8 ways to protect your tech this summer

💡 Need to know

• Heat is the real villain. It causes more tech damage than most people realize.
• Water-resistant isn't waterproof. Pools, lakes, and hot tubs still win that fight.
• Backups save vacations. Devices can be replaced—photos often can't.
• Most summer tech disasters are preventable. A little prep goes a long way.

---

For many of us, summertime means popsicles, cookouts, and days at the pool. But all that sunshine and water can leave your favorite devices wet, damaged, and even defunct.

If you're thinking, "that won't happen to me," well, the odds of your tech taking a dive may be higher than you think. Every summer, our

uBreakiFix® by Asurion stores see a spike in cracked screens and water-related tech issues, particularly around July 4. That's especially true for phones, but it's also true for laptops, tablets, smart watches, portable game consoles, and wireless headphones.

Don't worry though, there are some simple ways to protect your tech. We'll walk you through them, so you can grab your cocktail, slip on your sunnies, and enjoy the warm weather, worry-free.

1. Your tech needs a bathing suit

Many new devices claim to be waterproof or water-resistant, but that doesn't mean you can dunk them in a pool without consequences. A water-resistant tablet can fend off a few drops, but it probably won't last after a dip in the hot tub. A waterproof one, on the other hand, will still work even after it's been briefly submerged. If you're dealing with chlorine or saltwater, however, you're in trouble—they speed up corrosion.

Before you hit the beach with your laptop or e-reader, invest in a truly waterproof case to ensure no water can get into your device. You can also use a waterproof dry pouch, like those made by Case-Mate® or CaliCase®, to keep your phone and other tech afloat.

2. Rice is for dinner, not your tech

If your portable gaming console, laptop, tablet, or phone gets wet, skip the rice. It can help draw out moisture, but it can also leave behind dust or starch particles, which can ruin your device's internal components. Even if the rice seems to work—say, your phone turns back on and appears to be functioning normally—you'll likely run into issues in the future.

A better option: Try drying out your wet tech with silica gel packets—like the ones that often come with a new pair of shoes. Fill a plastic zip-top bag with silica gel packets, then bury your device in the bag and leave it there for 24–48 hours. Doing so will buy you some time.

For a longer-term solution, bring your water-damaged device to an experienced repair professional, who can take it apart, clean and dry each component, and put it back together, giving you the best chance at a long-term fix.

3. Beware of juice jacking

Whether you're heading to the airport, hitting the gym, or staying in a hotel this summer, be wary of charging your devices via public USB ports. They could be used in a trap to steal your personal and financial information.

It's called juice jacking, and it can affect your phones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, and other tech. Here's how the scam works: As you charge your device on the USB port, hidden hardware that's been installed in it steals your information or infects your device with malware.

Public USB charging stations are generally safer than they used to be, but security experts still recommend using your own charger, power adapter, or battery pack whenever possible—or, just charge it up at home.

4. Your tech doesn't need a tan

Tech and heat don't mix. Your portable devices—like your laptop, phone, iPad and Nintendo Switch®—can overheat when they're left in direct sunlight or in a hot place (like a car or under your pillow at night). This can ruin your battery, reduce performance, and even shut down the operating system. So if you want to keep your device ready to play music by the pool or take photos at the beach, you'll want to keep it cool.

If the worst does happen, however, and the sun ruins your battery, the good news is that a battery replacement is easy and relatively inexpensive.

5. Your favorite devices have their own lost and found

Whether you're heading to a water park or a popular vacation town, turn on your device's built-in location feature before you leave. Apple® devices use Find My®, Android™ devices use Google Find Hub™ (formerly Find My Device™), and Windows™ PCs include Find my device. These tools can help you locate a lost device, see its last known location, and in some cases even find it when it's offline or help you share your location with family and friends.

6. Keep your friends close and your memories closer

If you haven't backed up your phone or laptop yet, do it ASAP. That way, if you lose your device or it gets stolen, all your memories will be saved to the cloud. Backing up your devices regularly protects the data that matters most, including:

• Contacts.
• Photos and videos.
• Music.
• Apps and app settings.
• Email.
• Passwords.

To learn more, check out our guide to backing up your iPhone or Android phone and your MacBook or Windows laptop.

7. Cracks are whack

A tiny crack in the corner of your tablet or phone won't render it useless. But cracks never fix themselves—they tend to grow over time, leaving your device vulnerable to water damage and you at risk of cuts, scrapes, and more.

We recommend you skip the DIY repairs—they don't tend to work well—and bring your device to a certified repair shop.

8. Be cord-ial when you pack

One thing our experts see every summer: consoles tossed into backpacks with HDMI cables still attached. It only takes one awkward bend to damage the port.

If you're bringing your favorite gaming console with you this summer, take a moment to pack it safely. Instead of wrapping the cords around your console and tossing everything in a bag, gently unplug the cords, coil them, and place them inside a protective bag or small carrying case.

For more tips, check out our guide to getting the most out of your tech when you travel.

The most effective way to enjoy your tech worry-free this summer?

Make sure it's covered from mishaps with a protection plan—explore to find one that fits your lifestyle and your budget.