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Stop Taking So Long to Reply to Texts. You’re Sabotaging Your Friendships

Commentary: You might think it’s no big deal to regularly leave your friends on Read. But it can irreparably strain your relationships.

Depending on who you ask, texting is either an easy way to keep in touch or an overbearing item on an ever-growing to-do list. What’s convenient for one person may be a burden to another, which can cause strains on some relationships. 

So, how long can someone go without texting you back before they end up on the friendship chopping block? Not very long, if you ask me. 

It might come across as harsh, but I believe healthy relationships are sustained by timely communication, instead of consistently leaving someone on Read or Delivered for a week. It becomes practically impossible to coordinate hangouts or share life updates if someone can’t bother to respond to your messages within a reasonable window, or otherwise call you if that’s how they prefer to chat. 

Friends who take days to reply — if they ever do — come off as indifferent and uninterested, especially when they don’t arrange alternative ways to catch up. You might start to wonder how much they actually value your time and effort, and why they don’t prioritize communicating with you. Repeated offenses can make it tempting to throw in the towel and invest your energy elsewhere.  

How long can you go without texting someone back?

I’ll first acknowledge my personal bias here: I have always enjoyed texting. It’s been my preferred method of communication since I got my first phone at 13 years old and discovered the magic of talking to my friends anytime, anywhere. 

It’s no coincidence that some of my closest friends tend to be people with whom I regularly text. There’s a sense of familiarity that comes from sharing your day-to-day experiences and thoughts. It’s also a fun way to engage in banter and share relatable memes and videos.

And before I upset anyone — if I haven’t already — I’ll again acknowledge that for some people, texting isn’t enjoyable. But I still think people have a responsibility to communicate clearly and frequently with loved ones if they hope to maintain those relationships, whether it’s a text, phone call or in-person meetup.  

So, what’s an acceptable window of time for someone to text you back? 

Despite how unaccommodating I may come off in that frank introduction, I do like to give people chances. If someone takes days to reply to me the first time, or simply never gets back to me, I let it go. But if it happens again, that’s a strike. I believe you should always text someone back within a 24-hour period — notwithstanding special circumstances like travel or illness, etc. 

Repeatedly taking several days to reply is not only inconsiderate, it also just kills the vibe. Why do I care if you laughed at a meme I sent you five days ago? At that point, I won’t even remember what I reached out to you about. And if I’m asking you about going to an event and you only respond after it’s over, that unlocks a whole other level of annoyance. 

I believe the time and effort you invest in friendships includes replying to texts within a reasonable period (as long as your friend isn’t bombarding your inbox, of course). So if someone continuously takes days to reply, I take it as my sign to stop trying, and to put that energy into the friends who won’t leave me waiting.

A more personal way to stay in touch

As a teenager, my friends and I would text each other around the clock, sending a steady stream of messages and photos about anything and everything, most of it totally inconsequential. (Being young and unemployed made this all the easier.)

But as we got older and busier, and as social media began eating up our free time, text messages were largely supplanted by posting and consuming content on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Our digital activity became less personal, more performative and less conducive to maintaining relationships. Social media gives the false impression of keeping up with someone without actually talking to them, so relationships tend to fracture.

Most people have witnessed the awkwardness of someone not replying to your text for days, but ceaselessly posting on social media. Time and energy goes into both activities, and choosing to bypass personal interactions for more public-facing ones can prevent you from feeling a genuine connection to the people who care to reach out to you. Taking 30 seconds to reply to a text could be the difference between making and breaking a meaningful relationship. 

While phone calls and in-person meetups are undoubtedly the best ways to have an in-depth conversation with someone, finding a time that works for both parties can be a challenge, given how increasingly hectic our lives have become. Texting can be a comparatively low-lift way to build a true sense of camaraderie and connection.

So, the next time you think it’s not a big deal to leave someone on Read or Delivered, maybe reconsider what your actions (or lack thereof) may convey. 

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Galaxy Z Fold 7 Breaks Record for Highest Number of Fold Preorders

Samsung’s Z Flip 7 and Fold 7 also saw a more than 25% increase in total preorders compared with last year’s phones.

Samsung’s latest foldables are already making quite a statement, beyond their bold new designs — or maybe because of them. 

The phone-maker said in a newsroom post Thursday that the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is its thinnest foldable yet, racked up more preorders «than anyprevious Z Fold device in US history.» It added that both the Z Fold 7 and the Z Flip 7 saw a more than 25% hike in total preorders compared with last year’s handsets. 

Carriers also saw an uptick in sales. Samsung says there was a nearly 60% jump in preorders for both phones cumulatively, compared with last year. In a statement, it added, «In-store shoppers are takingadvantage of getting their hands on the devices, with thin, light and compact designs, as well ascamera improvements being among the top interest drivers.»

A CNET survey from June found that 30% of people list the camera as a top consideration when upgrading their phone. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 packs an impressive 200-megapixel main camera, which can serve up images on par with those from the top-of-the-line Galaxy S25 Ultra. It’s a significant milestone for Samsung, but also for foldable and thin phones overall, since cameras tend to take a hit due to hardware limitations. But Samsung worked around that by developing smaller, more advanced components for both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and its skinny predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Edge, which came out in May. 

