you are of being without your phone, take this questionnaire, developed by researchers at the Iowa State University.

Do you have “no-mo-phobia”?

Respond to the following statements on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Calculate your score by adding the responses to each item. Higher scores corresponded to greater severity of nomophobia.

1. I would feel uncomfortable without constant access to information through my smartphone.
2. I would be annoyed if I could not look information up on my smartphone when I wanted to do so.
3. Being unable to get the news (e.g., happenings, weather, etc.) on my smartphone would make me nervous.
4. I would be annoyed if I could not use my smartphone and/or its capabilities when I wanted to do so.
5. Running out of battery in my smartphone would scare me.
6. If I were to run out of credits or hit my monthly data limit, I would panic.
7. If I did not have a data signal or could not connect to Wi-Fi, then I would constantly check to see if I had a signal or could find a Wi-Fi network.
8. If I could not use my smartphone, I would be afraid of getting stranded somewhere.
9. If I could not check my smartphone for a while, I would feel a desire to check it.

If I did not have my smartphone with me:
1. I would feel anxious because I could not instantly communicate with my family and/or friends.
2. I would be worried because my family and/or friends could not reach me.
3. I would feel nervous because I would not be able to receive text messages and calls.
4. I would be anxious because I could not keep in touch with my family and/or friends.
5. I would be nervous because I could not know if someone had tried to get a hold of me.
6. I would feel anxious because my constant connection to my family and friends would be broken.
7. I would be nervous because I would be disconnected from my online identity.
8. I would be uncomfortable because I could not stay up-to-date with social media and online networks.
9. I would feel awkward because I could not check my notifications for updates from my connections and online networks.
10. I would feel anxious because I could not check my email messages.
11. I would feel weird because I would not know what to do.

Have no fear, UZOOX Cell Phone Repair is here

Avoid the ill effects of nomophobia, and entrust your mobile device to UZOOX Cell Phone Repair of Indianapolis. We will get your mobile phone up and running, and back to you quickly. Rest assured as many services, can be performed on the same day — under an hour — with no appointment needed.

What do you do with your mobile device? Odds are you toss, keep in a drawer or sell it back. Recently, companies like AT&T and Verizon are allowing you to trade in your old device when you upgrade for a credit. But, why is this becoming so important? What is the benefit of recycling your old cell phone?

Cell Phone Recycling

Every mobile phone contains a bunch of different precious metals that can be used for multitude of different things. The biggest benefit of the recycle program is to give the opportunity for companies to reclaim devices that have had issues and correct them. These mobile devices become refurbished and are sold at a discount to customers who are in need of a device but cannot afford to shell out cash for a new one. When you device starts showing negative signs of functionality or wear-and-tear, you should consult your local cell phone repair company. They will be able to provide you with solutions and ultimately, the best advice for fixing or recycling your cell phone. Think of it like a cellphone donor plan. Each and every device can stand to save the life of a new one.

Be Eco-Friendly with your mobile phone

We all know that the environment is a big issue today. Every person can do a lot to reduce their carbon footprint. Recycling your cell phone allows companies to reuse parts and keep the landfills free of slowly biodegrading materials. A lot of old phones become repurposed and can be used in the manufacturing of garden furniture, jewelry, automotive parts, new electronics, or assist in the development of new mobile phones. This will ensure the slowly biodegradable plastics and metals will go to good use instead of spending years buried in the ground.

The other big potential of risk resides in cell phone batteries. Some devices still allow you to remove the back door and replace the battery with a new store-bought cell phone battery. What happens when you throw that battery in the garbage? It ends up in a landfill that sits for ages and allows the chemicals to saturate the soils. The biggest risk is the battery that makes its way into the earth. A single cell phone battery can contain hazardous materials that can cause harmful impact when mishandled. Certainly, companies have been taking steps to ensure safe products, but there are some issues that cannot be avoided. Some chemicals contained in older devices include lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. Now, imagine that these chemicals made their way into the soil and eventually into the water supply. That is simply no good. Be sure you are mindful when recycling your old cell phone.

Where to recycle old cell phones?

You can find a place to recycle old cell phones just about anywhere. If you do not want to worry about the headaches of resetting your cell phone, packaging and shipping the device, find a local cell phone repair shop like UZOOX Cell Phone Repair in Indianapolis Indiana and let them handle it for you. ]]> https://indyphonedoctor.com/2016/03/01/5-heavy-duty-phone-cases/ Tue, 01 Mar 2016 16:42:58 +0000 http://indyphonedoctor.com/?p=2247 more »]]>

Photo @tripknowledgy

Technology and social networking make it easier than ever, so make it a priority — then download one of these handy apps to make it a snap.

1. HomeTeam

Introduced in 2015, the HomeTeam app from Panasonic offers an inventive way to connect and interact with young kids at a distance. Read the built-in stories, play virtual games — from tic-tac-toe to chess — and video chat with your grandkids, who can only keep up a traditional conversation for so long.

It’s ideal for kids ages 3 to 12. While the first month is free, a premium subscription costs $8.99 a month or $89.99 per year.

2. Google Hangouts

Use Google Hangouts to instant message far-flung cousins, video chat your kids at college, or even get 10 people together for a virtual chat. Available for any platform, other features include screen sharing and some entertaining apps like “Google Effects” — all for free.

