When jetting off on holiday your mobile phone alongside your passport is one of the most crucial things you can pack. These devices allow us to stay in touch with loved ones, offer language assistance, take snaps of your trip, offer navigation and even potentially hold some important travel documents.
However, taking your trusty device with you poses some significant risks.There are the usual dangers you may be aware of such as accidentally dropping it or the risk of it being stolen. Our gadgets also hold valuable personal information that can be vulnerable to cyber threats when you’re away from home.
There are added hazards your mobile phone will face when you are holidaying by the beach or in a hot destination.
Mobile specialists at Compare and Recycle are cautioning travellers to be vigilant about three key dangers to their gadgets while on holiday.
Even tiny grains of sand can easily get stuck in your phone’s ports and crevices potentially causing significant damage to your device.
Lee Elliott, chief product officer at Compare and Recycle, warned: “Our phones are a lifeline while we’re abroad. We use them for navigation, keeping in touch with people and for spending money.
“Unfortunately, most phones aren’t as durable as we think they are when exposed to sun, sea and sand. Knowing what not to do if your phone gets damaged can be the difference between saving it or losing it for good.”
The three dangers holidaymakers must steer clear of are: saltwater erosion, sand in the charging point and sun-induced overheating, according to the ManchesterEveningNews.
Holidaymakers are also being urged to ensure they take these precautions:
- If you’re taking your phone in the sea or pool making sure you use waterproof pouches – or avoid taking it out when next to the water altogether because not only would you need a new phone, but your old one would be worth nothing – as any water damage at all completely devalues your device when it comes to selling it on to a mobile phone recycler. If your phone does go for a dip, it’s best to turn it off immediately to stop the water damaging the phone any further, and have it be repaired by a professional as soon as possible.
- Never poke sand out of your charging port with anything metallic. The experts advise opting for a soft-bristled toothbrush to try and dislodge the sand granules, using Blu-tack, or trying another type of soft putty. If it won’t budge, don’t force it and avoid blowing hot air into the port too as this can induce moisture.
- If you cannot keep your phone in the shade (for example, if you’re sunbathing) turn it onto flight mode or battery saver to help it stay cooler and put it in your bag – and if it does overheat, always remove the case to help it cool down faster.