5 things to stop doing if you have a foldable phone

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Foldable handsets like the impressive Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold are growing in popularity, with the category poised to see another wave of attention when the iPhone Fold launches. Prices are often high for these high-end smartphones, with for example the Z Fold 7 starting at $1,999 and the Razr Fold at $1,899, making it very important to handle them with care.

Unlike regular smartphones that can often get by with just a screen protector and a case, foldable phones have other issues to consider. For example, you should be very careful about the presence of gravel and sand, which could interfere with the hinge mechanism of the phone. And because of the more delicate display materials, you’ll need to be more careful about the type of pressure you apply to the screen, or you could end up causing permanent marks. Let’s take a closer look at some of the things you should stop doing with your foldable phone.

Foldable phones feature a carefully designed hinge that, under normal use, should allow the handset to be opened and closed without issue for many years. But the precisely designed mechanism contains moving parts, so it must be free of annoying intruders like gravel and sand. Simply put, if debris gets into the hinge, you could have a big problem on your hands. Warning signs include a loss of smoothness, or a feeling of resistance, when opening and closing your foldable. Over time, this can turn into a frightening cracking noise, suggesting that the hinge is under serious stress.

If particles get inside, do not try to get rid of them by bending the phone repeatedly. Instead, try using something like a soft brush to gently remove any debris you spot around the hinge area. If the problem persists, have it checked at an authorized repair center. The best way to prevent debris from damaging your foldable phone is to keep it away from dirty surfaces. Avoiding messy pockets is also helpful, as is protecting your foldable in sandy places like the beach.

Just ten years ago, the idea of ​​a smartphone with a foldable screen sounded more like science fiction than a commercially viable product. But in 2019, Samsung launched what is considered the first mainstream foldable, the Galaxy Fold. Although it was far from perfect, the Galaxy Fold nevertheless set the ball rolling, encouraging other companies to follow with their own foldable models. However, a particular challenge persists with foldable phones: creating a screen that is both flexible enough to bend and durable enough to withstand everyday use.

As a result, foldable devices still rely on softer, more delicate screen materials and ultra-thin glass compared to traditional smartphones, making them more susceptible to damage. Pressing the main screen with your fingernails, for example, can leave a permanent mark on the screen, as can other objects like pens or coins. Keep in mind that unlike conventional smartphones where a damaged screen can be replaced without much hassle, repairing a damaged screen on a foldable is a bigger challenge that can turn out to be significantly more expensive.

Back when old-school flip phones were popular, it wasn’t uncommon to see people opening and closing them with a flick of the wrist. This move was an easy way to access your device, especially if your other hand was busy with a shopping bag or coffee. With today’s foldable phones, like Motorola’s Razr Ultra, opening on the horizontal axis just like older flip phones, it can be tempting to do that wrist snap to open and close the handset. But it’s a risky move.

With a delicate screen covering the entire phone and an equally delicate hinge mechanism, opening and closing it puts extra strain on the components, which could cause them to fail more quickly. It’s like giving your phone a whiplash, with extra force focused on the most vulnerable parts of the device, putting them under too much pressure. Factor in the possibility of tiny pieces of gravel in the hinge, and you could cause serious damage. Instead, use both hands to gently open and close your foldable.

When you first get a foldable device, it can be tempting to spend time marveling at the engineering by repeatedly opening and closing your device. Maybe you feel a slight sense of satisfaction every time the phone closes. It might even become a habit, with the tactile sensation making the behavior more likely to continue. But by constantly folding the phone when you really don’t need to, you’re causing excessive wear and tear on the phone’s hinge and screen fold. Today’s foldable displays are more durable than previous models thanks to advances in flexible materials and protective layers.

But the crease remains one of the most vulnerable areas to long-term wear. With this in mind, it is advisable to avoid any folding habits and only open the phone when necessary. In 2025, a YouTuber spent five days opening and closing Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. After 6,000 folds, a restart error occurred and cracking noises became audible beyond 46,000 folds. With 175,000 folds, the phone’s speakers failed. The screen, however, performed remarkably well, suggesting that the Fold 7’s OLED panel is very durable, although the test didn’t reach the 500,000 times rating Samsung claims.

Carrying a regular smartphone in one hand while walking is easy. But using one hand to carry an open book-shaped foldable phone is much riskier and best avoided. This increases the risk of your expensive device falling, which could damage the phone’s interior and exterior screen, or even that precious hinge. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold have eight-inch screens when opened, making them difficult to hold in one hand and increasing the risk of the device slipping out of your grip.

Holding it from the left or right side will also increase the pressure on the hinge, which could shorten its lifespan. Additionally, trying to operate a folding book with one hand is problematic, as the off-center weight distribution and wider body reduce stability compared to a narrower traditional smartphone. If you must use one hand to hold your foldable when it’s open, consider purchasing a ring holder, phone grip, or case with a strap to reduce the risk of a potentially catastrophic fall.