Smartphones today are an extension of our hand, literally and figuratively. We are so attached to it that almost no household or work issue is solved without its use: we make work calls, look through mail, order groceries, use services of banks and other organizations online. We also delegate even our safety issues to the smartphone: for example, every second parent uses the phone number tracker to ensure the safety of elderly parents or children. And it all sounds great until the moment when your “magic screen” goes out and you are left without an assistant but with a pool of unresolved tasks on your own. Unfortunately, there is nothing eternal in the world and our favorite devices like any other equipment can break or let us down at the most inopportune moment: loss of signal, battery discharge or locked screen can create a lot of stress. So today we would like to discuss some of the common phone emergencies and how to deal with them and get things back to normal quickly.
- How to Preserve Battery Life and Care for Your Device
Few things are more frustrating than your phone running out of battery at the worst possible time. Whether it’s navigating an unfamiliar city or waiting for an important call, a dead battery can leave you stranded. The reasons for this are often simple: excessive screen brightness, apps running in the background, wireless features left on, or extreme temperature exposure. Over time, your poor charging habits can also shorten battery life, resulting in sudden shutdowns or, at worst, bloating and danger. And in the worst case, the battery can swell due to overheating or a manufacturing defect, making the phone unsafe to use.
What you can do
To extend battery life and keep your device in good shape, follow these practical steps:
- Adjust screen brightness: Lowering brightness or using auto-adjust can significantly reduce energy consumption.
- Activate power-saving mode: When your phone’s battery is running low, power-saving mode restricts background activity to extend usage.
- Turn off unnecessary connections: If you’re not using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS, switch them off to prevent power drain.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Keep your phone away from direct sunlight, and don’t leave it in cold environments for too long.
- Charge smartly: Lithium-ion batteries last longer when charged between 20%-80% rather than full cycles from 0% to 100%.
What to do if your battery swells? A swollen battery is a serious issue that can lead to dangerous consequences (including leaks or even explosions). If you notice the back cover bulging or the screen separating from the frame, stop using the phone immediately. Do not charge it, and definitely do not try to push or press on the swollen area, as this could release dangerous chemicals or even cause a fire. The safest choice in this case is to take the phone to a certified repair center for battery replacement.
- What to Do If You Lose Your Phone
Today, losing your phone is like wasting a part of your life. This little device stores everything from important contacts to personal messages. And the worst part? If someone gains access, your banking apps, social media and even your personal photos are at risk.
Thus, here is the first rule: don’t panic – act fast. If you suspect your phone is nearby, call it. Sometimes a simple call can help locate a lost device under the couch or in a forgotten bag. But if your phone doesn’t ring or is turned off, it’s time for Plan B.
Are there any ways to track and secure a lost phone? Yes, as most modern smartphones have built-in tracking tools (but they will only work properly if you have enabled or installed them on your device in advance).
Most modern smartphones have built-in tracking tools that can help you locate and secure your device:
| Feature | Description |
| Find My iPhone / Find My Device | Allows you to see your phone’s last known location on a map. |
| Remote ringing | Makes your phone ring loudly, even if it’s on silent mode. |
| Remote lock and custom message | Lets you lock your phone and display a custom message with a return number. |
| SIM card locking | Contact your carrier to block unauthorized calls and data usage. |
| Police report and IMEI Number | Reporting theft with your IMEI number increases recovery chances. |
Lifehack: The Number Tracker app can be a lifesaver for you, especially in case when you manage multiple devices. For example, parents use them to monitor kids’ phones, and business owners track company devices. If your phone ever goes missing, a tracking app can quickly pinpoint its exact location (or members of your circle can at least see the last location on the map).
If tracking doesn’t work, locking your SIM card is the next step. Contact your carrier immediately to block unauthorized calls and prevent fraud. If you believe the phone was stolen, you may file a police report with the IMEI number (found in your phone settings or on the box) to improve the chances of recovery.
- How to Act If You Forget Your Password or Lock Screen
Forgetting your phone’s password is frustrating, especially when you’re locked out right when you need to make an urgent call or something else. Due to security updates, most phones now have strict locking measures and in this case, progress works against us: makes it difficult to access the contents of the phone after a few wrong attempts.
Well, firstly, to recover a locked device, try biometric authentication. Many phones allow fingerprint or facial recognition, which can bypass a forgotten password. If that doesn’t work, use the password reset option via your email or backup phone number. If no recovery option is available, a factory reset might be the only solution. But always keep in mind:
- A reset erases all data, including photos, messages, and apps.
- You can restore information only if you’ve backed up your phone to the cloud or an external drive.
Tip: Set up automatic cloud backups for essential files. Due to doing this (even if a reset is necessary) you can quickly restore your photos, messages, and apps without losing important data.
- What to Do If Your Phone Gets Hacked
A hacked phone is more than just an inconvenience – it is a serious security threat that can compromise your personal and financial information. It is not a secret that cybercriminals are constantly developing new tactics to steal passwords, access banking apps, and even remotely control your device without your knowledge. The consequences can be different, e.g., unauthorized transactions, drained bank accounts or even full-blown identity theft, where hackers misuse your personal details to open backside accounts or make illegal purchases.
So, now we will discuss how to detect and respond to a hacked phone. Signs of hacking often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Some red flags include unexpected pop-ups, unfamiliar apps, rapid battery drain, or your phone acting on its own (like sending texts or opening apps without your input). If you suspect hacking, take immediate actions:
- Update your phone’s software to patch any security vulnerabilities.
- Change passwords for critical accounts (email, social media, banking apps).
Scan your phone with a reliable antivirus app to remove potential malware. - Remove suspicious apps, especially those you don’t remember installing.
A more severe attack may require a factory reset to fully wipe malicious software. If hackers gained access to sensitive financial information, notify your bank immediately and monitor transactions for suspicious activity.
Lifehack: If you haven’t done so before, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on important accounts (or better yet, everywhere possible) to add an extra layer of security. Even if hackers steal your password, they won’t be able to log in without a second verification step, such as a one-time code sent to your phone.
Your Phone – Your Responsibility
A modern smartphone is not just a gadget, but a personal assistant, a wallet, a key to many services and even a security tool. But like any assistant, it requires care, attention and a competent attitude in critical situations. So be cautious, use defense mechanisms and don’t let small troubles knock you out of your rut. In the end, the key is not to panic, but to deal with the situation confidently and with a cool head.