Category Archives: Cell Phone Tips and Tricks

Cell phones are an essential part of our lives, but many of us are not taking full advantage of their capabilities. In this category, we will provide you with tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your cell phone.

One important tip is to take care of your cell phone battery. A few simple steps can help extend the life of your battery, such as turning off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you’re not using them, lowering your screen brightness, and closing apps that are running in the background.

Another useful tip is to learn how to use your cell phone’s camera features. With today’s advanced camera technology, you can take high-quality photos and videos, but it takes some practice to master the settings and features. We’ll provide you with tips on how to take better pictures, adjust exposure and focus, and use filters and effects to enhance your images.

We’ll also share tips on how to customize your cell phone settings to suit your preferences. You can adjust the font size, display colors, and sound settings to make your phone more user-friendly. You can also set up shortcuts and gestures to quickly access your favorite apps and features.

If you’re worried about your cell phone security, we’ll provide you with tips on how to protect your personal information and data. You can set up password protection, enable two-factor authentication, and use anti-virus software to keep your phone secure.

Finally, we’ll share some fun and creative ways to use your cell phone. You can use your phone to create art, record music, and make videos. You can also download apps to help you learn new skills, stay organized, and improve your productivity.

With these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your cell phone and enhance your mobile experience. Stay tuned for more articles on this category!

Servify Partners with AT&T to Enhance Device Protection: What It Means for Customers

In a move to revolutionize device care, Servify has partnered with AT&T to bring advanced device protection and lifecycle management services to AT&T customers. Announced on May 20, 2025, this collaboration integrates Servify’s AI-powered post-purchase service platform with AT&T’s offerings, aiming to provide seamless after-sales support and innovative device care solutions.

Servify’s platform is known for streamlining repairs, claims, and device management with real-time analytics and KPIs, ensuring customers get the most out of their devices. For AT&T customers, this means better protection plans, faster support, and an overall improved experience—whether you’re safeguarding a new smartphone or high-end headphones like the Dr. Dre Beats Solo3.

Business Protect

AT&T Business Protect Overview

AT&T Business Protect is a new device protection feature for Business customers that focuses on extended warranty and accidental damage coverage. It includes two plan options: Standard and Advanced, each with four tiers based on device type and cost.

Standard Plan Features

  • Coverage: Extended Warranty only
  • Claim Limits: Unlimited per year (limited to device MSRP)
  • Deductibles: $0 for repairable claims, $99 for total loss
  • Devices Covered/Charged: 1
  • Enrollment Period: 30 days from device purchase
  • Coverage Term: Month to month until canceled
  • Products Covered: Mobile Phones, Tablets, PCs, Hotspots, Modems

Advanced Plan Features

  • Coverage: Extended Warranty + Accidental Damage
  • Claim Limits: Unlimited per year (limited to device MSRP)
  • Deductibles: $0 for repairable claims, $99 for total loss
  • Devices Covered/Charged: 1
  • Enrollment Period: 30 days from device purchase
  • Coverage Term: Month to month until canceled
  • Products Covered: Mobile Phones, Tablets, PCs, Hotspots, Modems

    Special Promo for AT&T Business Customers

    As part of this partnership, AT&T is offering an exclusive deal for Business Customers (CRU). With a new smartphone activation, you can get $1 off Business Protect Advanced for 6 months. Here’s the breakdown:

    • Business Protect Advanced: $9.00/mo. (now $8.00/mo. with the offer)
    • Business Protect Advanced (lower tier): $6.00/mo. (now $5.00/mo. with the offer)
    • Max Discount per Line: $6.00

    Offer Details:

    • Applies to new smartphones (non-port and port) and upgrades.
    • Requires activation on any postpaid voice plan.
    • Valid for 24, 30, and 36-month installment plans, 2-year and 3-year contracts, or 0-term plans (BYOD excluded).
    • Customers must enroll in Business Protect Advanced within 30 days of smartphone purchase to qualify.

    This partnership builds on Servify’s growing U.S. presence, following their collaboration with Thumb Cellular in 2023. For AT&T customers, it’s a step toward smarter device management—perfect for those looking to protect their investments in 2025’s top devices. Stay tuned for more updates on device protection and wireless deals at mobilewiseguy.com!

    Product Business Protect Advanced
    AT&T
    Apple Care+
    Apple
    Care+
    Samsung
    Phone Protection
    Verizon
    # of Lines 1 1 1 1
    Price $6.00 & $9.00 $3.99 – $9.99 $3.00 – $13.00 $4.25 & $7.95
    Deductible $0 $29 or $99 $25 – $275 $19 – $279 (8 tiers)
    Hardware Issues
    (Mechanical Breakdown)
    Yes Yes Yes No
    Accidental Damage
    (ADH)
    Yes Yes Yes Yes
    Loss and Theft No No No Yes
    Battery Replacement Yes Yes Yes Yes
    Fulfillment Next Day or Walk-In Next Day or Walk-In Next Day or Walk-In Next Day or Walk-In
    In-Store Options Apple & Samsung Certified Centers Apple Certified Centers Samsung Certified Centers Some VZW Stores & Asurion Store
    Number of Claims Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
    Global Coverage Yes Yes No No

