There are about as many ways to damage a smartphone as there are people. You could drop your phone in the toilet, spill your favorite drink all over it, get angry and throw it against a wall, download an app that contains malware, or do a number of other things that could spell disaster for your precious phone. Use these tips to safeguard your closest technological companion from harm.

Buy a Phone Case

When you first purchase your phone, you might shy away from buying a phone case because they can seem a little pricey. Still, they’re worth the money when you consider that a case that costs $30 or $40 could save you from losing a phone that costs $600 or more. It’s especially important to protect your phone if you have a lot of sensitive data on there that is related to your business.

Keep in mind that not all cases offer the same level of protection. Otter Box, Spigen’s Slim Armor, and Speck all have good reputations for being able to protect Android phones. Whatever you do, don’t buy a cheap plastic case that doesn’t have any sort of shock-absorbing material in it.

Invest in a Screen Protector

There are two common classes of screen protectors for smartphones. You can purchase a thin plastic cover that adheres to the phone’s screen. This will shield it against minor scratches and other slight damage.

However, if you’re really serious about keeping your phone’s screen intact, you should spend the extra money to buy a tempered glass screen cover. It won’t affect the way your phone responds to your fingers or stylus, and the glass will keep the screen safe through almost any impact.

Download With Caution

If you use your smartphone for both your business and for personal use, you need to educate yourself on how to protect your device from malware. Malware could potentially steal your customers’ information, make your phone stop functioning, or cause other issues that slow you down and could even make you lose your customers’ trust.

Before you download any app, look for warning signs that it isn’t what it says it is. If an app isn’t in the Play Store or if its requested permissions don’t make sense to you, try to find a different app. Also take the time to read reviews and complaints.

Be sure to keep updated anti-virus software on your phone.

Choose the Right Phone

Your phone itself can make a big impact on whether it stays safe. For example, some phones have tougher exteriors and have been tested to withstand rougher treatment.

Other phones serve as their own safeguards in that they have smart security features. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Note5 has the Knox system, which is designed to safeguard sensitive company information.

Use a Lanyard

Sure, it might seem a little tacky to wear your phone around your neck, but if you’re prone to dropping your phone, the extra safeguard could protect your baby from a lot of hard falls. You might even be able to order a custom lanyard that has your business’s logo on it.

Be Mindful

This might seem like a no-brainer, but everyone needs reminders from time to time on how to develop habits that won’t endanger their smartphone. Follow these tips:

• Avoid taking your phone into the bathroom if possible, or put it in your front pocket. A study from a few years ago found that nearly one in five people drop their phones down the toilet.
• Know where your phone is at all times. If you go swimming or play sports, don’t keep your phone with you while you’re participating in the activities. Put it in a locker or hand it to someone who will be watching from the sidelines.
• Don’t put your phone on the table while you’re eating. One stray brush of your hand could knock over your glass of water — right on top of your phone.

Your smartphone helps you run your business, connects you to your family and friends, and provides you with endless hours of YouTube entertainment. Take the necessary steps to protect your most useful device.