Keeping it Safe …

As promised last week, this week’s column is about protecting smart phones from damage, and what to do if accidental damage does occur.

Backing up data — The most important component of any computer is the stored data, and a smart phone (or tablet) is nothing more than a small computer. If your phone is lost, or stops working for any reason, a recent backup ensures that your data is safe and can be transferred to a replaced or repaired device. The operative word is recent – be sure to backup your phone on a regular basis. 

iPhones have a backup and restore feature built into the operating system. Using iTunes, the free software that runs on both Macs and PCs, you can choose to back up your device directly to your computer, or to Apple’s remote iCloud service. For detailed instructions on how to preform an iOS backup, visit www.support.app.com and search for iOS backup. 

Android smart phones are a bit more complicated to back up, as they do not come with a native backup feature. There are several backup methods that can be used, and which method you choose will vary, depending on the phone manufacturer and user preference. If your phone did not come with specific directions for making backups, I suggest a Google search for “Backing up Android Phones.” 

Protecting your phone from falls — Every phone should be enclosed in a protective case, and there are hundreds of choices in the marketplace. Most cases cover the back and sides of the phone, leaving the glass face uncovered. While the phones themselves are very durable, the glass screen can crack and shatter if dropped. As mentioned in last week’s column, a case with a bumper that wraps completely around the front edge of the phone offers the best protection. If the phone is dropped, the cushioned bumper will come in contact with the ground first, and in most cases will protect the phone from damage. If you do experience a cracked screen, one of the following may apply:

Most of the time a cracked smart phone will still work, and you can choose to keep using the phone until your are eligible for a new phone from your wireless carrier. 

Or if you purchased insurance for the phone, you will have to pay a deductible, typically between $50 and $200, to receive a new phone. Applecare, Apple’s extended warranty and insurance plan, costs $99 and can be purchased within 30 days of buying a new phone. AppleCare covers any malfunction for two years from date of purchase, including accidental damage. There is no charge for hardware malfunctions, and if the phone is damaged, it can be replaced twice during the two year period, with a cost of $79 for each occurrence. Most wireless carriers offer their own insurance, covering loss as well as damage. The coverage adds $7 to $10 a month to your wireless bill, and a replacement phone, for any reason including hardware failure, will cost between $100 and $200, depending on the carrier and phone model.

If you have an iPhone and did not purchase Applecare, Apple will replace a broken iPhone on a sliding scale, based on the iPhone model: $269 for an iPhone 5, 5s, or 5c; $199 for an iPhone 4S, and $149 for an iPhone 4.

Most computer repair shops also offer screen repair and replacement, with prices range of $150 to $200.  

Other types of damage — Water damage is another common disaster that can befall a smart phone. My daughter-in-law accidentally washed her phone in the washing machine, and it is not uncommon for smart phones to take a dip in a lake, a ride on a surfboard, or a fall into a toilet. In case of submersion, immediately remove the phone from the water and use a paper towel or microfiber cloth to dry the surface. Whatever you do, do not try to turn the phone on or press any buttons. Once the phone surface appears dry, empty a bag of rice into a large container and bury the phone in the rice for 48 to 72 hours — the longer the better. Rice draws moisture out of the phone, and with luck the phone will power on once removed from the rice. If the phone is working, be prepared for some residual problems. In my daughter-in-law's case, for several months after the incident, pictures she took looked as if they were taken through a rainy window. However, the camera lens eventually dried out and the phone is currently working normally.