    / April 2025 /

    BUSINESS PROTECT | PRICING EXAMPLE

    $800 device MSRP threshold used to determine Tiers 1-2 or 3-4

    Tiers Partial list of key covered devices* Standard
    Monthly charge
    Advanced
    Monthly charge
    Tier 1 Samsung Galaxy A13 / A14 5G / A15 5G / A51 / A51 5G $2.00 $6.00
    Tier 2 Apple® iPhone® SE / Samsung Galaxy A35 / A35 5G / A52 5G / A53 5G / A54 5G
    Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 / 2024
    $2.00 $6.00
    Tier 3 Apple® iPhone® 13 mini
    Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro / S22 / S23 / S23 FE / S24
    Google Pixel 7a / 8a
    Sonim XP 10
    $4.00 $9.00
    Tier 4 Apple® iPhone® 13 / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max / 14 / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max / 15 / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max / 16 / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max
    Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra / S23+ / S23 Ultra / S24 Ultra
    Galaxy Z Flip 4 / 5 / 6
    Galaxy Z Fold 4 / 5 / 6
    Moto RAZR+ 7 Pro / 8 / 8 Pro / 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL
    Google Pixel 7 / 8 / 8 Pro
    $4.00 $9.00

    Why Choosing a 2-Year Contract Might Be More Economical Than Installment Plans

    What Are 2-Year Contracts and Installment Plans?

    Choosing the right payment plan for your mobile devices can be tricky. While many opt for installment plans for their flexibility, 2-year contracts can sometimes offer significant cost savings. Let’s dive into some real-world examples to see when a 2-year contract might be the better deal.

    Cost Comparisons for Tablets and Hotspots

    Image displaying a modern tablet and a portable mobile hotspot side by side on a white background. The tablet shows a large, clear screen with minimal bezels, and the hotspot is compact with visible status lights, indicating active connectivity. This setup exemplifies essential mobile technology tools for on-the-go internet access
    • Tablet: Cost $249.99 or available on a 2-year for $0.99.
    • Mobile Hotspot: Cost $199.99 or available on a 2-year for $0.99.

    For these devices, the total plan cost remains the same whether you opt for a 2-year contract or choose monthly installments, providing a straightforward choice without hidden fees.

    For devices like tablets, iPads, or hotspots, a 2-year contract at $0.99 often provides far greater savings compared to paying $249.99 or $199.99 in monthly installments.

    Cost Comparison for iPhone 16: 2-Year Contract vs Installments

    • Device: iPhone 16 128GB
    • Price: $199.99
    • Location: Tampa, Florida (Assuming no trade-in credits)
    An array of iPhone 16 models in various colors lined up side by side. From left to right, the colors are black, white, pink, green, and blue. Each phone features a prominent camera setup and a sleek design, highlighted against a light background.

    2-Year Contract Costs for iPhone 16 128GB:

    Device Cost: $199.99

    • Sales Tax (7%): $213.99 upfront
    • Monthly Plan Surcharge: Additional $25 per month on the “Unlimited Your Way” plan over 24 months.
    • Total Cost Over 24 Months: $600 (plan surcharge) + $213.99 = $813.99

    Installment Plan Costs for iPhone 16 128GB:

    Upfront Tax on Retail Price ($829.99): 7% tax equals $58.10.

    • Monthly Payments: $34.58 for 24 months under the installment plan.
    • Total Cost Including Tax: $829.99 + $58.10 = $888.09

    Early Termination and Cancellation Fees Explained

    Early Termination and Cancellation Fees: When it comes to cancelling your service, the financial implications differ significantly between the two options:

    • On Monthly Installments: If service is cancelled, the remaining balance must be paid. For example, cancelling a 24-month plan at month 12 would result in owing $415.
    • Early Termination Fee (ETF) for 2-Year Contracts:
      • Smartphones: $325 minus $10 for each month completed. For a one-year completion, ETF would be $120.
      • Other Devices (Tablets, Basic Phones, etc.): $150 minus $4 for each completed month.

    Which Payment Option Is Best for You?

    Choosing between a 2-year contract and an installment plan depends on your priorities. If you’re looking to minimize upfront costs or save on low-cost devices, a 2-year contract may be the better option. For those who value flexibility or are taking advantage of promotions, installment plans might be the way to go. As your mobile wiseguy, I’m here to help you analyze your business needs and recommend the best payment plan to save money and stay connected. Contact me today for personalized advice!

    Ways to back up your phone

    Here are some ways to back up your Android phone: 

    Android You can back up your Android phone to Google Drive using the built-in backup feature: 

    Open your phone’s Settings app  Tap Google  Tap Backup  If this is your first time, follow the on-screen instructions to turn on backup  Tap Back up now  Select the data you want to back up, such as photos, videos, device data, or both 

    Backup an Apple iPhone

    Here are some ways to back up your iPhone:
    iCloud: Back up your iPhone to iCloud automatically or manually:
    Connect to Wi-Fi
    Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
    Turn on Backup This iPhone
    To back up manually, tap Back Up Now
    To enable automatic backups, make sure the switch is toggled on

    iCloud backups include most of your device’s information and settings, but not everything. For example, iCloud backups don’t include data already synced to iCloud, photos if you use iCloud Photos, or messages if you sync messages with iCloud.

    Under iCloud settings view all to make sure all content you want backed up is selected. I see some people forget to backup message and they lose their texts if not on.

    Computer: Use Finder or iTunes to back up your iPhone to your computer:
    Open Finder and look for your iPhone in the left-hand menu
    Select the General tab and look for the Backups category
    Select Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac
    Encrypt your backup for increased security
    Click Back Up Now to start the backup
    To restore your backup, go to the same page and click on Restore Backup