Our phones are a big part of our lives, but how much do we really know about them?
Telstra research has debunked some of the most common misconceptions about our smart devices.
Signal bars are the best indicator of service quality
There is a popular belief that signal bars are the best indicator of service quality.
But is this necessarily the case?
The signal bar is more of a visual cue, giving phone users a rough idea of signal strength.
"Here's the kicker, signal strength doesn't always correlate directly with network performance," tech expert Luke Hopewell said.
"It's tempting to rely solely on the number of bars displayed on our phones to gauge the quality of our mobile connection, the reality is a bit more nuanced."
Closing app saves power
Saving battery life can be top of mind for people on the go.
Is closing apps a good way to conserve your device's power?
"The belief that manually closing apps can significantly extend battery life stems from a misunderstanding of how modern smartphones manage app activity," Hopewell said.
"The truth is the real power-saving magic lies in the efficiency of app design.
"Systems can intelligently manage app activity in the background, minimising their impact on battery life without requiring manual intervention.
"If you want to save battery, you're better off adjusting your screen brightness and enabling power-saving mode."
Excess heat doesn't damage your phone
Every so often, your phone may overheat and need time to cool down.
But can your phone overheat without experiencing long-term implications?
Experts believe excess heat can affect performance and potentially cause damage to internal its components.
When your phone exceeds its recommended temperature range, it can lead to performance issues like screen freezes and unexpected shutdowns.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can also post a risk to the device's lithium-ion battery.
Rice is a good way to fix a wet phone
If your phone has been affected by water, a common solution is to put it in rice.
But is this the best way to fix your phone?
Not according to Apple.
The tech company advises sticking your phone into a bag or jar of rice can do more harm than good with grains getting lodged in ports and speakers, which can potentially cause greater issues.
Instead, fill a sealable bag with silica gel packets and entomb your phone for 24 to 48 hours.
Silica gel is a moisture magnet which sucks water out.