Don't Worry About Your Cell Phone Any Longer - Read This

What is a cell phone? Do you think it is just a device which allows you to call someone from anywhere? There is so much more to this little gadget than that! To learn all about how to better your cell phone experience, peruse all of the great tips found below.

Refrain from keeping your phone on for a long period of time when your signals are weak. This generally will kill your battery, leaving you will no juice when you need it most. Try to take your phone calls in places where your signals are very strong to save battery.

If your cell phone is acting slowly after an operating system upgrade, it may be time for a replacement. This is especially true for older phones. It may be so old that the new operating system is too memory intensive to operate smoothly on your phone. Talk with a carrier to see what your options are.

As the time to purchase a newer phone approaches, shop in-store and compare prices between carriers. Spend a few hours using various models while you test the features they have. That way, you are more likely to get something you love.

If you have a smart phone, it is a good idea to turn it completely off every few days. It only takes a few minutes to power it down and then turn it back on. This will help clear your memory of unneeded data and make your phone run more optimally.

Always consider both the price of your phone and the price of the plan. Some providers offer great discounts on the phones they sell, but they get you in the end with higher priced plans. This means some savings initially, but more out of pocket expenses in the long run.

Did you know that you can save money on calls to get information? While most cell phone companies charge up to $1.75 for calling 411, you can still get necessary information by dialing (800)Free411. You will get the same information without incurring any extra charges on your cell phone bill.

If you have a newer model phone, you probably do not need to waste your money on a fancy case for it. Today's cell phones are made from durable materials that can handle being bumped and dropped. You really only need the case for an attractive appearance, not to keep your phone safe.

Do not stream movies or music on your phone. It eats up your data allowance. If you have to, connect to a WiFi location rather than using your data connection. This will still allow you to look or listen to the things that you want, but you will be able to do so for free instead of possibly incurring a large expense.

Make sure that you lock your phone when you put it in your pocket. This is important as you do not want your body to press any keys or call someone when you are not intending to. Usually, you can find the lock screen feature in the general section of your phone's settings.

Don't allow your phone to die completely. Batteries need to be recharged from time to time. They lose some of their ability to hold a charge if you frequently let the battery go too low before recharging. Thus, see if you can charge the battery much earlier in the process.

If you have a teen and they are in need of a new phone, you should think about buying them one that is prepaid. This will stop them from using the phone too much and running up a huge bill. They will be more disciplined once they know they have a certain allotment of texts, talk minutes and data that can be used monthly.

Make sure your plan is the right one for you. There are many, many plans when it comes to cell phones and it is important that you get the one that best fits your needs. For instance, if you text a lot, make sure your plan covers this or you could be left paying a lot of overage.

When in the market for a new cell phone, know your options. You might assume from past experience that you have to get your cell phone and service from the same provider, and that you must even sign a multi-year contract. This is not always the case. Unlocked phones can be bought separately, and some wireless service providers do not require contracts.

If you are trying to get your phone to stay charged longer, be aware of how often you are using the back light. A cell phone's back light makes the screen easier for you to see. Consider altering its settings so that it turns itself off sooner. You may even want to turn the back light off altogether if you can see the screen without it.

You probably do not need to buy an extended warranty or insurance. Surveys indicate that only a small percentage of people buying a new cell phone did so because they broke the old one. Plus, warranties and insurance can be expensive. Instead, simply save your old phone as a backup.

Don't use your cell phone while driving. Even with a Bluetooth hands-free device, it is dangerous. Avoid using your cell phone while driving.

Do not be afraid to haggle over cell phone price. Just because you might be afraid to ask, doesn't mean you cannot get a better deal. There are lots of rebates, coupons or other offers that the carrier or dealer may offer. Ask for it and you might just save money off your purchase.

If you tend to have cell phone envy, you may want to consider a cell phone plan that allows you to upgrade annually. Most cell phone carriers have you on a two year agreement. Upgrading during that time will cost you an arm and a leg. But there are plans out now that let you break that cycle and upgrade as often as you want. Ask your carrier about it.

A cell phone lets you make calls, of course, but you can also send text messages, photos, videos, or even calculate your mortgage payments or write the next great novel. In order to be able to do more with your phone, you must put these tips to use. The sooner, the better!