10 things You Should Never Do With your Smartphones [Updated 2025]

Introduction:

In today's digital era, smartphones have become inseparable companions, seamlessly woven into our daily lives. Yet, despite their convenience, certain behaviors can inadvertently harm device performance and user satisfaction.

This article identifies ten common pitfalls to avoid when using these technological wonders. From thoughtlessly closing background apps to overlooking app permissions, each point emphasizes the need for mindful smartphone usage.

By steering clear of these pitfalls, users can enhance their smartphone experience while preserving device functionality and longevity. Let's explore the nuances of smartphone etiquette and unveil key guidelines for responsible usage.

1. Frequently terminating recent applications

Users often believe that force-closing apps saves battery and boosts performance. However, modern smartphone operating systems like Android and iOS are designed to manage background apps efficiently. Force-closing apps repeatedly actually uses more resources because the system must relaunch them from scratch.

Features like Android's "Doze Mode" and iOS's memory optimization keep unused apps idle without significant resource drain. Let your smartphone handle background processes unless an app is misbehaving.

2. Installation of applications from Unknown Sources

Installing APKs or apps from untrusted websites might offer shortcuts to premium features, but they also invite malware, ransomware, or spyware. These can steal your data or damage your device.

Always stick to official sources like Google Play Store or Apple App Store. If you must sideload, scan the APK file using tools like VirusTotal before installation and enable Play Protect on Android for real-time protection.

3. Utilization of Antivirus Software

Contrary to popular belief, dedicated antivirus apps for smartphones often consume unnecessary resources and may cause privacy risks themselves. Android and iOS offer strong built-in protections—Google Play Protect scans apps continuously and iOS uses sandboxing and rigorous app vetting.

Unless you're sideloading often or visiting suspicious websites, you likely don’t need additional antivirus software. Focus on good security practices instead—like avoiding shady links and not installing unknown apps.

4. Cleaning Cache of Apps

Clearing cache can help with troubleshooting or freeing space temporarily, but regularly doing this harms app performance. Cached data stores commonly used information to speed up loading times. When deleted, apps must reload data from scratch, increasing load times and data usage.

Instead, let your phone manage cache automatically. Only clear it if an app is misbehaving or your storage is critically low.

5. Utilization of Sensor-based Applications

Apps that use motion, proximity, or light sensors (like air gesture controls) may look cool but often keep sensors running constantly, which drains your battery and slows the device.

Use these features sparingly and disable permissions for such apps when not needed. Check the battery usage settings to find sensor-draining apps and consider uninstalling them if they’re not essential.

6. Using third-party Battery Saver Applications

Battery saver apps claim to optimize performance, but most of them just force-close apps or restrict background activity, which the OS already manages. Ironically, they run in the background themselves, using battery and RAM.

Stick to the default battery saver built into Android or iOS. These are better integrated with system processes and use intelligent adjustments to preserve energy.

7. Neglecting App Permissions Oversight

Many users grant all app permissions without checking what the app really needs. This can expose your camera, mic, contacts, location, and more.

Regularly review permissions:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Privacy
3. Select Permission Manager (on Android) or App Permissions (on iOS)
4. Review and revoke access where unnecessary

Also, use the "approximate location" option where full location isn't required.

8. Failure to Reboot Smartphone

Continuously running your phone without restarting can cause slowdowns due to accumulated temporary files or background glitches. A weekly reboot clears cache, refreshes RAM, and often resolves minor performance issues.

Rebooting also applies pending updates and security patches more effectively. Make it a habit to restart your phone at least once a week.

9. Not charging the phone properly

Keeping your phone plugged in all the time or letting it drain completely to 0% shortens battery lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries work best when kept between 30–80% charge. Also, avoid charging in hot environments as heat degrades battery health.

Modern phones have optimized charging features, like adaptive charging or charging limiters—enable these to protect long-term battery health.

10. Adoption of Non-standard Charging Accessories

Using cheap or incompatible chargers can damage your phone’s battery, overheat your device, or even cause short circuits. Non-certified chargers may not have the voltage and current regulations required for your device.

Always use the charger that came with your phone or buy certified replacements from reliable brands. Look for USB-IF or manufacturer certifications to ensure compatibility and safety.

Additional Reading:

• Top 10 things to keep in mind before buying new Smartphones