Occasionally, your mobile phone may refuse to turn on or turns off by itself even when you are sure that the battery strength is not down.

The following steps are recommended to deal with the problem.

• Make sure that the battery has enough strength.
• Press and hold the on/off key for about 15 seconds to see if the phone will come on.
• Dirt and corrosion on the phone connectors could create this problem. In this case, remove the battery and clean the connectors with a soft brush or a dry piece of cloth moistured with unalloyed alcohol. Clean the phone connectors too. Both items should be allowed to dry properly before coupling.
• Damage to the phone connectors could create this problem. In this case, you have to see a certified technician or take the phone to the manufacturer’s care centre for proper attention.
• Phone software up date is also necessary from time to time. This goes a long way in preventing bug attack which could make the phone not to come on properly. You could do the update via your phone manufacturer’s website or through a certified technician.

If you are not conversant with handling the phone, as usual my first advice is that you should take it to an accredited technician. If the phone is still under warranty, take it back to source and explain the situation to them. Such care centers are there to solve such problems. This will save you money and you will not be put under unnecessary stress.

]]> http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/tips-on-power-problems/feed/ http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/danger-read-this-now-or%e2%80%a6mobile-phone-radiation/ http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/danger-read-this-now-or%e2%80%a6mobile-phone-radiation/#comments Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:39:36 +0000 admin http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/?p=18

Guys,

The controversy has been on for awhile, but now the results are out and they are truly chilling.

I got some disturbing info on this issue and it’s alarming.

The first story is about a lady who has consistently miscarried for some time. The doctor that examined the last dead baby found out that…

The baby’s body cells were dying while it was growing in the uterus!

This was because…the mother’s uterus was affected by her mobile phone radiation.

The lady disclosed that for years, she has always kept her phone in her working jacket, so that the phone rested on the spot of her uterus.

There are other shocking stories of people who have had problems with some major organs of the body traced to phone radiation.

How can you stop this from happening to you?

Expert doctors advise: Keep your phones away from yourself if not in use and especially from babies!

A word is enough for the wise…if you’re wise that is.

Please anybody who has any more information that could help us stay healthy while using our cell phones should please share.

]]> http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/danger-read-this-now-or%e2%80%a6mobile-phone-radiation/feed/ http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/what-to-do-when-your-phone-has-a-no-network-coverage-message/ http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/what-to-do-when-your-phone-has-a-no-network-coverage-message/#comments Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:19:49 +0000 admin http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/?p=17 This problem could be as a result of any of the following:

• Weak Network Signal or Network Downtime.
• Network Coverage Restriction.
• No Base Station Coverage.
• Your Network Setting may have been removed from Automatic.
• Bad Antenna.
• Loose pin on the Simbase or dirt accumulation.
• If phone is Sim Locked.
• Software Bug could create this problem and it could be hardware problem induced.
• If phone is not properly Coupled or sim card is not inserted correctly.
• Damaged Sim Card.

In some cases, Switching Off and switching on after a few seconds will restore service. Some will recover after rebooting while others may not depending on the cause of the problem .Some others may loose coverage again after warming up.

If the problem is as a result of Weak Signals /Network Downtime/No network Bars or Service Indicator, it means that you are going out of Network Coverage Area. This may occur if you move out of Urban to Remote Areas for some networks. This will send the phone into Emergency Calls Mode. In this case, it means that Signal Beam is not focused in the direction of your phone.

No service coverage is not expected to affect Emergency Call Service since the International Standard is that if you are out of your network service area, your call will be carried by any other available Carrier/Network.

In places where network coverage is restricted due to the nature of the environment such as highly inflammable areas, loss of coverage may occur.

This problem could also arise if your Setting is not only on GSM. (i.e should not be on UTMS or Dual mode). Check if your network selection is on Automatic. If the phone is able to detect all service providers available manually, select your provider and revert back to automatic. This could do it.

A Bad Antenna will create high signal loss or non at all. Try selecting the network manually through Settings. But first, ‘Short’ the antenna extention Connector if possible with Stainless Metal object or Wire. If the networks available show, then the problem is only with the antenna Connector. A change will restore service.

Handset Simbase adjustment or change could solve the problem while cleaning it will restore signal if it is dirt that created the problem.

Sim card registration will fail if phone is Sim Locked. Unlocking will restore service while a Sim Swap or an entirely new one will be required if the problem is as a result of a sim card that has gone bad.

Flashing a phone for some other problem could create this situation while Debugging will solve the problem. If possible, backup phone memory to keep all your records before attempting this as a solution.

Having a lot of Missed Calls and Delayed (text) SMS delivery could be as a result of poor network coverage. In some cases, if you Dial *0000# and send, coverage will be restored.

While you are advised to take your phone to a certified technician if you can’t deal with the problem, issues like High Directivity and Low Signal Loss are definitely agitating the minds of Network Providers and Phone Manufacturers.

Hope this solves the problem for you. If you like this article, drop me a comment.

