Mac acting up? Skip the Apple Store and try the built-in diagnostic tool. It works with macOS Sonoma 14.1 and later. Put your Mac into diagnostics mode, enter the serial number and let the troubleshooting begin.
Your phone has an expiration date – Here’s how to find it
Trying to squeeze every last drop of life out of your smartphone? It’s one thing to deal with a battery that doesn’t last a day and crashing apps to avoid spending a big chunk of change.
But using your phone past its end of life is risky business. So is clicking any link that comes your way. It’s a bummer hackers are weaving them into AI chatbot results.
Let’s look at one of the easiest ways to keep your digital life safer: Only using devices that get current security updates.
The lifespan lowdown
Today, the average lifespan of smartphones is around 2.5 years. It could be even less for some devices — between 15 and 18 months. That’s not much when phones cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Bigger brands like Apple and Samsung tend to have longer lifespans than smaller companies. Here are the average lifespans for some of today’s most popular phones:
- iPhone – 4 to 8 years
- Samsung – 3 to 6 years
- Google Pixel – 3 to 5 years
- Huawei – 2 to 4 years
These are averages, meaning your mileage may vary.
Find your number
Your phone’s lifespan clock starts from when it was made, not when you purchased it. That makes keeping track of all this a little tricky. If you’re unsure when your phone was made, you can find out with some sleuthing.
- Still have the phone’s original box? The manufacture date should be listed on the package or in any included documentation.
- If you tossed the box, the information should be listed within your phone’s settings under “About” or a similar option.
- You can also use your phone’s serial number to decipher when it was made. Many manufacturers hide the date or year within these numbers. The serial number is tucked in your phone’s settings.
- There are special dial codes and boot logging menus that can show you this info.
Are your eyes glazing over? I thought so.
How many more years can you get out of your phone?
Trying to squeeze every last drop of life out of your smartphone? I know many of you put up with crappy battery power and random glitches longer than you should to avoid costly upgrades.
But using your phone past its end of life is risky business. I did the work to figure out the lifespan of popular models, plus I’ll help you find out how old your phone is and if you’re still using a model you need to ditch. Why? Because I want to help you.
Have an iPhone 14 Plus? There’s a problem with the rear cameras on phones manufactured between Apr. 10, 2023, and Apr. 28, 2024. Use this serial number checker to see if yours needs the free fix.
Do this free check so you don't buy a STOLEN phone
Smartphones are expensive, and you don’t always have an extra $1,3000 to buy the latest and greatest device. That’s why some people turn to secondhand phones to save money. But how do you know that the used gadget isn’t stolen?
Product recalls: USB outlet, golf cart and tea kettle can cause injuries
Product recalls aren’t just inconvenient. Failing to rid yourself of a faulty device may be extremely dangerous. Tap or click here for a list of recently recalled products every consumer should know.
Fortunately, the most reputable companies behind our favorite products are often highly forthcoming regarding newly-detected perils plaguing consumers.
Check this recall: If you have an old Frigidaire or Kenmore electric range, it may be a fire and burn hazard. Full list of impacted models here. You’ll need your serial number, so open the bottom drawer and check the inside of the frame. Call Electrolux at 888-845-8226. You might get a free repair or a $50 gift card.
Recall alert: 350K video doorbells are a potential fire hazard
Ring video doorbells are the latest gadget to be recalled for fire safety. In a notice filed with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, users are warned that incorrectly installing the doorbell can lead to overheating and burns.