Heading to the beach sometime soon? If it’s a sunny day we can’t blame you!
A beach day should be about fun, not fretting over your phone. But between sand, water, heat, and crowds, it’s one of the riskiest places for your phone - whether it’s an accidental drop or a sneaky theft.
Luckily, we’ve got you covered. This guide share some top tips to keep your phone safe, so you can relax, take selfies, and make memories without mishaps.
Use a waterproof case to keep it dry and safe.
Water and electronics? They’re basically frenemies. The quickest way to ruin your beach vibes is with a soaked or sand-crusted phone.
Here’s the good news. You can easily guard your device with a waterproof case or sealed pouch. Brands like Spigen and Gear4 are famous for a reason — they offer full protection from water, dust, and drops. And as a bonus, a lot of cases still let you use your touchscreen - so you can snap your beach pics without opening the pouch.
Even if your phone’s got a water-resistance rating, that doesn’t mean it’s swim-proof. So try not to use your it too close to the water. Better still, take a break from your screen and simply enjoy the waves – which leads us nicely onto our next point…
Secure your phone when you’re not using it.
Leaving your phone on your towel or sun lounger might seem harmless… until it disappears.
Thieves love an easy target, and an unattended phone is just that. At the very least, you should stash it in a zipped pocket deep inside your beach bag. Or wrap it in a t-shirt and bury it under your things. Out of sight, out of mind! Oh, and we know someone who swears by wrapping their phone in a nappy (unused, thankfully). Their theory is that a thief is unlikely to open it up and investigate what’s inside!
If you’re hitting the waves or taking a long beach walk, ask a friend to keep an eye on your stuff or use a small, portable lockbox. Some beaches even offer lockers for hire, which is worth checking out.
Use a PIN and enable phone tracking.
Even with all the precautions in the world, stuff happens. That’s why digital security is just as important as physical protection.
Always lock your phone with a PIN, fingerprint, or Face ID. It’s your first line of defence if your device ends up in the wrong hands.
And don’t forget to activate Find My iPhone (for iOS) or Find My Device (for Android). These tools let you track, lock, or remotely wipe your phone if it goes missing — giving you a fighting chance to recover it, or at least protect your personal data.
Pro tip: Back up your phone before heading to the beach. If the worst happens, you won’t lose your contacts, photos, or app data.
Use a phone lanyard or secure strap.
Keep your phone close, preferably within arm’s reach, so you can keep an eye on it without stressing.
A phone lanyard or wrist strap can be a game-changer for beach days. By attaching your phone to your body, you lower the chances of dropping it in the sand or having it snatched when you're not looking. Plus, it’s super handy when you're taking beach selfies or listening to music while strolling by the waves.
Look for lanyards with waterproof pouches or those that clip securely to your swimsuit, bag, or belt loop. A little extra dangle now might save you from a big disaster later!
Avoid leaving your phone exposed.
Sure, your phone loves attention, but it doesn’t love baking in direct sunlight or being a sand magnet.
Exposing your device to heat can mess with its battery and performance, not to mention make it too hot to handle (literally). Instead of leaving it face-up on your towel, tuck it into a shaded part of your bag or wrap it in a cloth. You can even use a clean sunglasses case as a mini protective pod.
Consider a cheap beach phone.
If you're really worried about losing your device, consider taking an older phone or a budget backup instead. Load it with essentials like maps, music, and messaging apps, and leave your shiny flagship model at home. That way, even if disaster strikes, it's not too disastrous.
Final words before you head off…
A little beach prep goes a long way, and that includes looking out for your phone. From waterproof pouches to secure straps, plus smart digital defences, you can protect your tech while you soak up the sun.
So go on, pack the sunscreen, grab your sunnies, and hit the sand with confidence. Your phone will stay safe, your memories will stay saved, and your beach day will stay blissfully stress-free!
Over to you. Have you got any phone safety tips of your own? Is our nappy idea a winner? Feel free to share your comments below.
