Tech Expert Reveals April Is When Most Americans Break Their Phones, Offers Tips to Keep Devices Safe

New findings from computing solutions provider Getac reveal that cell phone users are more likely to break their device during April than any other month, based on search data.

The tech expert analyzed nationwide search volume behind 25 terms related to impaired devices – including ‘phone repair’, ‘broken laptop’ and ‘tablet fix’ – over the past five years, to calculate a damage likelihood for each month, and reveal when devices are most at risk.

And according to the findings, searches around broken cell phones have consistently peaked in April each year, making it the worst month for incurring costly repair fees.

Interestingly, the likelihood of breaking your phone increases by 17% in April compared to March, before decreasing again in May – and although it’s not clear why April sees a spike in phone damage, the solutions expert is urging Americans to be extra vigilant.

The start of April sees a slightly higher rate of broken phones than the second half of the month, however, which could point to the Easter weekend as the potential culprit.

When it comes to which issue is the leading cause of damage, the data reveals that the biggest perpetrator is smashed screens, accounting for 17% of issues, followed by dying batteries that are unable to hold charge (16%), and faulty USB ports (8%).

And it’s not just mobile phones that are more likely to get damaged in the next week, as the data found that April is also the worst month for broken laptops and tablets.

Cell phones are still significantly more likely to break in April than any other device (44%), whilst laptops are most likely to break in September, and tablet damage peaks in June.

However, when the damage likelihood for each device is combined, April sees the highest volume of device repairs – with phones, laptops and tablets a whopping 56% more likely to break in the next two weeks than they are over the summer holidays.

And although breakages peak this month across America, the data also shows that some states are far more likely to damage their devices than others, with the majority of Google searches over the past five years coming from Oklahoma, Georgia and Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, Georgia is the state that has the highest rate of broken tablets, whilst Oklahoma comes out top for damaged laptops and phones over the last five years.

Whether you’re looking to prevent phone damage this month or in general, Getac offers expert advice to help keep devices safe – and avoid unexpected repairs:

Invest in protective accessories, including a high-quality sturdy or cover-all phone case, a glass screen protector, USB covers and hardback laptop case. Make sure that any case you buy hangs slightly over the screen when your phone is turned on its side, as this will help prevent smashed glass.

Don’t leave your phone in charge overnight. Just like disposable batteries, device batteries wear down over time. Avoid leaving your device charging overnight as it runs the battery down, use wireless chargers if possible, and avoid excessive use when your laptop or phone is on charge.

Don’t leave your phone out in the sun and make sure that you don’t leave your appliances in areas where they’re likely to be exposed to water, excessive heat or debris. You should also take care when transporting your devices to make sure they can’t fall out of your pocket or crack when colliding with other items in your bag.

Speaking on the findings, a Getac spokesperson said: “Broken phones are annoying and inconvenient for most people – but especially those who need their phones to work or stay in touch with others, as well as those who can’t afford to pay for unexpected repairs.

“Although some issues can’t be avoided, we encourage people to be particularly conscious as to how they can keep their phones safe and also mindful of when they’re most likely to break, as it’ll help keep safety and security in their minds over the Easter weekend.”