Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, but numerous myths about how to properly use and care for them still persist. These misconceptions can range from mildly inconvenient to potentially harmful. Let’s debunk 12 of the most common smartphone myths once and for all:
1. Rice Saves a Water-Damaged Phone
Putting your phone in rice after it gets wet is a common myth, but it’s both ineffective and potentially damaging. Experts recommend simply leaving your phone on a counter to air-dry. Rice can leave residue inside the device, causing further harm.
2. Closing Apps Saves Battery Life
Many people believe that closing apps manually helps conserve battery, but that’s not true. iPhones and Android devices are designed to manage background apps efficiently. Instead, you can adjust background activity settings to help save power.
3. Charging Overnight Harms Your Battery
Modern smartphones are built with smart charging features that prevent overcharging. They stop charging once the battery reaches around 80% and continue charging gradually as you wake up. For optimal battery health, aim to keep your battery between 20% and 80%.
4. Only Same-Brand Chargers Are Safe
While it’s important to use high-quality chargers, you don’t have to use chargers from the same brand as your phone. Trusted third-party brands can provide reliable alternatives, though you should avoid cheap, unverified chargers, especially those used for fast charging.
5. Apps from Official Stores Are Always Safe
Even official app stores like Google Play and the Apple App Store occasionally allow malicious apps to slip through. Always check app reviews and avoid apps that seem suspicious or have low ratings to safeguard your data.
6. More Megapixels Mean Better Photos
A higher megapixel count doesn’t necessarily mean better photos. The quality of your photos depends more on the phone’s sensor and image processing capabilities. Choose a phone based on photo quality rather than just the megapixel count.
7. Airplane Mode Speeds Up Charging
Though it’s often said that enabling airplane mode speeds up charging, the difference is negligible. Modern smartphones charge quickly enough without needing to disable any features.
8. Blue Light Keeps You Awake
While blue light has been blamed for disrupting sleep, research shows that any screen time before bed—regardless of the light color—can interfere with sleep patterns. To improve sleep, reduce screen usage before bed and opt for relaxing activities instead.
9. 5G Is Harmful
There’s no credible evidence to suggest that 5G technology is harmful to health. Extensive studies have shown that the electromagnetic radiation from mobile networks poses no danger. Focus on well-known risks, like UV exposure, instead.
10. Public Wi-Fi Is Unsafe
While public Wi-Fi can have security risks, modern encryption standards have made it safer than in the past. Still, avoid logging into sensitive accounts over public networks and be cautious of fake networks. Using a VPN adds an extra layer of protection.
11. Phones Must Be in Airplane Mode on Flights
Cellphone signals don’t interfere with airplane instruments. However, using airplane mode helps reduce signal artifacts for pilots and saves battery by preventing your phone from searching for a network.
12. You Don’t Need to Restart Your Phone
Restarting your phone occasionally is actually important. It helps clear cached data, resolves minor glitches, and improves overall performance. A weekly reboot is recommended to keep your phone running smoothly.
Conclusion
Understanding the facts behind smartphone usage can help you make the most of your device and avoid unnecessary risks. By dispelling these common myths, you can ensure that you’re using your phone more effectively and efficiently.
