Contributed by Info Guru Paul Seaburn

If we didn’t have cell phone problems, we’d never have the ubiquitous “Can you hear me now?” commercials.

This sounds like a good reason to get rid of them – the cell phone problems, I mean.

Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. I said, EASIER SAID THAN DONE. Can you hear me now? Good. Here’s some of the most common cell phone problems and a few solutions to try.

Don’t call and thank me – I don’t have any bars.

10. Is That A Scratch?

If you already have a scratch on your cell phone screen, it’s too late for preventative measures like a clear plastic screen protector. Replacing a screen can be expensive, so first try rubbing the scratch out with a pencil eraser or a screen buffing product.

9. Why Were You Texting In The Tub?

Dropping your cell phone into the tub or commode is embarrassing, but the damage water can do to its internal parts is far worse, especially if you turn it on before drying it out. First, disconnect the phone’s battery and let them dry out for at least 24 hours. You can also wrap them in an absorbent towel or put them in a bowl of uncooked rice to pull out the moisture, but don’t use a blow dryer. If you notice problems, you need service or a replacement.

8. Zombie Phone

If your cell phone appears to be dead, the solution could be as simple as recharging the battery. If that doesn’t work, remove and replace the battery and try again. Make sure you’re using the right charger – they all look the same but operate differently. If a replacement battery doesn’t work either, it may need service.

7. You’re Breaking Up

Those little bars represent signal strength, so check them if you’re dropping calls or have poor sound quality. You may have to move around a building or go outside. Dropped calls could me you’re in passing between zones or in a gap where there’s no coverage. Your network service provider can help resolve these issues.

6. Sticky Keys

Sticky keys are caused by debris in the keypad, so try not to use it in dusty areas and don’t eat while talking. Compressed air will remove some debris, as will holding the phone upside down and shaking it. A small vacuum can pull particles out and a soft cotton cloth will remove dust.

5. I Didn’t Hang Up On You!

If your phone freezes while you’re talking, turning it off and powering it back on often clears the problem. If that doesn’t work, remove and reinsert the battery and try again. Connecting the phone to your computer may also get it started.

4. Where Is It?

Cell phones are easy to lose. The easiest and luckiest way to find it is to call it from another phone. Look around, check your pockets and retrace your steps. Call restaurants or other places where you may have lost it. Some carriers have a locator service for a fee. If you still can’t find it, cancel your passwords and log-ins and report it to the police.

3. My Address Book Is Gone!

Sometimes your cell phone recovers from a problem but your address book doesn’t. Check your owner’s manual to find out how to back it up to your computer. Some carriers provide a backup service for a fee and some phones have plug-in backup drives. There’s always a pen and an old-fashioned address book, which is always good as a backup anyway.

2. I Can’t Hear You

If you can’t hear, you won’t be able to hear your conversation on a cell phone either. Make sure you don’t miss out on social and business calls with an affordable hearing aid. Then, avail yourself of settings on your phone that help with a tone or vibration when a call is received initiated, text messaging services, and “light on lift.”

1. I’m Drawing A Blank Screen

If the phone works but the screen doesn’t, it may be a temperature issue. The screens are sensitive to extreme heat and cold, so let the phone reach room temperature before using it if you’ve been outside. Don’t leave it in the car either.