5 Hacks & Tips to Keep your Android Micro-USB Charging Cable Alive Longer

Finding the perfect Micro-USB Charging Cable that doesn't break within a month or two of purchasing it is like trying to find your soulmate or baking the perfect soufflé. On the other hand, you have to ask yourself: how are all these different types and brands of cables breaking on me again and again? Hate to be the bearer of bad news but it might be you. No really, the whole "it's you, not me." thing applies when it comes to cables. Are you treating your cables kindly to the best of your ability? If not, this might be why you keep having the breakage issue. Don't worry; we have solutions for you!

First thing's first: How are you storing your cable when you're not using it? This sounds like a silly question because in reality, why would you ever explicitly store a cable somewhere? Shouldn't you just be able to leave it plugged into the wall, on your kitchen table, or in your backpack? No, my friend, you can't. Storing your cables properly is probably the most important method of keeping them alive longer.

#1 Wrap Your Cables

Wrap them like you're wrapping your significant other's Christmas presents, with care! (Unless you use the newspaper method; then there's no hope for you. I'm sorry). Hold one end of your cable and wrap the cord in the same direction around your hand in a loop over and over until your entire cable is in a coil. Once coiled, secure with a cable tie or rubber band so the coil will stay together once you let go. This fool proof method keeps your cables from getting crunched, bent, or chewed on by your cat when you're not using it.

#2 Don't Hyper-Bend

Bending or creating sharp curves (think stopping water from coming out of a garden hose) in your cables can cause damage to the inside wiring of the cables, making them virtually useless while still looking like they are in perfect working condition. For example: before you plug your cable into the outlet that is right behind your mattress that touches your wall, think again. It may be annoying to have your cable a little further away from you but trust us, you're better off reaching a little further for your device than buying a new cable every month.

#3 Unplug Safely

DON'T, I repeat: DON'T unplug your cable from your device or the wall by pulling on the cord. You know how you find that your device isn't charged after being plugged in all night and you go look at your cable, start to fiddle with it, and discover that when you bend it at the base in one direction, it stops charging and bending it in the other direction it starts charging again? Yeah, that's what happens when you unplug by pulling on the cord versus the plastic/metal jacket at the start of the cable. This happens because the connection at the base of the cable and the jacket is the weakest point. You will recognize this problem by seeing a hole in the wrapping and now exposed internal wires of the cable at that point. Always unplug by grasping the thickly coated plug of the cable to prevent this from happening.

#4 Monitor Your Pins

No, not your location on Google or Facebook. Pins are the prongs or little strips on the head of your cable plug that make the actual connection to your device. If there are any specks of dust/debris or god forbid a liquid/gel substance on those and you plug it in, your cable can be pronounced deceased soon thereafter. Keep the pins of your cables clean and away from any foreign materials that could cause corrosion. An easy way to prevent this is by storing your cable in a clean location or by simply wiping/blowing them clean before use.

#5 Give Them Some Support

There are these nifty things you can buy or even make yourself from household materials that can reinforce your cables, so they have a very low chance of getting kinked and ruined. For example, Those tiny springs you find in pens can be easily wrapped around the base of your cable to prevent them from being damaged at the base due to hyper-bending.

#6 Get a Wrapped Cable from the Beginning

Don't waste your time and money on a cable that isn't built for battle. Get a reinforced cable from the beginning. These often have a mesh or braided cable wrapping. They also look better than the standard plastic coating! You can get your upgraded, long-lasting Micro USB cables below. :)