I got the inspiration to write this PSA after shipping two devices that I’d damaged beyond repair to be recycled. These smartphones: a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ met gruesome ends simply due to my clumsiness, but at the time their designs seemed too beautiful to hide away in bulky cases.
Now I typically keep my smartphones in protective cases, but I’ve decided to — ahead of my impending switch to a Galaxy S9 or Galaxy Note 8 — use my Galaxy S8 without a case and hope (wish and pray) for the very best.
Some of these tips may seem obvious, but you often don’t think about how easy accidents are to avoid until after they’ve happened — until after your $600+ baby has been defiled by concrete.
Either way, check out some ways to keep your smartphone safe while you brave the world without housing it in a protective case.
Be mindful while holding your handset – use both hands
If you’re an 80’s or 90’s baby, you may understand the En Vogue reference in this tip: hold it tight and done let go. Keep your smartphone safe by making sure you’ve got a good grip on it when you’re out and about or by using both hands to hold the device.
Don’t walk and text or use social media
Many people have a bad habit of walking while being completely engrossed in their smartphones and not aware of their surroundings. In addition to this being a safety hazard, if someone is not aware of incoming traffic, for example, it is also a very easy way to have an accident with your device. You could trip or bump into someone and lose your secure grasp on your phone. Instead, stop walking and step to the side to send your Tweet or text. Or, you can use voice dictation to draft up messages. That’s what features like Siri and Google Assistant are for anyway.
Don’t multitask while handling your handset
The first break on my Galaxy S7 Edge happened while I was rushing out of the house to get to work. As I balanced my bags, my keys and my phone in order to lock my front door, my smartphone slipped from my hand and met the business end of some stone steps.
Keep your device in a pocket or bag when it is not being used
Piggybacking from the previous tip, putting your smartphone away when it’s not being used is also a good option for keeping it crack and scratch free. Everyone has a purse or pocket. I don’t think cargo pants will ever go out of style for men, and ladies have bras in a pinch. Use them.
Use the control buttons on your headphones
This may get tougher as more smartphones release without headphone jacks, but for those that still support wired audio accessories, you can use their control buttons handle your phone without taking it out of your bag or pocket. Many headphones have at least a volume rocker on their cords. There may also be buttons to skip forward or backward between songs. Take advantage of these features for their simple yet effective functions.
Use a screen protector
A screen protector may be a decent alternative to protective case when it comes to showing off the color and design of your smartphone while putting a barrier between it and the floor. Brands, including Zagg and BodyGuardz offer screen protectors made of plastic or tempered glass, which can be bonded to the front and back of devices. However, considering that many people use screen protectors and protective cases in tandem, you may still have to implement some of these other tips to keep your device safe.
Be mindful of putting your device on unsteady surfaces
An easy way to damage your phone is by having it slip from an unsteady surface, for example, a window ledge or from the top of an uneven stack of books. Many devices made of glass can easily slip and fall, even when their placement originally seemed secure. A device connected to a short cord can fall even when you didn’t intend for that to happen. Make sure the surfaces where you place your device are flat and accommodating.
Be mindful while using your phone while drunk
A night out may be fun, but it may be best to pull out your emergency case if you plan on drinking. Even when drinking responsibly, you may not be in the right state of mind to consider what could happen to your phone. If not, consider not using your phone while you’re drinking or implementing some of the other tips on this list.
Be mindful while using your phone in crowded areas
Similarly, you should be vigilant if you’re at a show or concert or any kind of crowded event, where someone could accidentally bump you or knock your phone out of your hand. Consider putting a case back on your device or putting it away while you’re in areas where accidents can easily occur.
