Screen protectors tend to be somewhat delicate. They scratch easily, and many people don’t like having them, but it’s a better option than ending up with a damaged screen. There are different types of protectors, such as tougher tempered glass ones and inexpensive plastic ones. You can even get liquid screen protectors you spray onto your phone.

Cases come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can always find one that looks good on your phone. If you like showing off your phone’s natural finish, then find a transparent case. It won’t be completely unnoticeable, but the protection you get from it is worth the inconvenience. For maximum protection, pair a case with a screen protector.

Skins are not as protective as cases. They do a good job of guarding against scratches, but they don’t help much if you’re prone to dropping your phone. Skins can’t be used with cases, unfortunately. However, you can still install a screen protector for more insulation.

Finger loop cases are great for anyone on the go. For example, if you’re exercising, you won’t have to put your phone down in a spot where it could potentially get damaged. Use your phone with caution. You can still bump it into things that will leave scratches. If you’re not used to having your phone stuck to your finger, you might forget that you have it on.

There are many different options for carrying a phone safely, such as gadget bags or clothing with cushioned pockets. Your phone is at more of a risk for scratches when it is exposed or left in small, shallow, or dirty pockets. If you don’t want to use a clip, choose clothing and accessories that have extra pockets. For example, wear a shirt that has a front pocket and use it to store your phone.

For example, your phone could fall between the cushions if you set it on your couch. It might be exposed to debris or sharp edges if it’s in your kitchen. Scratches often happen when you least expect them. Keep in mind that proper storage also protects your phone from fall damage.

If you carry your phone in a handbag or backpack, move it to a side pocket. You might be tempted to throw it into a main pocket for easy access, but it won’t be as safe there. Clean pockets are better. Remember that your phone can come into contact with debris left in pockets you frequently use, even if you don’t happen to have anything else in there If you use the pocket to carry something other than your phone, remember to turn it inside-out to shake out any debris. Also, wash it as needed.

Even if you don’t have your phone in your pocket, be careful about where you put it. You might come home and toss everything onto a countertop, for instance, so your phone and keys could still come into contact with one another.

Charging docks support your phone so you don’t even have to pick it up to use it. They keep it elevated above debris, metal, or anything else that could possibly leave scratches. Docks are good for hiding charging cables. By tucking the cable under a dock, you are less likely to step on it and pull your phone onto the floor.

For example, you might store your phone in a cup holder. You might also store food, drinks, or a number of other things there. Using a dock ensures your phone is far away from anything left in the cup holder.

Make sure you use a cloth that won’t leave scratches, particularly when wiping down the screen. Paper towels, for instance, are too rough. While you’re wiping your phone clean, you can also disinfect it. Dampen the cloth in a little bit of isopropyl alcohol before using it. Your phone will come into contact with debris no matter what, so regular maintenance is necessary for preventing scratches. You won’t even be able to see debris most of the time, but it is still there.

A phone case is great to have for protection, but it can trap debris on your phone. If you don’t take time to clean the case on occasion, you run the risk of grinding dirt into your phone’s finish, leaving some very unpleasant scratches.

For instance, you might drop your phone when you’re at the beach or on a dirt path. If you take the time to clean your phone right away, its finish will stay scratch-free for longer. Sand is one of the biggest causes of scratches. Many times, you can’t even see the sand, so the only way to avoid scratches is with diligent cleaning. Remember to clean everything, including your pockets.

If you don’t have a toothpaste, you could also mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to create your own paste. [13] X Research source

Remember that the paste is abrasive, so don’t use more of it than you need. It could leave more scratches if you’re not careful.

If the scratch is too deep, you won’t be able to fix it with toothpaste. You could take your phone to a repair shop for a more permanent fix. They can replace the screen and casing in many cases.

After you finish fixing the scratches, you can polish the screen with a microfiber cloth. Clean off any dirt around the edges and inside the case to prevent more scratches from forming.