Dropped your phone? Here's what to do

Our phones are glued to our hands, so accidents are bound to happen. Cracked screens, chipped cases, and even toilet water damage can send our phones to a sticky end. Yep, according to our research, 4 in 5 of us have had to fish our phones out of the loo. Yuck.

So what are the most common phone mishaps, and what do we do when disaster strikes? Let’s take a look.

The most common phone mishaps

According to our data, the summer season is a peak period for phone losses and damage, with nearly 4 million[1] UK adults revealing that they had lost, broken, or damaged their phones whilst on holiday. And a further 5.5 million[1] have done so when dancing the night away. Blame it on the boogie, right?

Most shockingly, over 11 million of us have had the awful luck of dropping our phones down the toilet. 65% confess to still picking it out after a number one, but 1 in 10 of us go as far as to fish it out after a number two. That’s dedication.

How to save money on a new phone

For most of us, our phones bounce back with no problem. But for those unlucky few who lose or damage them to the point of no return, getting your hands on a new phone is essential.

In fact, over half (57%) of the nation shared that they were more likely to buy a new phone if they’d lost or broken theirs, but only just over a quarter (27%) revealed they’d opt for a refurbished model instead. However, the average UK adult has at least two old phones lying around and has thrown away two more, and only 57% of those were actually broken![4]

Choose refurbished

By picking refurbished, those who experience a phone mishap this summer could save up to £100, as giffgaff has plenty of refurbished models on offer, including the amazing [iPhone 15]. You could pick it up for £599 in ‘excellent’ condition(https://www.giffgaff.com/mobile-phones/apple/iphone-15/refurbished), or grab it for just under £25 a month over 24 months5. It’s more sustainable, comes with an 18-month warranty and you’ll enjoy 80% battery health or better.

Our terrific CEO, Ash Schofield, tells us why choosing refurbished is the way to go:

“Accidents happen, and when they do, we all want to stay connected. That’s why giffgaff has you covered with options to trade in, recycle, or pick a new refurbished device to suit any budget. Refurbished phones are a win-win for your wallet and the planet and we’re proud to offer quality, sustainable options to the nation.”

Recycle or trade in your old phone

Did you know you can recycle or trade in your old phone at giffgaff, even if it’s faulty?[2] As long as it arrives at giffgaff as clean as it was before your accident, we won’t ask any questions! Simply head to giffgaffrecycle.com to find out more.

If you’ve had a phone mishap and need to get your hands on a new or refurbished device, check out our full range of mobiles here.

NOTES

Research of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Opinium between 30 July 2024 and 02 August 2024 1 All data nationally representative - calculated by data percentage of national UK population of 53,646,829 UK Adults as of 02.08.24

2 giffgaff accepts faulty phones but each customer will complete four simple questions on the condition of the phone to get an estimated quote. Once the phone has been assessed and tested, giffgaff will inform the customer via email if the quote has changed. This usually only happens if the condition of the phone doesn’t match the condition that giffgaff originally provided a quote for. If a customer is unhappy with the revised quote, the phone can be returned free of charge upon request. http://giffgaffrecycle.com

4 Research of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Opinium between 23 February 2024 and 27 February 2024

5 128GB, 24m Klarna direct debit handset credit agreement, £25 upfront cost, £23.92 per month, 0% APR

0% APR. Finance subject to status and credit checks with Klarna Financial Services UK Limited. UK residents aged 18+ only. Direct Debit. giffgaff Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and acts as a credit intermediary and not a lender, offering credit products provided exclusively by Klarna Financial Services UK Limited (987889). Terms apply, see giffgaff.com/terms. giffgaff Limited, RG2 6UU