3. Rabbit

Get the old band back together. You can video chat with up to 15 people at once using the free app Rabbit. It also offers “Rabbitcast” where you can watch TV shows and movies or even listen to music with your distant pals.

4. Viber

Got friends abroad? Try the free Viber app make free HD voice calls, send text messages and share images to users worldwide. It works for any smart device including computer and tablets.

5. Classic Social Networking Sites

If you’ve been reluctant to get on the Facebook train or try any of the other wildly popular social networking sites, consider giving them a try in 2016. There’s a reason the big players are still thriving. Chances are your nieces and nephews already have active accounts, they’re free and easy to use.

Download Skype to make free calls on your desktop or mobile device; share your vacation or holiday photo albums on Instagram; or give your loved ones status updates on Facebook. Don’t want to share with the world? Just set your profile to private and only allow those you love to access your page.

COST

The major factor to look into is the overall cost or repairing your cell phone or replacing it. Sure it can be nice to adopt the latest iPhone or Samsung device, but at what cost. Programs like Verizon Edge or AT&T Next offer some ease-of-mind in knowing your can upgrade in shorter intervals. However, if you are not a subscriber to the installment plan model your upfront cost will be astronomical compared to the cost of repairing a device. With some cell phone devices starting in the upper $400 range and exceeding $700, you can expect the cost to outweigh the benefit of having a newer device versus repairing your current model.

FUNCTION

Depending on how much of a role your mobile device plays in your daily life can determine the path you travel. For the professionals who rely on their phone to provide high levels of connectivity, they need a fast turnaround time. UZOOX Cell Phone Repair has the capability to complete device repairs with same day satisfaction (depending on level of damage). With the capabilities in today’s repair market, majority of cell phone can be repaired before even considering a new replacement.

LEVEL OF DAMAGE

If your cell phone has been dropped from a two story building during a rainstorm while a one-ton truck drives by running over the device, you might just have bad luck and odds are UZOOX Cell Phone Repair cannot help you. However, should your phone suffer a cracked screen, headphone jack issue, or any scenario that does not include your phone in unrecognizable pieces, it is worth bringing it to shops like UZOOX Cell Phone Repair to find out if you can save your wallet the hurt. While there are circumstances where your cell phone cannot be repair, you’d be surprised at what cell phone repair providers can do.

BE INFORMED

In the end knowledge will conquer all. Most consumers are not informed on the different capabilities that cell phone repair providers, such as UZOOX Cell Phone Repair can provide or have stigma about repaired or refurbished devices. Look for a shop that offers free diagnostics for all customers to not only educate, but inform you and seek out warrantied services. This should help ease your mind when choosing to repair your cell phone before heading to Best Buy Mobile or other providers to eat the cost of a new device.

A water damaged cell phone: as much as we hate to admit it, we’ve all had our fair share of water damaged cell phone experiences. But what many don’t know is how your actions following the water damage can directly impact your cell phone’s chances of survival. Below we’ve listed the proper actions you should take in order to save a water-damaged cell phone.

Immediately remove your phone out of the water.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but the faster you remove your cell phone out of water, the higher its chances of being revived.

Refrain from pushing any buttons.

Pressing buttons can let even more moisture into your phone, increasing your chances of irreversible damage.

Dry off the surface of your cell phone.

Using paper towels or a hand towel, dry off the outside of your water-damaged cell phone as thoroughly as possible. This makes it easier to use your phone and prevents further damage from occurring.

Take out all removable internal parts.

After drying off your water-damaged cell phone, take out all the removable parts from your waterlogged cell phone. This includes your battery, SIM card, and your MicroSD card if your cell phone has one. This protects the most important parts of your cell phone and allows your water-damaged cell phone to dry much faster and more thoroughly. Also, in case your phone doesn’t survive the fall, this preserves any valuable information you might have stored in your phone.

Shake gently.

Shake your water-damaged cell phone to release any leftover water hiding in the crevices of your cell phone. Do so very gently as to not cause further damage to your cell phone

Rice it up.

The drying process requires one more step: sticking your water-damaged cell phone in rice. You can also use a Bheestie Bag, a small bag of tiny balls made of a foil-like element crafted to capture moisture, specifically from drenched electronics. Immerse your water-damaged cell phone into a bag of rice and wait until it appears to have dried completely and hopefully shows signs of life. Be sure to give your cell phone enough time for the water to drain. The recommended timeframe spans from 24 to 72 hours.

Final results.

Next comes the moment you’ve been waiting for, the revelation. Take your water-damaged cell phone out of the bag of rice and after wiping it down, put it back together and attempt to power it up. Hopefully, you receive good news. If you do not, ensure that the internal contents of your cell phone, like your sim card or battery still work by placing them into another phone with a similar style.

For future reference.

If you think this incident may happen again, plan accordingly and get the proper protection for your cell phone. Consider getting a protection plan that will provide you with the proper options for a water-damaged cell phone, including cell phone repair or replacement services. Also, don’t overlook getting a waterproof case for your cell phone, or a water-resistant cell phone entirely. In the unfortunate case that your water damaged cell phone is not functioning, give us a call at Uzoox Cell Phone Repair in Indianapolis, IN at (317)863-8425.
For more on water-damaged repair or replacement services, contact Uzoox Repair in Indianapolis, IN at (317) 863 – 8425