When it comes to cell phones, there is a lot you need to know. You must know all the options when the time comes to buy one and to use one. These suggestions should provide a jumping point for your knowledge.

If you phone gets wet, it isn’t necessarily beyond repair. Instead, take the battery out and put the phone inside a bowl full of rice. This facilitates absorption of moisture that has gotten in your device.

If you are using a cell phone and you need to call information, there is no need for you to pay the hefty charges that are usually associated with that. Try for instance the 1-800 number, 411-FREE. You’ll just have to listen to an ad before you get your answer.

Remember that age will slow down a smartphone. Downloading updates is very important. The problem with this is that new phones come out that are a lot more powerful. That means your old phone might not be able to handle them.

If you have a smartphone, you may use it frequently during the day. Turn your phone off periodically. Smartphones and computers are very similar. Restarting them can free up the memory and keep them running better. If you turn off your phone a couple times a week, you should see a big different in its functionality.

Is your phone’s battery life too short? Perhaps your signal is weak. Having a weak cell phone signal can actually drain your battery. When your phone isn’t in use, keep it out of places that lack strong signals.

Do you need a smartphone? Smartphones cost a lot of money, but they do a lot of things. The problem is, some people just need a basic phone to make calls with. If this applies to your situation, remember that not only must you pay more up front for a smartphone, but you must also pay more each month for service. You should save your money instead.

Tap into all of the options that are available to you. You may be comfortable with that screen layout or interface, but you should stay open-minded. Taking a glance at what kinds of phone are out there can lead you to getting more functionality from cellphones.

Cell Phone

Ask neighbors and friends for advice prior to purchasing a cell phone. These folks can offer valuable insights from their own use of cell phone technologies. With their help, you should be able to figure out which model you will like the best.

Never buy a smart phone if you only use your phone to make voice calls. The main reason people have smartphones are to use the Internet and send emails. Save yourself some cash and get a regular cell phone if you just want to talk on it.

Try to recharge your phone before it is completely dead. These batteries should be recharged with frequency. They aren’t going to hold your charge if you keep letting the batteries get really low before you charge it. Thus, see if you can charge the battery much earlier in the process.

A case is not needed for most new phones. The latest smartphones are designed with sturdy materials so that they can endure hard knocks. Cases add protection and make using the phone difficult. Learn about your phone and decide if your phone needs a case or not.

The camera on your phone doesn’t have optical zoom. To get shots close up, you have to be close to the target. You can purchase lenses that do this also.

If you would like to have the latest cell phone technology, make sure you purchase something new every couple of years. Most websites function better when viewed on new phones. If your phone is old, you may not be able to get the same Internet experience as others.

Learn how to use your apps. Many of them are browsers or music programs. It will probably have a calender as well. Learning to use all these programs is going to maximize your investment.

Look at your carriers map for coverage before major traveling. You may already know where you get the best signal near the location of your work and home. It may be anywhere you go regularly. However, if you’re leaving town, you may find that there are patchy areas where you cell phone doesn’t work.

Purchase a solid case to protect your phone. It can be a costly error to drop an iPhone on the hard ground. Otterbox has several nice products that can protect your phone. In particular, take a look at something called “The Defender.”

Practice using the calendar system on your cell phone. You could schedule meetings and appointments with it. Make sure that your alert is set beforehand. This is great for saving paper and for when you need to keep a straight schedule.

Do not be misguided by cell phone’s zoom lens. You don’t get a true optical zoom that you would get in a normal camera. This is not a capability that cell phones will have. If you want to have a camera that works well for you, you should move closer instead of zooming.

If you find yourself without signal in specific area, turn your phone off or switch to flight mode. It will use up the battery if there isn’t a signal. Turn off the search for signal setting until you have reached an area that offers cell phone service.

Your cell phone experience will improve as your knowledge base grows. Don’t rush into purchasing a cell phone. Do a little research to make a good choice. This is meant to be a starting point, so you really should continue learning more.