Dust Bunnies Could Be the Problem

Recently I heard of three people who were having issues with their smartphones and all three were able to fix the problems without a costly repair.  While the issues were different, the root cause of all the malfunctions seemed to be same.  In all three cases, all the phone required was a thorough cleaning and the removal of some debris and dust that had accumulated under the protective case.

Many smartphone owners have wisely invested in cases that protect the phone from breakage when dropped.  Some cases are even water proof, encasing the phone in a sealed compartment that can keep a phone from drowning if it should fall in a swimming pool or some other less sanitary receptacle. (A recent survey found that about ½ of all phones suffering water damage were dropped in toilets.)

Once they attach the case, many people never remove the phone from the case.  I have a case for my iPhone, but, geek that I am, I take it apart monthly and clean out all the gunk that has collected inside the case.  I keep my phone in my pocket and in so doing the phone collects dust and lint, especially around the speakers and microphone. 

Two of the recent issues that I came across had to do with the owner not being able to hear clearly.  A close inspection found a build-up of lint and dust virtually covering the microphone and speakers.  The other problem that was reported was due to a major build-up of dust, lint and dirt surrounding the buttons. Some buttons were so impacted with dust they stuck in the on position.

So the solution for many problems with your mobile phone may not require an expensive trip to the repair shop.  Just give your phone a good cleaning.  It does make you wonder how many people paid a premium getting their phone fixed as the repair person just dusted it off.