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Cell Phone Troubleshooting Tips
How Long Will My Cell Phone Battery Last?
Have you ever put your phone on the charger at night, only to find it won't turn on the following morning? If you've had that battery for over a year, it may be time for cell phone battery replacement. Check your cell phone user/equipment guide to see if the manufacturer lists a lifespan for your particular battery. If the manual confirms your battery is near the end, you have your answer.
If you can't get an answer from the cell phone user/equipment guide, there is a very handy Internet guide at http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11288_7-6634891-1.html. This CNet.com guide lists cell phone battery lifespan information for most major brands. It's handy for troubleshooting your old battery, and also for figuring out when your cell phone battery replacement will itself need replacing.
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Verizon Wireless Tip: Dead Cell Phone Batteries
There are two kinds of dead cell phone batteries. The first, and most common, type is that your cell phone needs to be recharged. The other kind of dead battery requires a look at cell phone user/equipment guides. If your cell phone battery is permanently dead, check your user guide for disposal requirements, as you can't just throw the batteries into the trash. Dead cell phone batteries must be properly disposed of at a recycling center or collection point. Before you throw that battery away, make sure it is truly dead by completely removing it, cleaning the contact points inside the phone and on the battery, then try to recharge it one last time. You may just have dirty contact points that keep the battery from charging properly, or a mis-aligned cell phone battery. When a cell phone battery is dead too early, check your vendor to make sure you aren't affected by a cell phone battery recall.
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Cell Phone Reception Problems
If you are considering a move to a new cell phone service provider because of cell phone reception problems with your current company, there are Internet-based tools that can help you choose. Do you want to know how close your house or apartment is to the nearest cell phone tower? A website called Cellreception.com offers a directory to cell phone towers by city.
If you want to stay with your current cell phone service and are looking for a new place to live, consult a directory service such as the Verizon coverage locator at the company website to see what kind of cell phone reception you should expect in a new neighborhood. You can also call the company to ask if any new towers are planned for areas with low cell phone reception. It may not be necessary to switch companies if there are plans to improve the service in your area with new cell phone towers.
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Verizon Wireless Tip: Why Can't I Make Calls In Some Parts Of The USA?
If you travel outside a cell phone service area, you may be unable to place calls until you get to another service area. Some parts of the United States have no cell phone service depending on the service provider. Major cell phone services offer help locating these "dead zones." A good example is the Verizon coverage locator. Entering in a city and state will tell you whether you may encounter cell phone problems in that area. Parts of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho have "no coverage" areas, which will affect your cell phone reception. The Verizon coverage locator can't give an accurate picture on your cell phone roaming options, but it can help you to anticipate when you may have cell phone reception interruptions.
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My Dog Chewed My Cell Phone Antenna!
Dogs lovers know from experience, cell phone antennas are not safe from chewing. Fortunately, cell phone replacement antennas are widely available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Before you order, have a good look at your phone, and then check your tool drawer. You might need a screwdriver to help you replace that antenna. Most people don't own a screwdriver with a head small enough to remove cell phone size screws, you may need to purchase a cell phone repair kit or tool kit to help you perform simple maintenance like cell phone antenna replacement.
Such a simple job shouldn't void the warranty or your Verizon return policy, but always read your cell phone user/equipment guide before trying any do-it-yourself work. If you subscribe to a cell phone insurance plan, re-read your policy. A dog-chewed antenna might qualify for a return or professional repair under the terms of your insurance plan.
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Verizon Wireless Tip: Understanding a Cell Phone Return Policy
You bought that great cell phone that you've heard all about and it's finally time to use it. Unfortunately, you realize that it doesn't fit your lifestyle (need email, but it doesn't have the capability?) or your hands aren't comfortable when dialing, so what can you do?
With most cell phone providers, you can return merchandise within a specified period of time. For instance, the Verizon return policy states that items can be returned within 30 days of purchase with the original receipt. However, return policies aren't typically black and white. It's very important that you understand a provider's return policy before you make a purchase. Verizon's return policy has strict guidelines about returning merchandise after the 30 day deadline. Be sure you understand what you are signing and if you have questions, ask your salesperson.
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How Can I Tell If My Cell Phone Battery Is Defective?
Sometimes a cell phone battery recall happens because a manufacturing defect was discovered in a batch of batteries, or because counterfeits are discovered in a lot of "legitimate" batteries; recalls aside, an individual battery can go bad in a number of ways.
If you are properly charging your phone according to the cell phone user/equipment guide but still have problems with a prematurely dead cell phone battery, it might be a defective cell inside the battery. Cold temperatures can drain a battery and fool you into thinking the battery is defective when it's not. Make sure your phone is at room temperature most of the time and avoid leaving the phone in your car overnight.
A properly charged a cell phone battery that never comes to the end of the charging cycle can indicate a counterfeit battery, or a damaged legitimate one. Check your Verizon return policy on defective batteries, you may be entitled to a battery swap if the phone or battery is brand new.
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Locked Phones Vs. Locked Keypads
One common cell phone problem is the non-working keypad, but before you start re-reading your Verizon return policy, check to make sure your keypad is unlocked. A "locked" keypad keeps you from accidentally dialing numbers while the phone is in your pocket.
Some people get the locked cell phone keypad issue confused with a "locked" cell phone. These locked cell phone complaints usually happen when a customer buys a phone without subscribing to a plan at the same time. Many cell phones have a computer chip which only allows them to be used with a particular cell phone provider and requires activation. A locked keypad is easily fixed with a quick look at the cell phone user/equipment manual to learn your phone's unlock procedure. A locked cell phone requires you to sign up for cell phone service.
