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A refurbished iPhone 12 can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to buying a new one, but proper maintenance ensures its longevity.
Unlike brand-new devices, refurbished phones have undergone repairs, testing, and quality checks but may have minor wear and tear.
Following best practices for battery care, software updates, and physical protection, you can extend your device’s lifespan while maintaining optimal performance.
This guide covers essential tips to keep your refurbished iPhone 12 in top condition, helping you maximise your investment.
How to Maintain Refurbished iPhone 12?
Taking care of your refurbished iPhone 12 properly can significantly extend its lifespan and maintain peak performance. Here are some essential maintenance tips to keep your device in the best possible condition.
1. Protect Your Phone with a Case and Screen Protector
- A durable case helps absorb impact from accidental drops.
- A screen protector prevents scratches and minor cracks, especially on a pre-used display.
- Consider a camera lens protector to maintain photo quality.
2. Keep the Charging Port and Speakers Clean
- Use a soft-bristle brush or compressed air to remove dust from the charging port and speaker grilles.
- Avoid inserting sharp objects like pins or needles, as they can damage internal components.
3. Manage Storage for Smooth Performance
- Keep at least 15–20% of phone storage free to prevent lag and system slowdowns.
- Regularly delete unused apps, old messages, and large media files.
- Use cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, or OneDrive) to free up space.
4. Keep Software Updated
- Install iOS updates promptly to ensure the latest security patches and performance improvements.
- Update apps regularly via the App Store to prevent compatibility issues.
- Enable automatic updates (Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates).
5. Restart Your Phone Weekly
- A simple restart once a week clears temporary files and refreshes system performance.
- A restart can help resolve minor glitches if your phone starts feeling sluggish.
6. Avoid Exposure to Heat, Water, and Dust
- Even though the iPhone 12 has an IP68 water resistance rating, it’s not waterproof—keep it away from prolonged moisture exposure.
- Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, as heat can affect battery health and performance.
- Keep the phone away from sand and dust to protect internal components.
By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the longevity of your refurbished iPhone 12 and keep it running smoothly.
Best Practices for iPhone 12 Battery Care
The battery is one of the most critical components of your refurbished iPhone 12. Since it has already been used before refurbishment, extra precautions can help maximise its lifespan. Here are the best practices for maintaining battery health:
1. Follow Optimal Charging Habits
- Keep your battery level between 20% and 80% to reduce charge cycles and slow degradation.
- Avoid fully discharging the battery (0%) as it unnecessarily strains lithium-ion cells.
- Enable Optimized Battery Charging (Settings > Battery > Battery Health) to slow charging at night and extend battery longevity.
2. Use Certified Charging Accessories
- Always use Apple-certified (MFi-certified) chargers and cables to prevent overheating and damage.
- Avoid cheap third-party chargers that may cause inconsistent power delivery.
- Wireless charging is convenient but generates more heat; use sparingly.
3. Avoid Overheating and Extreme Temperatures
- Never leave your iPhone in direct sunlight or a hot car, as excessive heat speeds up battery degradation.
- Remove the case and charge it in a cool, well-ventilated area if your phone gets warm while charging.
4. Reduce Background Battery Drain
- Lower screen brightness and enable Auto-Brightness in settings.
- Disable unused features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Location Services when unnecessary.
- Use Low Power Mode (Settings > Battery) to extend battery life when running low.
5. Check Battery Health Regularly
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to monitor the Maximum Capacity percentage.
- If it drops below 80%, consider replacing the battery for better performance.
- Use apps like CoconutBattery (Mac) or Battery Life (iOS) for deeper insights.
By maintaining healthy charging habits and minimising battery strain, you can extend the lifespan of your refurbished iPhone 12’s battery and enjoy longer-lasting performance.
Protecting Your Refurbished Device
A refurbished iPhone 12 is a smart investment but requires proper care to maintain durability and consistent performance.
Since these devices have undergone prior use, taking extra precautions will help extend their longevity. One essential practice is handling and storing your phone carefully.
Avoid placing it in pockets or bags with sharp objects like keys and coins, as they can scratch the surface.
If you frequently carry your phone in a bag, use a dedicated pouch to prevent unnecessary pressure and impact that could lead to internal damage.
