A cell phone can be a very useful device, but there is a lot more to these handheld wonders than just making phone calls. Once you know how, you can do a lot with your cell phone. No matter what you need to do, the following isletislet advice can be very useful.

Try not to accept updates that are over the air or apps that will take a lot of memory from your phone. This will decrease its performance in the long run and reduce the processing power that it has. Make sure that you only add what you need on your phone to conserve memory.

If your cell phone is acting slowly after an operating system upgrade, it may be time for a replacement. This is especially true for older phones. It may be so old that the new operating system is too memory intensive to operate smoothly on your phone. Talk with a carrier to see what your options are.

Don't feel the need to spend the additional money on a cell phone screen protector. Today's cell phones are made from scratch resistant glass. This glass is so strong that even keys won't scratch it when they are next to a phone in your pocket. That screen protector is likely wasted money.

Did you know that the battery in your cell phone has some reserved power? If you find that your cell phone battery is dead, and you have no way to charge it, enter the USSD "*3370#". You will see up to a 50% increase in power. This reserve power will charge the next time you charge your phone.

Before buying that case in the carrier store, check out its price online. Online retailers like Amazon.com often have the exact same case, only for a lot less. You can save 20% or more on the cost. Remember, the retailer forces you to buy those accessories at premium prices. Do the research.

If you are a newcomer to the world of cell phones, it really does pay to conduct an honest assessment of your needs. Not everyone needs or wants to use their phone as a a mini-computer, and therefore many can get by with a much simpler device. Paying attention to your true requirements can save you lots of money and hassle.

While it may be en vogue to use a smartphone, if you need to save money, stick to your flip phone. Not only can you get one for free with a contract at your favorite mobile carrier, you'll find that replacing it if it breaks is significantly cheaper. You can also save by not having internet access in your plan.

Access the hidden battery power of your cell phone. You should start with a phone that has weak battery life. Try dialing *3370#. This can cause your phone to restart. You should see a 50% increase in your battery. It is ready to use, and the next time you charge your phone, it should get charged, too.

Make sure you know your apps inside and out. You can surf the Internet and listen to good music on your phone. You most likely also have a calendar. Figuring out what goes into these programs is going to help you get a lot of use out of the money you spend.

Having a cell phone is virtually a necessity in today's connected, always-on world. If you don't have your cell phone, you may feel cut off from all of your friends and family. With the software tips and tricks you have just read, you can make sure that you are always connected to the people you love.