Warning signs.. it’s time to get a new cell phone

Follow-up _ Lama Nasr:

If you’re experiencing these issues, you’ll need to start shopping around for a replacement for your mobile device.

The battery drains quickly

If a full charge only lasts a fraction of the time it used to and your phone needs to be charged constantly, it’s time for an upgrade. Over time, like anything else that gets used a lot, your cell phone battery will wear down. If your phone does not have a replaceable battery, you will have no choice but to purchase a new phone.

Nobody can understand you

Can you hear me now? If the answer is suddenly “no,” even when you’re at tried-and-true calling sites or have full-service bars, the problem may not actually be your connection—it could be your microphone. When your microphone starts to wear out, people on the other end of your call will constantly complain that they can’t understand what you’re saying because your voice sounds too quiet or the volume drops out.

The touch screen is off

Have you noticed that your touch screen has become less compatible with your swipes? When the sensors on it start to fail, sometimes your phone will work just fine, and other times you’ll need to swipe or tap repeatedly to get a response. When this starts to happen, you’re not losing your mind or imagining things — it’s a sign that you need to start looking for a new phone.

The operating system is outdated

When you can’t update to the latest operating system (OS) because of outdated hardware, your phone can slow down and may be vulnerable to security threats, says Moore-Crispin. Google the latest operating system for your phone type and check your phone settings to make sure your device is up to date. If the latest update can’t be downloaded, it’s time to upgrade. Just FYI, it usually takes about three years for a phone to have an outdated OS, though that’s not a rule. It can happen sooner or later, depending on the phone manufacturer.

Troubleshooting not working

Do-it-yourself phone fixes like cleaning your charging port to improve charging and drying a wet phone can keep your phone running for a long time. However, there comes a time when even troubleshooting won’t make a difference. If you’ve tried restarting your phone, checking it for malware, and installing necessary software upgrades and it’s still slow, it’s time to say goodbye.