Nnamdi

‘Keypad jam’ is a term used to describe a situation whereby the alphabets or numeric on a mobile or cell phone will refuse to take commands. Any of the following could create this problem.

1. Dropping the set or a fall.

2. Contact with Water.

3. Dust buildup.

4. If a screw or clip is loose.

5. If wrong housing /fascia/ casing is used.

6. If for any reason the ground pins for keypads are not properly contacting or damaged.

7. Firmware bug or viral attack could cause this problem.

8. Damaged keypad could also create this situation.

9. Defect in the main board.

SOLUTIONS

My first advice is that if you do not have the capacity to handle the problem, take the phone to a certified technician or back to the source especially if the phone is still under the warranty period.

If the phone had a fall, this will create DISALIGNMENT and functionality will be restored if this is arrested. Check for loose screws, catches, breakages or missing components. Carefully align the parts and you are back on track.

A previous post has dealt with what to do if it is‘water’ induced problem.

If the problem is created by dust, a little clean up of the keypad and the electronics will do the trick. If you cannot deal with it, send it in. Remember, if you are under warranty, any seal broken will void it. If you want to do it yourself, restrict your operation to the visible areas immediately after the covers. Any attack on the chassis by an untrained hand might create more problems-earths may be displaced; Camera button or Bluetooth contact among others may be affected. Some manufacturers now put foam around the screen to prevent dust from getting in.

Swappable covers must be properly ‘sited’. Care must be taken while unscrewing fascias and release catches with care where applicable, using an implement with a blunt blade around the edges, turning the blade now and then. Make sure that everything is reconnected properly and do not break any bits to avoid problems later.

Do not put painted housing on your phone because the paints may come off gradually, leaving debris on contact points between keypad and the next plate and this could lead to inability of keypad to execute commands later.

If the problem is on account of firmware bug/virus, debugging will suffice.While some mobile phones will require flashing to get going, remember to have your firmware updated regularly.

If the keypad is damaged, have it replaced and you are ready to go.

It is always advisable to source phones from authorized dealers or networks so that if any problem arises, you can reach them for possible assistance. Main board problems are better handled by service providers. Sometimes, phones with main board problems are recalled.

The mobile phone like every other electronic gadget has no affinity with water .If for any reason one’s phone is immersed in water, the following steps could rescue the phone. Time is of essence here. All efforts should be geared towards drying the phone as quickly as possible.

1. Quickly remove the battery .It is very important that no attempt is made to charge the phone while it is still wet for danger of electrocution. One infact should not handle phones with wet hands especially while charging. Besides, water is a good conductor and therefore will circulate and aid system corrosion.

2. Disassemble the phone .If the phone is one that can easily be dismantled ,that should be done quickly ,otherwise it should be taken to a certified technician who will then deploy all the ‘vacuum drying processes’ or other ‘moisture or water evaporation techniques necessary.

If however a technician is not readily available, one should continue with the following steps.

3. Having dismantled the phone as much as possible, the parts should be cleaned with highly concentrated alcohol which should be restricted to the outside parts. The hygroscopic nature of alcohol will be an advantage. While alcohol is still in the air, heat should not be applied.

4. Placing the dismantled phone on the back of a computer monitor or over the heat vents of a TV or any other action that will get warm dry air around the phone is good for recovery.

5. A food dehydrator could be used. Raw rice absorbs moisture. Therefore burying the phone in a bowl of raw rice could do the trick.

6. If one has to use an oven, it should be set at ‘warm’. The battery should not be included because it could explode.

7. A vacuum cleaner could be used to suck what is left of the water by placing affected areas one after the other up to 30 minutes against the sucking effect of the cleaner. This is most effective if the phone is partially or completely dismembered. This is also a much better option than use of fans or hair driers because they tend to force moisture further into parts that will cause malfunction later.

8. Drying the phone in good sunshine for up to 3 days is also a good option.

Both phone and battery should not be placed in a microwave. Apart from damaging the phone, the battery is likely to explode with very possible dangerous outcomes. One may also consider changing the battery.

In some cases, the above steps could get the phone working again. Replacement by your service provider is out of it because once the phone is passed through their system, indicators will show ‘water damage’.

One is aware that there are some ‘dust resistant’ phones. Phone users are awaiting the arrival of ‘water resistant’ phones that are affordable. Manufacturers, get cracking.

]]> http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/tips-on-phone-that-fell-into-water/feed/ http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/phone-care-and-maintenance/ http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/phone-care-and-maintenance/#comments Sun, 08 Jun 2008 15:17:26 +0000 admin http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/?p=11

With the advent of mobile phone, we are living in the best of times the world has ever had. No matter ones’ sphere of endeavour , if one does a critical analysis of the endless possibilities that abound with the mobile phone, the following tips which will ensure that ones’ phone is cared for and also help one to fulfil some warranty conditions should not be ignored.

· Use only approved enhancements and compatibles including batteries. Only qualified personnel should install or repair the phone including mounting car enhancements. Do not try to open the phone if you do not know how.

