Mobile phones today have transformed from a luxury item to a necessity in a short period of time. We use mobile phones not only for communicating or keeping in touch but also for various other reasons such as texting, playing games, listening to music etc. With such an increasing dependence on phones it is necessary that you know how to protect your phone in case it gets stolen or is damaged. This article will tell you all the necessary precautions that you must take to avoid such situations.
The first thing that you must do when you buy a new phone is to protect its screen as it can get damaged by scratches and dust and make your phone look old. Follow these steps for doing this:
- Buy a good screen protector such as a PS2 protector from the market.
- Now, open the package to take out the thin acrylic sheet inside and a cloth, which is static-free, for cleaning your phone screen.
- Keep scissors, a chalk and a ruler handy along with the two items.
- Take the ruler and measure the length and breadth of the screen and mark these measurements on the protector sheet with the chalk.
- These measurements would normally be smaller than the sheet, so you will have to cut off the excess with the scissors.
- However, make sure that you do not remove the protective film on the sheet.
- Now put the sheet that you cut just now on your phone screen and see whether the cuts made are right or not.
- You can cut off any excess sheet if required and in some phones you might also have to make diagonal cuts at the corners.
- Ensure that the acrylic sheet covers only the screen and not the trim, otherwise it can peel off.
- Now take the static-free cloth and wipe the phone screen carefully leaving it clean, spotless and free of grease.
- Now remove the protective plastic from the sheet and paste it on the screen in perfect position, all the time being careful to wipe out any air bubbles.
- You have successfully protected your phone screen from getting scratches.
Now that the screen of your phone is protected and looking shiny and good, you must start thinking about protecting it from getting stolen. You need to also know what to do in case your mobile is lost or gets stolen. Go through the following steps:
- The first and the most important thing to do before you start using your phone is to write down all the phone information such as phone number, make and model, pin and security lock code, color and appearance and for GSM phones, the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number.
- Next, you must add a security mark on your phone using an ultraviolet pen to write your pin code and house number on the handset as well as the battery. This would help you to quickly identify your phone.
- If your phone is stolen or gets lost somewhere lock your phone using the security lock code and PIN number. This will make your phone less valuable to the thief and also prevent misuse.
- Report the loss of your phone immediately to the network service provider as they might be able to block your handset and account details and prevent anyone from using it.
- In addition to this, you must also disable your phone number, to prevent thieves from using it in case they have figured out how to access your account.
- File a police complaint immediately as some phone companies require proof of the phone being actually stolen.
- There are some phone companies that provide anti-theft software, which enables you to remotely control your phone even if it is stolen.
Tips & Warnings:
- Make sure that phone is hidden in your purse or your pocket if you are not using it to make a call. Don’t keep it in your hand when it is not in use as it will only attract thieves.
- If you are sitting in a restaurant or a coffee shop, don’t put your phone on the table as anyone might pick it up suddenly and run off.
- Avoid taking out your phone to make or receive calls at crowded places such as trains or bus stations as this is the place where thieves have maximum opportunity of stealing your phone.
- Never reveal your security code or PIN number to anyone. Keep these numbers written down someplace safe and don’t lose or forget the code.
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