Temperature management is also crucial for preserving your device’s performance. High temperatures above 35°C (95°F) can accelerate battery wear and cause overheating, while extreme cold below 0°C (32°F) may slow down the phone’s performance.
Avoid leaving your phone in direct sunlight or exposing it to freezing conditions for extended periods to prevent damage.
If your device overheats, remove its case and place it in a shaded, well-ventilated area to cool naturally—never attempt to speed up the process by placing it in a refrigerator or freezer.
By following these protective measures, you can ensure that your refurbished iPhone 12 remains in excellent condition, allowing you to enjoy optimal performance for years.
Software Updates and Performance Optimization
Keeping your refurbished iPhone 12 updated and optimised is essential for security, stability, and overall performance.
While Apple devices are designed for longevity, regular maintenance ensures a smooth user experience, prevents slowdowns, and extends the life of your phone.
Regular software updates are crucial for security patches, bug fixes, and new features. Apple frequently releases iOS updates to enhance device performance and protect against vulnerabilities.
To ensure your phone stays up to date, enable automatic updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. This allows your device to install critical updates overnight while charging, minimising disruption to your daily usage.
Managing background processes and system performance is another key aspect of optimisation.
Over time, apps running in the background can consume resources and slow down your phone. To improve speed, regularly close unnecessary apps and restart your device at least once a week to refresh system memory.
Clearing cached data and offloading unused apps via Settings > General > iPhone Storage helps free up space and maintain smooth operation.
Another important factor in performance optimisation is battery efficiency. While iOS includes built-in power management, you can extend battery life by enabling Low Power Mode in Settings > Battery when your battery is running low.
Also, disabling background app refresh for non-essential apps and adjusting screen brightness can help conserve power without affecting functionality.
Keeping your software updated and managing system performance effectively ensures your refurbished iPhone 12 runs efficiently, stays secure, and delivers a seamless user experience for years.
Owning a refurbished iPhone 12 can be a great way to enjoy premium features at a lower cost, but improper use can shorten its lifespan and lead to performance issues. To get the most out of your device, avoid these common mistakes:
One of the biggest mistakes users make is neglecting software updates. While some fear that updates may slow down their device, skipping them can leave your phone vulnerable to security threats and bugs.
Ensure your iPhone runs the latest iOS version for optimal performance and protection. You can enable automatic updates in Settings > General > Software Update to keep your phone up to date effortlessly.
Another common issue is overcharging or using uncertified chargers. Using non-MFi-certified (Made for iPhone) chargers can damage the battery over time and even pose safety risks.
Always use an Apple-certified charger and avoid plugging your phone in overnight to reduce battery strain. Instead, aim to keep your battery level between 20% and 80% for prolonged battery health.
Improper storage management is another frequent mistake. Many users overload their devices with unnecessary apps, photos, and cached data, causing slow performance.
Regularly clearing unused apps, old messages, and large media files can help maintain speed and responsiveness. You can also use iCloud or external storage solutions to free up internal space without deleting important files.
Another oversight is failing to protect the phone with a case and screen protector. Even though the iPhone 12 has a durable Ceramic Shield display, it is still prone to cracks and scratches.
A shock-absorbent case and tempered glass screen protector can prevent costly repairs and extend lifespan.
Lastly, many users assume that water resistance means waterproof. While the iPhone 12 has an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand minor water exposure, it is not designed for prolonged submersion.
If your phone gets wet, dry it immediately with a lint-free cloth and avoid charging it until it is fully dry.
Conclusion
Maintaining a refurbished iPhone 12 requires mindful care and consistent upkeep, but with the right practices, you can maximise its lifespan and performance.
You can ensure your device remains in excellent condition by following essential maintenance tips—such as using protective accessories, managing storage efficiently, and keeping software up to date.
Avoiding common mistakes like overcharging, improper handling, and neglecting updates will further enhance your phone’s durability.
Refurbished devices offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to new phones, but their longevity depends on how well they are maintained.
With proper care, your iPhone 12 can continue delivering a seamless user experience for years, making it a valuable investment.
Whether optimising battery health, protecting it from physical damage, or managing system performance, these small but effective steps will help you get the most out of your refurbished device.