Smartphones have become ubiquitous in our lives, serving as our primary tool for communication, entertainment, productivity, and even health tracking. However, the inevitable reality is that as these devices age, they start to slow down, wear out, or simply become less exciting compared to the newer models that come out each year.
But what if there was a way to keep your smartphone feeling new, even years after its purchase? Good news — there is, and it doesn’t involve buying a new phone every year. By applying a simple trick of periodic “reset and refresh,” you can keep your mobile device feeling like it’s fresh out of the box.
The “Reset and Refresh” Trick
This simple trick involves performing a factory reset on your mobile phone every 6-12 months, followed by a careful reinstallation and reconfiguration of only those apps and services that you really need and use. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Backup Your Data
Before you perform a factory reset, make sure to backup all your important data. This includes photos, messages, and app data that you can’t afford to lose. Use the backup features available on your operating system (i.e., iCloud for iPhones or Google Drive for Android devices) to securely store your data.
Step 2: Perform a Factory Reset
Performing a factory reset will wipe your phone clean, removing all the apps, settings, and files stored on the device. This is the point where you’re setting the stage for a fresh start. It’s like getting a brand new phone, but without the expense.
For Android:
- Go to “Settings”
- Scroll down to “System”
- Tap on “Reset options”
- Choose “Erase all data (factory reset)”
For iPhone:
- Go to “Settings”
- Tap on “General”
- Scroll down and tap “Reset”
- Choose “Erase All Content and Settings”
Step 3: Reinstall Essential Apps and Services
After the reset, your phone will restart as if it’s brand new. At this point, resist the urge to restore from a full backup, as that would defeat the purpose of this exercise. Instead, manually reinstall only the apps that you absolutely need.
Step 4: Reconfigure Settings
Take the time to go through the settings, adjusting them according to your preference. You may discover features or settings that you previously overlooked. This is also a great opportunity to review privacy settings to ensure that your data is secure.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Like-New Device
After these steps, you’ll find that your device runs faster, has more free storage space, and most likely even has improved battery life. More importantly, it will feel new and more enjoyable to use.
Why This Works
Removes Bloatware: Over time, our devices get cluttered with apps and services we no longer use. This ‘bloatware’ consumes valuable system resources, slowing down performance. A reset eliminates these, freeing up resources.
Improves Battery Life: As you install and uninstall apps, some may leave behind processes that run in the background, draining your battery. A clean reinstall ensures that only the apps you actually use are consuming battery power.
Enhances Security: This process allows you to review app permissions and settings, making sure that you’re not inadvertently sharing sensitive data.
Rediscovery: Manually reinstalling apps and going through the settings lets you rediscover features and functions that make your device more enjoyable and useful.
So there you have it—a simple trick that keeps your mobile phone feeling new. It’s like giving your phone a “spring cleaning,” offering a fresh start that makes the whole experience of using your device more enjoyable, efficient, and secure.
