Why device protection matters
Our smartphones, tablets, laptops and other gadgets are no longer just “nice-to-haves” — they're hubs for our personal photos, banking, work files, social connections and more. When a device fails, is stolen, or is hacked, the impact is real: lost data, financial risk, downtime, stress.
Repair My Phone Today emphasises rapid repairs for everything from cracked screens and water damage to battery replacement and software issues. (Repair My Phone Today)
By taking steps to protect your device, you’re reducing the chances you’ll need a repair or worse — facing data loss or a breach.
10 Tips & Tricks for protecting your device
Here are tried-and-true tips, pulled from device-security best practices and practical maintenance advice.
1. Use a strong lock & biometric security
Make sure your device is locked with a PIN, password, or better still a biometric (fingerprint / face recognition). This prevents casual access if your device is lost or stolen. (it.northwestern.edu)
Tip: Avoid simple PINs like “1234”, “0000” or using just your birthday.
Also: Enable automatic locking after a short idle time so you don’t leave it unlocked inadvertently. (Microsoft Support)
2. Keep the system & apps updated
Updates often include security patches, bug-fixes and performance improvements. Skipping them leaves you vulnerable. (KPMG)
So: enable automatic updates if possible (for OS and apps). And when an update arrives — install it sooner rather than later.
3. Install trusted security software / use safe settings
On many devices (especially laptops/PCs) you should have antivirus/anti-malware protection. On mobiles, be cautious about which apps you install and what permissions they have. (it.northwestern.edu)
Also review browser and app settings for privacy/security (for example, limit which apps can access your camera, microphone, location). (tripwire.com)
4. Protect against physical damage
It’s not just cyber-risks. If your screen cracks, your battery fails, water leaks in — you’ll likely need a visit to a repair centre like Repair My Phone Today. (Repair My Phone Today)
So:
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Use a rugged or good-quality protective case.
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Add a tempered glass or good screen protector.
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Avoid dropping or exposing your device to extreme conditions (water, sand, heat, etc).
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If you do notice cracks, chips, or damage — act quickly; repairs can prevent bigger failures.
5. Backup your data & enable remote wipe
If the worst happens (device lost, stolen, breaks), you’ll thank yourself for having backups. (Microsoft Support)
Enable cloud backup or local backup. Also enable remote-find/remote-wipe features so you can erase your device if it falls into wrong hands.
6. Use secure networks & limit exposure
When you connect to public WiFi or use unknown chargers/ports, you’re exposing yourself to extra risks: eavesdropping, “juice-jacking”, malware insertion. (tripwire.com)
Best practice:
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Avoid using free/unknown WiFi for sensitive transactions unless you have a VPN.
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Turn off WiFi / Bluetooth / NFC when not needed (reduces attack surface). (tripwire.com)
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Use trusted charging sources (especially for public charging stations).
7. Limit what you store & how you use your device
The more sensitive data on your device, the bigger the target. (McAfee)
So:
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Delete apps you no longer use.
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Clear out old files/photos you don’t need on the device.
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Avoid storing unencrypted passwords, sensitive documents in plain apps.
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On mobile, review app permissions regularly and remove excess ones.
8. Maintain good habits & secure usage
It’s about small habits that add up:
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Always lock your device when not in use.
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Don’t share your device where someone else might install something or access your accounts. (Microsoft Support)
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Be alert to phishing attempts, suspicious links, unexpected prompts — many breaches happen via social engineering.
9. Monitor battery & device health
Wear and tear happens. For example, if your battery starts depleting rapidly, the device heats up, or ports are damaged, it may be time for maintenance/repair.
Repair My Phone Today offers services like battery replacement, charging port repair, water-damage repair. (Repair My Phone Today)
Keeping your device physically healthy extends its lifespan and helps avoid sudden failures.
10. Know when to seek professional help
Even with the best protection, devices can get damaged, corrupted, or compromised. That’s when expert repair services are vital.
Repair My Phone Today in Oxford (and surrounding areas) provides diagnostics, same-day repairs, and a “no fix, no fee” guarantee. (Repair My Phone Today)
If you notice screen damage, water ingress, charging issues, or suspect malware/hacking — don’t wait until it gets worse.
A quick checklist
Here’s a handy version you can keep:
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Strong device lock + short idle auto-lock
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OS + apps are up to date
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Security software / safe settings enabled
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Protective case + screen protector in use
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Regular backups enabled; remote wipe configured
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Use trusted networks; disable WiFi/Bluetooth/NFC when idle
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Remove unused apps; minimise sensitive data stored
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Be cautious of links, downloads, passwords
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Monitor battery/health; repair damage promptly
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Know a reliable repair partner (like Repair My Phone Today) when things go wrong
Final Word
Your device is an investment — and so is your data. By combining digital hygiene (security settings, updates, backups) with physical maintenance (cases, screen protection, repair when needed) you’re giving yourself the best chance of long-term smooth operation.
And when something does go wrong — cracked screen, battery issues, water damage — it’s good to know there’s a trusted expert like Repair My Phone Today ready to get you sorted.
Feel free to share this blog with friends or colleagues, and if you’d like me to tailor it for a specific device type (smartphone vs laptop) or audience (beginners vs advanced) I’d be happy to help!
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