Our phones have become an extension of our hands, and we don’t find them complicated at all, but we may do certain things that can cause complications and make their usage less seamless. It is always important to know what not to do to avoid problems.
To ensure you don’t face any problems with your phone, here is a list of eleven things not to do on your Android phone.
Installing Apps from Untrusted Sources
One of the main things to avoid on your Android phone is installing apps from unknown sources. While it may be tempting to download apps that aren’t available on the Google Play Store, doing so increases the risk of exposing your device to malware and security vulnerabilities.
Unknown sources can host malicious software that compromises your personal information, leads to data breaches, and, in some cases, makes your phone inoperable. Researching the app before installing and sticking to the Play Store for apps is the best way to protect your Android.
Force Stopping an App
Another thing to avoid doing on your Android phone is force-stopping an app. Force-stopping apps can disrupt normal functionality and lead to data loss or corruption.
Additionally, many apps are designed to run background processes that help maintain their performance and synchronization with other services; abruptly halting these processes can result in missed notifications, incomplete tasks, or unsaved changes. Instead of force-stopping an app, it’s often more effective to restart your phone or allow the app to close naturally.
Constantly Clearing RAM
Constantly clearing RAM (random access memory) in the hopes that it will improve performance is not a good idea. While it’s true that closing unused apps can free up memory, Android is designed to manage RAM efficiently on its own.
The operating system automatically allocates and deallocates memory as needed, closing apps in the background when needed. Manually clearing RAM can actually have the opposite effect, as it forces Android to reload the closed apps from scratch when you switch back to them, potentially slowing down your device. Additionally, repeatedly clearing RAM can drain your battery faster and strain your phone’s processor.
Installing Battery Saver Apps
One common misconception among Android users is that installing a battery saver app will extend their phone’s battery life. However, many of these apps can do more harm than good. Most battery saver apps rely on aggressive task-killing techniques that lead to slower performance of the phone.
Android’s built-in power management features are often more effective than third-party solutions, as they are specifically designed to optimize battery usage without compromising performance. It must be noted that any battery saver apps can drain your battery further by running background processes or displaying intrusive ads. Instead of relying on these apps, consider turning on the battery saver mode inbuilt in the Android.
Installing Antivirus Apps
Antivirus apps are mostly useless and can bring more problems than help. Many antivirus apps are resource-intensive; they overwhelm your phone’s CPU and slow down the device. Some antivirus apps may also provide a false sense of security, as they can miss certain threats or generate unnecessary alerts that cause worry and confusion.
Many of these apps come with intrusive ads or require excessive permissions that can compromise your privacy. Android’s built-in security features, like Google Play Protect or Knox security, are more than enough, as they continuously scan for harmful apps and vulnerabilities.
Cluttering your Home Screen
A crowded home screen can lead to a chaotic user experience, making it difficult to find the apps you need. It can also drain your phone’s battery faster, as multiple widgets and live wallpapers may consume resources in the background. To enhance your Android experience, consider organizing your home screen by grouping similar apps into folders, removing unused icons, and prioritizing frequently accessed applications.
Frequent Charging
Frequently charging your Android phone, especially in short bursts throughout the day, can be detrimental to your device’s battery health over time. Lithium-ion batteries, which power most smartphones, are designed to perform best when kept within a specific charge range—ideally between 30% and 90%.
Constantly charging your phone can shorten the battery’s overall lifespan. Additionally, charging your device frequently can cause it to heat up, further stressing the battery and potentially leading to performance issues.
Downloading Files from Unknown Sources
Downloading files from unknown sources can significantly put your phone and personal data at risk. These files may contain malware, spyware, or other harmful software that can compromise your phone’s security and steal sensitive information.
Once harmful files are downloaded, they can be difficult to detect and remove, potentially leading to long-term issues such as identity theft or unauthorized access to your accounts. To protect your device and personal information, always avoid downloading files from unverified sources and stick to reputable websites or sources.
Installing Apps that need Unnecessary Permissions
Installing apps that need unnecessary and excessive permissions can be a serious threat to your privacy and security. Many apps ask for access to sensitive information or device features that are irrelevant to their core functionality, such as your contacts, camera, or location.
Giving these permissions can lead to unauthorized data collection, allowing developers to track your activities, access personal information, or even exploit your device for malicious purposes. Always pay attention to the permissions an app requests before installation; if they seem excessive or unrelated to the app’s purpose, it’s best to avoid them.
Installing Task Managers
Installing task manager apps on your Android phone may seem like a practical solution for better performance, but it can actually lead to more problems than benefits.
Many of these third-party task managers operate by aggressively killing background processes, which can disrupt the normal functioning of your phone and lead to slower performance in the long run. Android is designed to manage resources efficiently on its own, automatically allocating memory and closing apps when necessary.
By forcefully terminating processes, task managers can create a cycle of reopening apps, ultimately consuming more battery life and processing power. Some task managers may also come with ads or require excessive permissions that compromise your privacy.
Not Restarting your Phone
Neglecting to restart your phone regularly can lead to performance issues. Over time, apps and processes can accumulate in the background, slowing your phone down or making it unresponsive.
A simple restart can clear out temporary files, refresh the operating system, and resolve heating issues and minor glitches. Restarting your phone can also help apply important updates and patches that require a reboot to take effect, ensuring that your device remains secure and up-to-date.
