Keep Your Apple Devices Running Smoothly with These Simple Habits

by Joeys Photography Technology

Apple devices are known for their sleek design, long lifespan, and seamless performance—but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Whether you’re using a MacBook, iPhone, or iPad, everyday habits can either extend or shorten the life of your tech. A few smart maintenance routines can go a long way in reducing the need for Apple repairs, saving you both time and money.

Keep Software Updated and Clean

One of the easiest ways to prevent issues is to keep your device’s software up to date. Apple regularly releases updates that not only bring new features but also fix bugs and security vulnerabilities. Ignoring these updates can make your device sluggish, vulnerable to malware, or incompatible with the latest apps.

Before installing updates:

  • Backup your data to iCloud or an external drive

  • Make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in

  • Close background apps to avoid unnecessary crashes during the update

Also, clean out old files and unused apps regularly. A cluttered device runs slower and is more prone to overheating or freezing—problems that often end up leading to repair appointments.

Charge the Smart Way

Battery health is a common reason people seek out Apple repairs. Improper charging habits—like letting your device constantly drain to 0% or charging it to 100% overnight—can slowly degrade your battery.

Follow these battery-friendly habits:

  • Keep your battery between 20% and 80%

  • Avoid using cheap or non-certified charging accessories

  • Don’t charge your device under a pillow or blanket, as heat builds up quickly

  • Enable Optimized Battery Charging on iPhones to reduce wear over time

These small tweaks can significantly extend the life of your device’s battery.

Protect Your Device Physically

No one plans to drop their phone or spill coffee on their laptop, but accidents happen. Investing in high-quality protective gear is a smart move. A cracked screen or damaged logic board often ends up being more expensive than preventative accessories.

What you can do:

  • Use a sturdy case and screen protector

  • Consider a keyboard cover for MacBooks to prevent dust or liquid damage

  • Store devices in padded sleeves or bags when traveling

  • Don’t use your laptop on soft surfaces like a bed or couch, which can block airflow and lead to overheating

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With regular physical protection, your chances of needing major repairs drop drastically.

Clean Without Causing Damage

It’s easy to overlook how dirty your device gets—think fingerprints, dust, and even crumbs in your keyboard. Cleaning your Apple gear should be part of your regular routine, but it needs to be done right.

Here’s how to do it safely:

  1. Power down the device and unplug it

  2. Use a microfiber cloth for the screen and outer surfaces

  3. Lightly dampen the cloth with water or a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution

  4. For ports and keyboards, use a soft brush or compressed air

Never spray cleaners directly onto the device or use harsh chemicals. A gentle approach keeps your device spotless without causing internal damage.

Monitor Storage and Performance

If your device is running slow, freezing, or randomly restarting, it could be struggling under the weight of too many background processes or apps. These issues are often mistaken for hardware failures, leading to unnecessary Apple repairs.

Stay on top of performance by:

  • Checking storage regularly and deleting unused files or apps

  • Using Activity Monitor (on Mac) or Battery Usage stats (on iPhone) to see what’s hogging resources

  • Restarting your device weekly to refresh memory and processes

Keeping your system lean helps prevent common issues before they become serious.

Know When to Get Professional Help

Even with the best habits, wear and tear is inevitable. If your device is overheating, not turning on, or displaying unusual glitches that don’t resolve with a restart or update, it’s time to get it checked by a professional. Waiting too long can turn a minor issue into a major (and more expensive) one.

Many South Africans opt for local repair shops or mobile technicians to handle diagnostics and quick fixes. Just be sure to choose a provider experienced in Apple repairs, as Apple devices have unique hardware and software configurations.

Maintaining your Apple devices doesn’t require tech expertise—just consistent, mindful care. By forming a few simple habits, you can avoid unnecessary downtime, stretch your device’s lifespan, and avoid costly repairs.