Purchasing a refurbished iPhone is an intelligent decision. You receive a top-of-the-line Apple phone—many times in near-pristine condition—at a fraction of its original cost. But simply because it's inexpensive doesn't mean you should handle it thoughtlessly. Whether your refurbished iPhone is your primary phone or a secondary device, some easy habits can make it last longer and run better in the long term.
The following are 8 tips to safeguard your investment and maintain your refurbished iPhone in top working condition.
1. Protect It From Day One
A refurbished iPhone might not be new out of the box, but it should get the same care. A rugged case and tempered glass screen protector should be at the top of your shopping list.
They protect against drops, scratches, and dust—and damage that can impair performance as well as resale value. It's worth spending a bit to save worry later on, particularly if your iPhone didn't include AppleCare or an extended warranty.
2. Don't Cheap Out on Charging Gear
Inexpensive knockoff chargers might spoil your iPhone's battery, overheat your device, or result in irregular charging. Use Apple-approved (MFi) cables and wall chargers, or well-established brands such as Anker, Belkin, or Spigen.
When you have a refurbished iPhone, the battery may already have had some usage. Proper charging helps you not strain it more than it needs to.
3. Be Nice to the Battery
Battery health is the key to an uninterrupted iPhone experience—particularly if your phone isn't new. This is how to make sure it stays in tip-top shape:
- Avoid allowing your battery to fall below 20% consistently.
- Don't charge to 100% each night.
- Utilize iOS's built-in "Optimized Battery Charging" to slow down battery aging.
- Leave your phone away from extreme temperatures or cold.
With regular habits, even an refurbished iPhone can stay strong on the battery for many years to come.
4. Keep Up with Software Updates
Apple has a reputation for supporting software for the long haul, even older devices. Upgrading to the latest iOS updates not only adds new features but also fixes bugs and security issues.
Keep your refurbished iPhone updated. But don't jump on every big update—wait a week or two after launch to test how it runs on your exact model.
5. Clear Out the Digital Clutter
Storage slows things down. Even with Apple's fast chips, an iPhone filled with apps you no longer use, photos, and downloads can begin to drag.
- Do this on a regular basis:
- Uninstall apps you don't use.
- Transfer images and videos to iCloud or Google Photos.
- Empty Safari cache and site data.
- Utilize the "Offload Unused Apps" option in Settings.
This maintains your refurbished iPhone's performance and enables you to optimize its storage space.
6. Be Cautious with Water, Even If It's Water-Resistant
Yes, most iPhones are water-resistant. But not waterproof, and water resistance deteriorates with time—particularly in devices that have been used before or repaired.
Avoid:
- Using it in the shower.
- Charging it if it's even slightly wet.
- Taking it swimming.
Play it safe. Water damage isn't covered under most warranties—including refurbished warranties.
7. Back Up Your Data (Seriously, Do It)
Whether it's iCloud, Google Drive, or an external backup, do it as a habit. If your iPhone ever gets lost, stolen, or when it goes kaput, you'll be thankful that you did.
Regardless of whether it's refurbished or not, any phone can crash unexpectedly. Backups will preserve your photos, messages, notes, and apps—and make swapping devices a breeze.
8. Don't Ignore the Early Warning Signs
If your iPhone begins to misbehave—crashing apps, shutting down at random, overheating—don't wait. Get it checked out.
Early repair can be the difference between a cheap fix and an expensive fix. Most problems can be fixed cheaply if caught early, particularly with refurbished phones where one little past problem might return.
Take advantage of Apple Support or a good local repair facility that can do diagnostics.
Final Thoughts
A restored iPhone will live as long as a brand new one if you treat it well. Proper protection, intelligent charging behavior, periodic updates, and some digital tidying up, and you'll be enjoying years of trouble-free usage—and possibly even giving it to someone else when it's time to move up.
You cut costs by being refurbished. Now go the extra distance and make that investment pay off. Take care of your iPhone, and it will reciprocate that gesture daily.