• Keep the phone and it’s accessories out of the reach of small children. It is not a piece of toy.

• The phone should be shielded from dirt and dust. Do not abuse the phone by ‘dropping or knocking-over’ because internal circuit boards may be damaged in the process. To avoid damage to the ‘flex / connectors , clamp shells and sliders should not be squeezed into pouches and straight ones should not be packed with objects capable of scratching the LCD. Phones should not be put in pockets while one is wearing tight fitting trousers.
  
• To avoid the risk of demagnetization , do not place the phone close to electronic devices for a long time . Do not place your phone or install wireless equipment in the area above your car’s airbag.

• The phone is not water-resistant. Precipitation, humidity and liquids containing minerals can corrode the electric circuits. If the phone gets wet, remove the battery and allow the phone to get completely dry before further use. Do not paint your phone. If there is need to clean the phone , harsh chemicals or solvents should not be used .Soft piece of cloth slightly dampened with mild soapy water is recommended and dry cloth should be used to clean any lenses.
• Avoid extreme weather conditions. If the phone is stored in a cold area, when it warms up, moisture can form inside and damage the electric circuit boards. On the other hand, high temperature can shorten the life of electronic devices. It’s battery could be damaged and plastic parts may melt.

• Remember to adhere to the designated safety standards with regards to chargers and AC supply as stipulated by the manufacturer.

• Efficient use of the phone demands that one should not cover the tip of the phone while in use as this can affect call quality and may shorten power level with regards to talk and standby times .
• To avoid the risk of short-circuiting, receptacles like power plug in should not get in contact with metallic objects like office pins or paper clips.

• Local regulations with regards to safe disposal of old electrical and electronic materials such as the phone and its accessories and packaging should be observed in order to recycle them properly while avoiding potential negative consequences to the environment and human health.

• The mobile phone has become an indispensable part of our everyday life. Therefore some of the positions taken here may be obsolete and invalid in no time. Thanks to growth in mobile phone technology.

• Remember to make back up records of all important information stored in the phone.

• Finally, because of the way wireless phones are configured , connections in all conditions are not guaranteed. Therefore, one should not rely solely on any wireless device in critical emergency situations.

]]> http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/phone-care-and-maintenance/feed/ http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/mobile-phone-usesafety-precautions/ http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/mobile-phone-usesafety-precautions/#comments Wed, 28 May 2008 11:40:57 +0000 admin http://www.usefulmobilephonetips.com/?p=9 Your mobile phone is a handy piece of electronic gadget and its usage goes with a lot of safety concerns. One is aware that as long as the phone is ‘on’, calls and alerts can come in any time. This implies therefore that there is need for one to be mindful of ones’ immediate environment as long as the phone is handy. Most phone and network manuals usually would have guidelines on safety standards. Failure to comply with them are likely to be very dangerous and in violation of applicable laws. We advise that one makes the effort to acquaint oneself with the relevant legislations since the use of the phone is subject to safety measures designed to protect users and the environment. Because safety issues are a major part of our existence, the following concerns should be of interest to one and all.

ROAD SAFETY:This will always come first since ones’ life and that of others may be at risk if this is ignored. Necessary accessories should be installed and used while driving to avoid distractions. Checks should be conducted regularly to ensure that they are working perfectly. All laws with regards to this should be obeyed and one is advised to have updates especially if one is always ‘mobile’ or on ‘trips’ since these laws vary from place to place. Even with a ‘hands-free’, a driver that spends a lot of time taking calls, is likely to waste more time on the journey but he or she will get there in one piece. Depending on ones’ situation , it is always better to have the voicemail on while driving or step aside, take the call and bounce back.

OPERATING ENVIRONMENT:There are restrictions with regards to use of mobile phones in places such as libraries, theatres, classrooms, churches and mosques. Common sense would demand that one switches off on solemn accasions such as burials. Because the phone is an electronic equipment, one is expected to put it off at places like hospitals, blast sites , onboard aircrafts and some other places where highly inflammable materials are part of the environment. In such places, one is expected to switch off to avoid interference or damage to equipments. If one has personal medical devices, one should seek relevant information from appropriate authority before using it with a mobile phone. Failure to observe these phone use restrictions, may lead to unpleasant consequences.

Regulations with regards to disposal of dead phones and recycling of materials should be adhered to, avoiding applicable legislation. While using ones’ phone, one should observe all laws and respect the privacy and legitimate rights of others including when it comes to taking pictures and video clips. One should not turn the phone on or off very close to the ear and volume levels should be reasonable to avoid damage to ones’ hearing ability. The phone should not be handled with wet hands especially during charging to avoid elecric shock or damage to the equipment.

Additional information on some other safety concerns like exposure to radio waves is available at WHO website-http://www.who.int/peh-emf and at MMF website at www.mmfai.org
Because of the rapidity with which technolgy is improving in the mobile phone industry, some of the positions taken here could become obsolete in no distant future.