Simple Tips to Maintain and Care for Your Refurbished Laptop
by Dipanjan Sadhukhan on Nov 08, 2024
The Refurbished Laptop Market size was valued at USD 8 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 5.7% between 2024 and 2032. - Global Market Insights
Do you own a refurbished laptop? If so, you have made a smart decision — refurbished devices are an excellent way to get top-notch performance at a fraction of the price. These laptops come with all the features you need, which is why they are a great value for anyone who is budget-conscious. However, your responsibility does not end with buying the device. Just like a brand-new device, a refurbished laptop requires proper care to keep it running smoothly. If you manage to maintain it properly, it can easily last almost as long as a new laptop.
Also Read: A Guide to Choose a Good-quality Refurbished Laptop
Taking care of your refurbished laptop is easy, but you will have to put in a little effort. We have listed down everything you need to do to maintain your refurbished laptop properly.
INDEX
7 Tips to Care for Your Refurbished Laptops
- Regular Inspections for Damages
- Take Care of the Battery for Long-Term Use
- Manage Storage to Keep Things Running Smoothly
- Keep It Cool
- Stay on Top of Software and System Updates
- Use Antivirus to Keep Your Laptop Safe
- Always Backup Important Files for Peace of Mind
Frequently Asked Questions About Refurbished Laptops
- Can refurbished laptops be trusted?
- How long do refurbished laptops last?
- How do I know if my refurbished laptop is in good condition?
7 Tips to Care for Your Refurbished Laptops
Regular Inspections for Damages
You must inspect the refurbished laptop for damages regularly. In case of any issue, like a loose screw or damaged key, it can be addressed immediately. Also, examine USBs, headphone jack, and charging ports for debris or damage. The display is crucial as well and should be inspected for any dead pixels, discolouration, or scratches. A clear screen is vital for a good user experience, so any issues here should be addressed promptly.
Even if you notice any minor issue, try to fix it quickly. Delaying will only increase the chances of escalating the issues. Make sure you perform these inspections at least once a month.
Take Care of the Battery for Long-Term Use
Although the batteries in refurbished laptops are often replaced, there is still the risk of your battery malfunctioning if you do not care for it properly. It will fail to hold power for longer hours and will require frequent charging. Working on it for long hours when travelling will be almost impossible. We have a few simple suggestions that can prevent this from happening.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Avoid performing heavy tasks when your laptop is on charge. For instance, if you game or render videos while charging your laptop for long hours, the device will start overheating, and the battery will be damaged.
- Charge Smartly: Instead of allowing your battery to drop to 0%, aim to keep it charged between 20% and 80%. This method helps reduce stress on the battery cells.
- Use Power-Saving Settings: Take advantage of power-saving modes when possible to reduce strain on your laptop’s battery.
- Limit Fast Charging: While fast charging can be convenient, it can generate extra heat, which is not great for battery health. If possible, opt for regular charging when you do not need a quick power boost.
Manage Storage to Keep Things Running Smoothly
If your refurbished laptop is feeling a little slow after a year’s usage, it may not always be due to poor-quality products. It could also occur when your laptop is running out of storage space. This is often the most common issue behind laptops slowing down and can be fixed easily.
- Delete Unnecessary Files: Remove anything that is no longer needed. A good rule of thumb is to clean your downloads folder at least once a month.
- Move files to Cloud Storage: Even though you do not use some files frequently, they cannot be permanently removed. You can move these files to cloud storage like Google Drive and free up storage on your device.
- Empty Your Trash Regularly: Deleting the unnecessary files from your laptop is not sufficient. Make sure that they have been removed from the recycle bin as well.
Keep It Cool
Overheating is always harmful to your laptop, whether it is the battery or any other internal component. So, you should always focus on keeping it cool.
- Keep it always on a hard and flat surface. Soft surfaces like beds or couches can block the airflow. Avoid keeping it on your lap as well.
- Regularly clean the vents to remove dust. If not cleaned, dust will build up over time and impact the cooling system.
We suggest using a cooling pad if you play games or run heavy applications.
