Tips on how to protect your phone

From hopping on and off the tube to enjoying nights out with friends, your phone is likely to be your lifeline, helping you navigate the city, stay connected, and capture memories. But with all that hustle'n'bustle, it’s easy for your phone to become damaged, lost, or stolen. Here are some simple tips to help you look after your phone:

1. Use a sturdy phone case and screen protector

One of the easiest ways to protect your phone is by investing in a durable phone case and screen protector. London life can be unpredictable, and whether you’re rushing to a lecture or squeezing onto a packed tube, accidents can happen. A sturdy case will protect your phone from bumps, drops, and scratches, while a tempered glass screen protector can prevent costly cracks.

• Top tip: Opt for a case with raised edges around the screen and camera to provide extra protection in case your phone takes a tumble.

2. Use a wrist strap or phone lanyard

When you're out and about in London, particularly in crowded areas like Oxford Street or during a night out, it’s easy to drop or misplace your phone. A wrist strap or phone lanyard is a practical solution to keep your phone securely attached to you. This way, even if your phone slips from your grip, it’s still safely tethered to your wrist or neck.

• Top tip: Look for phone cases that come with attachment points for wrist straps or lanyards, or purchase a universal phone lanyard that fits most models.

3. Be careful in crowded areas

London’s busy streets, markets, and public transport can be prime spots for phone theft. Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Keep your phone in a zipped pocket or bag when you’re not using it, and avoid holding it out in public for long periods. Thieves often target people who are distracted, so stay alert when using your phone in busy areas.

• Top tip: Avoid using your phone while walking near the road. Thieves on mopeds have been known to snatch phones from people’s hands.

4. Use 'Find My iPhone' or Google 'Find My Device'

If you misplace your phone or it gets stolen, having a tracking app set up in advance can help you locate it. Both Apple and Android phones come with built-in tracking services – Find My iPhone for iOS users and Google Find My Device for Android users. Make sure these services are enabled on your phone so you can track its location remotely, lock it, or erase your data if necessary.

• Top tip: Use a secure passcode (not just '1234') as a first line of defence if your phone gets stolen. It will slow down anyone trying to access any of your sensitive data.

5. Keep your phone charged with a power bank

London is a big city, and a day out exploring can easily drain your phone’s battery, especially if you’re using navigation apps like Citymapper or Google Maps. Carrying a small portable power bank ensures that your phone stays charged throughout the day, so you won’t be left without it when you need it most.

• Top tip: Choose a lightweight power bank with enough capacity to charge your phone at least once or twice, so it’s easy to carry around in your bag.

6. Insure your phone

With the cost of smartphones on the rise, it’s worth considering phone insurance, especially if you can't help buying the latest model. Accidents, theft, or loss can happen at any time, and phone insurance can help cover repair or replacement costs. Many insurance providers offer affordable plans for students, so shop around to find a policy that suits your needs.

• Top tip: Some bank accounts or student deals include phone insurance as part of their package, so check if you’re already covered.

7. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi

While free public Wi-Fi can be a lifesaver for students trying to save data, it also comes with risks. Hackers can use unsecured networks to access your personal information, so be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi. Avoid using public networks for activities that involve sensitive information, such as online banking.

• Top tip: Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect your data when using public Wi-Fi. A VPN encrypts your connection, making it more difficult for hackers to access your information.

8. Don’t overload your phone with apps

It can be tempting to download every app under the sun, but having too many apps can slow down your phone and drain your battery. Regularly review your apps and delete any that you no longer use. Keeping your phone’s storage clear will help it run more smoothly and efficiently.

• Top tip: Set your phone to automatically back up photos and files to cloud storage, freeing up space on your device.

You're all set now to keep your phone safe and sound - happy scrolling!