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Keep Your iPhone Safe During the Most Dangerous Month for Smartphones

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April is the biggest month for iPhone and Android damage, loss and theft according to the data from ProtectYourBubble. The company tells Gotta Be Mobile that claims for broken or stolen iPhones spiked 70% higher than Winter months and 42% higher than the annual average.

In short, if you are going to break your iPhone or lose it, this is the month you need to be most careful.

It’s not clear why we are more likely to drop our iPhone or Android and break it in April, but perhaps it’s the switch from sitting in on a couch looking at snow or walking around with 20 pockets in Winter coats to short shorts and outdoor activity. It’s possible that fans heading to baseball, tennis and other sports events are part of this spike as a data shows 23 million Americans damaged a smartphone while watching a sports game.

If you live in California, you should stop and wrap that iPhone up in a case right now, and be on the lookout for someone trying to steal your iPhone. According to the data California is the most popular state for claims of loss, theft or damage during April.

A broken iPhone is no joke and April is the most likely month to break your iPhone or Android.

A broken iPhone is no joke and April is the most likely month to break your iPhone or Android.

This data on the most dangerous month for iPhones, Android and other smartphones comes from ProtectYourBubble, an insurance company that sells protection plans that cover loss, theft and damage to the iPhone, Android and other mobile devices. There are many iPhone warranty and insurance options available for users, but ProtectYourBubble is a reader favorite according to our iPhone 5s Warranty Option Comparison poll.

If your phone made it through the first half of April safe and sound, you aren’t in the clear yet. The data shows March through August are the biggest months for claims, as users enjoy nicer weather, travel and in general put their phones at risk.

While some new smartphones, like the HTC One M8 include one screen replacement free for the first six months, iPhone and Galaxy S5 owners will need to opt for a warranty or insurance program for added protection.

Here’s a look at common iPhone and Android device accidents, how to protect your phone and warranty options for these devices.

Common Android & iPhone Accidents

Drops and water damage are two of the biggest iPhone accidents that put a phone out of commission. Dropping a phone without a case onto a hard surface can cause a phone to bend or break and can shatter a screen depending on where the phone hits.

A drop of just 12-inches is enough to shatter a screen if the phone hits in a weak spot.

A drop of just 12-inches is enough to shatter a screen if the phone hits in a weak spot. This phone broke while at a baseball game.

Another common accident is dropping the iPhone into water such as a sink, puddle, pool or yes even a toilet. The iPhone can not handle water in any capacity. If you drop the iPhone in water Apple knows about it. Here’s how Apple knows you dropped your iPhone in water, and how they know it didn’t, “just stop working.”

If you drop the iPhone in water, you can try some tricks to save it including white rice, instant rice and silica gel. Gazelle shares a look at these three methods and found the silica gel works best.

If you own a Galaxy S5 water isn’t an issue, but for iPhone users a water-proof case and or a protection plan are a good option. Most iPhone warranties and insurance plans cover water damage. If you didn’t buy a warranty before the damage you can still take an iPhone into an Apple Store and buy an out of warranty replacement for hundreds less than a carrier will sell you one.

Unfortunately there is no similar program for any Android phones we know about. If you damage your Android phone in water and can’t save it, expect to pay full retail for a replacement unless you have a protection plan.

Android and iPhone Insurance and Warranties

Many places sell insurance or extended warranties for the iPhone or Android devices. If you need protection for a lost or stolen device you need to buy insurance. Insurance typically costs more than an extended warranty, but it covers a replacement when you cannot send in the original phone because it is in the bottom of a lake, lost in the corner of a convert hall or on in the hands of a thief.

There are insurance and warranty programs to help.

There are insurance and warranty programs to help.

An extended warranty like AppleCare+ and others will cover accidental damage such as a drop or water damage, but users need to send the phone to the warranty company so theft or loss are not covered.

Read: iPhone Warranty and Insurance Options Compared

If you don’t have a warranty on the iPhone you can go to an Apple Store to replace a broken iPhone for $400 less than going to a carrier.

Best Android and iPhone Cases

If you plan to be around water it’s a good idea to look at waterproof iPhone cases and waterproof Android cases. LifeProof and many other companies make nice waterproof or water-resistant cases for iPhone and Android that retail for around $80.

A good case can protect your Android or iPhone from a broken screen.

A good case can protect your Android or iPhone from a broken screen.

Check out some of our favorite iPhone and Android cases.

 

 

For users that just need protection, even a slim hard or soft case can prevent a broken screen.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Kendra Kroll

    04/18/2014 at 7:41 am

    Another way to protect your cell from loss, theft or damage is to more securely WEAR it on your body. Clips don’t always work, and pockets in clothes often fail as things fall out of them. Plus they’re often not properly sized to accommodate larger phones in the first place. PortaPocket is a versatile system that lets you wear your device almost anywhere ON yourself, & is comfy, interchangeable & easy to use. Sweat & moisture resistant too. See what I mean: https://www.squidoo.com/5-reasons-why-pockets-in-your-clothing-dont-work

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