Depending on the brand and type of smartphone you have, you likely spent a pretty penny on that device—and for good reason. Smartphones today can make your life incredibly easy to manage by allowing you immediate access to things like calendars, emails, banking, shopping, entertainment and more. However, not many people actively think about protecting the investment they’ve made into this piece of technology, which can often lead to a big loss of money if something happens to their phone. So to help you avoid this pitfall, here are three ways you can protect your investment into your smartphone.

Consider A Protection Plan

When you purchased your smartphone, you were most likely asked if you’d like to also get a protection plan for that phone. And while you might want to assume that you’d never have a reason to need this added protection, it’s often a good idea to err on the side of being safe rather than sorry.

Depending on the services you use and the type of protection you choose, Verizon Wireless shares that protection plans can protect you and your phone from loss, damage, theft, and even mechanical or electrical failures. So if you ever find yourself in the situation where you need to replace your phone before it’s time for an upgrade, you’ll be glad you have a financially reasonable way to do so.

What To Do If Your Phone’s Lost or Stolen

Almost everyone has had at least one scare where they thought their phone had been lost or stolen. Immediately your mind begins to wonder what steps you should take to try to get your phone back or to protect yourself in case your device falls into malicious hands.

According to Marc Saltzman, a contributor to USA Today, it’s always a good idea to speak to the authorities rather than just trying to find your phone on your own if you think it’s been stolen. Also, it’s a good idea to have a remote wipe option where you can clear your phone of sensitive information like emails or banking information. Or, if all else fails, at least make your phone password protected so no one but you can get through the lock screen.

How To Avoid Hackers

Smartphones are becoming increasingly vulnerable to hackers. Knowing this, it’s smart to know how to best avoid situations where hackers could easily target you and your phone. Sulabh Puri, a contributor to GadgetsNow.com, recommends taking steps like encrypting your data, avoiding public Wi-Fi, downloading reputable apps only, and installing anti-virus software. By taking these steps, you should feel confident in your ability to protect yourself and your phone from cyber attacks.

If you are looking for ways to better protect your phone and the investment you made in it, use the tips mentioned above to help you do just that.