Cell phones are a big part of our lives. We use them to call, text, and keep track of things. So when they start malfunctioning, it really bugs us.
Common problems include cracked screens, blurry camera, slow performance, or water damage. Sometimes, the phone gets slow because there’s not enough space. Phones can get hot, and the battery might drain fast. If it doesn’t charge, the charging port could be a problem. You might also have trouble with the network signal or the screen not working. The good news? Most of these cell phone problems can be fixed. And you can often do it yourself at home. However, if the issues persist, you need to contact cell phone repair experts.
What are the Most Common Cell Phone Issues, and How Can You Fix Them?
Below is a list of common phone problems, along with how to diagnose and fix them.
Battery Drainage
If you see that your phone’s battery is rapidly depleting, the issue could be with the phone’s battery. The battery’s ability to hold a charge deteriorates over time, sometimes causing it to swell, especially if charged irregularly.
Solution
- Turn off Wi-Fi, GPS, or Bluetooth when not in use.
- Lower your phone’s brightness if the display is too bright.
- Check your battery usage. Reduce the screen time of energy-hungry apps. You can do this by going to Settings, then Battery. Tap on Battery Usage and then on Last 7 days.
- Clear app cache regularly. You can do this by going to Settings and then Apps. Select a particular app and then tap on Storage, and then on Clear Cache.
- Turn off apps from running in the background. You can do this by going to Settings, then Battery. Tap on Background App Refresh and turn off all the apps you don’t want to run in the background.
- If the problem is due to the charging cable or adapter, replace it.
Slow Performance
If your phone takes too long to respond, it could be due to intensive apps or games. It can also happen because of a virus or a lack of storage. This issue is more common in older phones.
Solution
- Delete unimportant files to clear storage.
- Uninstall unused apps or heavy games.
- Clear app cache.
- Update your phone’s software.
- If nothing works, factory reset your phone. Note: Be sure to back up all important data before performing a factory reset.
Overheating
If you run too many functions or apps at once, it puts pressure on the phone’s CPU. It then causes the phone to overheat. It also happens due to faulty chargers or energy-intensive apps. You should take this issue seriously, as overheating also causes battery issues.
Solution
- Power off your phone. Remove the phone cover and see if it cools down.
- Use an approved charger. Check for faulty cables.
- Limit the usage of energy-intensive apps.
- Close all apps running in the background.
- Update your phone’s software.
- Avoid running multiple apps simultaneously if not needed
- Uninstall unused apps.
- Don’t use your phone while charging. It’ll make your phone heat up more.
Water Damage
Has water spilled on your phone? Perhaps it began to rain as you were leaving for work. As a result, your phone is not turning on.
Solution
- Power off your phone and remove the battery. Do this immediately, as the more you wait, the higher the risk of damage.
- Put your phone in a sack of rice overnight. This will absorb the moisture. (Note: While placing the phone in a bag of uncooked rice is a common tip, it’s not guaranteed to work. Silica gel packs are more effective.)
- If the phone won’t turn on, take it to the phone repair professionals.
Charging Port Damage
A malfunctioning charging port may be the cause of your phone’s inability to charge, even if your cable or adapter is functioning properly. Usually, water damage or dust causes this.
Solution
- Stop all apps running in the background.
- Clean the charging port by blowing compressed air. Insert a toothpick inside the port and clean any visible dirt. (Caution: Use a toothpick carefully, or consider using a soft brush or compressed air. You may also use a cotton swab.)
- Switch off the phone or turn on aeroplane mode.
- Use another phone charger.
- If nothing works, take it to the phone repair facility.
Lack of Storage Space
If you constantly install apps and games, your phone’s storage space will fill up quickly. We also often forget to delete unnecessary files and pictures. This issue slows down phone performance and also causes the apps to crash.
Solution
- Clean app cache. Delete unused apps or unnecessary files.
- Clear your phone’s recycle bin or deleted files folder.
- Purchase storage space from Google. If you use iOS, upgrade your iCloud subscription.
- Insert an external memory card to get more storage.
Network Issues
If you are unable to receive calls or messages, this may happen due to poor connectivity. Sometimes, a damaged SIM slot can also cause such issues.
Solution
- Toggle the aeroplane mode on and off.
- If the problem doesn’t solve, switch off your phone for a while. Once you switch it on, go to the SIM card settings. You’ll see an option, “Mobile Networks”. Select your preferred network.
- If the problem doesn’t go away, there may be an issue with the SIM card slot. Visit a certified repair technician if the problem persists.
Unresponsive Touchscreen
Sometimes, the phone screen freezes while scrolling. It could be due to software glitches or physical damage to the screen.
Solution
- Restart your phone.
- If the issue occurred when you installed a new app, uninstall it.
- As a last resort, consider a factory reset, but be sure to back up your data first.
- For physical damage, take your phone to a phone repair expert.
Blurry Camera
If your pictures don’t appear smooth or blurry, it could be due to a dirty lens.
Solution
- Using a piece of microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution, clean the camera’s lens.
- Avoid paper towels or rough fabrics, as they may scratch the lens.
- If nothing fixes your phone, take it to the closest repair shop.
Cracked Screen
A cracked screen is a nightmare for phone users. It happens mostly due to dropping your phone.
Solution
- Invest in a good-quality screen protector to reduce the risk of scratches.
- Seek expert assistance if the screen on your phone is cracked and not working properly.
Conclusion
Almost every one of us has had a problem or two with our cell phones in our lives. The most common of such problems include battery drain as a result of an irregular charging pattern or a slowed performance due to a lack of storage space. Phones tend to overheat when too many power-consuming apps are installed on them, especially if storage space is low.. Your phone may not even turn on because of water damage or a faulty charging port caused by dirt. You may also have network issues if your connection is poor. Software issues could cause the phone to freeze. If the screen of your phone has been seriously damaged by an accidental drop, you should take it to a cell phone repair expert.