Try to avoid working outdoors during summer. An air-conditioned room is more appropriate for tasks that require your processor and GPU to work hard.
Also Read: Laptop Cooling Solutions: Keeping Your Device Cool and Efficient
Stay on Top of Software and System Updates
There is a common notion that refurbished laptops are often outdated systems. However, these are only myths about refurbished devices and do not reflect reality. While it is true that refurbished laptops are used laptops, these are properly repaired and tested to ensure they function just like new laptops. So, you do not have to worry about getting updates on your devices. These are updated systems and will receive updates, as and when they are released.
Make sure you keep track of these software updates and perform them regularly. They are essential for both security and performance. Companies also release regular updates to get rid of bugs and ensure that your laptop runs efficiently.
Ignoring these updates can leave your system open to cyber threats, which could compromise your data. This is why we suggest enabling automatic updates — the option is available in your settings. Therefore, you no longer have to check for updates manually. However, we still recommend checking for software updates from time to time.
Use Antivirus to Keep Your Laptop Safe
According to data shared by RBI, the number of fraud cases reported in FY 24 increased by 165% from last year. This data makes it obvious why securing your laptop is important. One of the best ways to do so is by installing a reliable antivirus program — it is the first line of defence against malware and cyber threats. Always set your antivirus to run scans at regular intervals to catch any potential threats early. You can also run a scan after installing anything.
Another helpful practice is to regularly review your security settings and permissions for installed applications. This ensures that only trusted programs have access to sensitive information and your laptop's overall security is ensured.
Always Backup Important Files for Peace of Mind
It does not matter if you are using a new laptop or a refurbished laptop, always back up important files. You never know what might happen to your device. Despite all precautions, it can still malfunction and damage beyond repair. Having a backup will ensure you have access to all information even if your device is not functioning.
The most common way of backing up your files is using an external storage device. You can even carry it with you anywhere you want. However, in such cases, a cloud storage option will be better, as you do not have to carry it with you. Schedule weekly or monthly backups so that you do not have to back up the files manually every time.
These are a few tips to care for your refurbished laptop. If you are planning to buy a laptop, we suggest you buy a refurbished laptop instead of a brand new one. These come with a higher discount and up to 1-year warranty at Mobilegoo. We source each device directly from customers and then sell them to the customer. So, you do not pay extra commissions or platform charges. Also, the No Cost EMI option is available. We follow a very rigorous testing process where only 1 in 5 laptops can pass quality checks. If you want to buy a refurbished laptop, check out our top devices.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Refurbished Laptops
Can refurbished laptops be trusted?
The huge rise in sales of refurbished laptops makes its popularity quite evident. While they are just catching up in the Indian market, these devices are very common in the American and European markets. Hence, you do not have to worry about your refurbished laptop being trustworthy. Just make sure that you buy the device from a trusted refurbisher. The devices should be certified and come with a warranty. At Mobilegoo, you will get huge discounts and up to 1-year warranty on them. In case there is some issue, the device can be replaced within 7 days of the purchase.
How long do refurbished laptops last?
Even though refurbished laptops are not new laptops, they are thoroughly checked and tested. So, these have a long lifespan. We cannot provide a fixed timeline, but the device can last up to 3 years. If you want your device to last longer, always take care of it properly. Laptop maintenance and care are essential to ensure a long lifespan. By following the steps mentioned in the blog, you can easily make it last up to 5 years.
How do I know if my refurbished laptop is in good condition?
To determine if your refurbished laptop is in good condition, consider the following steps:
- Physical Inspection: Check for any visible damage, such as scratches, dents, or cracks on the casing and screen.
- Performance Testing: Run basic tasks like browsing the web, opening applications, and playing videos to see how smoothly the laptop operates. Laggy devices should be returned immediately.
- Battery Health: Check the battery’s health by looking at how long it holds a charge. If the battery drains quickly or does not charge properly, it might need to be replaced.
- Software Updates: All refurbished laptops should have an updated operating system. Also, they should receive timely updates.
- Warranty and Return Policy: Always choose sellers that provide a warranty period on all refurbished laptops. This shows that they have trust in their devices.