Not surprisingly, another top consideration when buying a new phone, according to CNET’s survey, is price. The $2,000 sticker on the Z Fold 7, which is $100 higher than last year’s model, is likely to be a deterrent for many shoppers — though it clearly hasn’t stopped the phone from breaking early sales records. The Z Flip 7 also comes at a rather hefty $1,100, though this year Samsung also introduced the slightly cheaper Z Fold 7 FE, which starts at $900. 

It’s not just preorders for the Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 that saw a spike. Even after general availability for the phones kicked off on July 25, Samsung says, «momentum for both devices remain strong, with orderscontinuing to outpace the previous generation by more than 25%.» The Z Fold 7 is also outperforming sales of last year’s model by around 50% since it hit store shelves, according to the company. 

A fresh form factor brings fresh excitement

The sleeker build of both foldables, particularly the Z Fold 7, can help entice new buyers who are hesitant about switching to a new form factor. In another CNET survey from earlier this month, 15% of respondents who don’t own a foldable say it’s because they’re too bulky. 

The Z Fold 7 helps to remedy that with its slim profile, which measures 8.9mm thick when closed and 4.2mm when open. That, along with a wider 6.5-inch cover screen, makes it feel as close to a standard slate phone as possible and places it in the same camp as other thin foldables from Chinese companies like Honor, Oppo and Huawei. 

«Foldables have reached an inflection point as they are becoming a mainstream choice forusers,» Drew Blackard, Samsung’s senior vice president of mobile product management, said in a statement. «Now, on our seventh generation, we’ve addressed consumer feedback yearafter year and have arrived at the kind of experience you can’t get on any other device. Whenpeople go hands-on with a Z series device, they’re hooked — and now it’s all coming togetherwith record-breaking numbers.» 

In an exclusive interview with CNET ahead of the launch of the new phones, Blackard expressed similar sentiments, noting that, «There’s no longer that trade-off of, ‘Well, do I want a traditional bar-type smartphone, or a foldable?'» He added, «You’ll kind of get the best of both worlds.»

Samsung added that although black is usually the top color choice for Z Fold users, blue shadow made up about half of Z Fold 7 preorders. (I tested the blue shadow version myself and found the color to be a good balance between eye-catchingly bold and practically subtle, thanks to its deeper hue.) The coral red version of the Z Flip 7 «has also beat expectations,» Samsung said, making up 25% of preorders for that phone. «Thesetrends are remaining steady through the first week of availability,» the company added.

This all comes as Apple reportedly plans to launch its own foldable next year. The iPhone maker hasn’t confirmed or shared any details, but that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from churning. A report from JPMorgan earlier this week notes that the first foldable iPhone is expected to launch in September 2026 and could cost $1,999. Apple is reportedly teaming up with Samsung Display to create a crease-free display.

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You’d Never Lick a Toilet Seat… But You Might Be Doing Worse With Your Phone

Carrying your phone everywhere means it picks up bacteria from every surface.

Your phone might be the dirtiest thing you touch all day. From sweaty workouts to bathroom breaks and everything in between, smartphones pick up germs fast…and hang onto them. Studies have found that the average phone is often filthier than a toilet seat, harboring bacteria you definitely don’t want on your hands or face.

If you’re not disinfecting regularly, you’re probably spreading that grime without realizing it. The good news? You don’t need expensive gear to fix it. With a simple cloth and safe cleaning solution, you can wipe away the bacteria without harming your screen. Here’s how to clean your phone the right way and keep your device (and hands) a little less gross.

The Federal Communications Commission suggests disinfecting your phone daily, but not all cleaning methods are safe. Harsh chemicals and abrasive materials can damage protective coatings and potentially harm your screen. To keep your phone both clean and intact, it’s crucial to use the right cleaning techniques.

We’ll guide you through the best methods and products for keeping your device germ-free, from iPhones to Samsungs, and whatever their level of water resistance may be.

For more cleaning tips, here’s how to clean wireless earbuds and AirPods. 

What are the best products for daily cleaning?

After touching surfaces that see a lot of action from the public — such as door handles, seats on public transportation, grocery carts and gas pumps — you might think you need a heavy-duty cleaning agent to use on your phone. However, you should avoid rubbing alcohol or products made of straight alcohol, since they can damage the protective coatings that prevent oil and water from harming your screen.

Some suggest making your own alcohol-water mix, but getting the concentration wrong can damage your phone. The safest option is using disinfectant wipes with 70% isopropyl alcohol. For daily cleaning, consider a UV light product like PhoneSoap, which kills 99.99% of germs and bacteria. We can also turn to phone manufacturers and cell service companies for guidance, too. 

Apple now approves using Clorox Wipes and similar disinfectants, which was not recommended before the pandemic since they were thought to be too abrasive on the screen’s coating. AT&T advises spraying a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution on a soft, lint-free cloth and wiping your device down. Samsung also recommends using a 70% alcohol solution with a microfiber cloth. Always make sure your phone is powered off before cleaning it. 

What are the best methods for removing fingerprints, sand and makeup?

Sometimes your phone needs a more specific treatment when washing up. The recommended process for daily cleaning may not be enough to remove pesky grains of sand after a beach vacation or tough foundation stains. 

Get rid of fingerprints

Fingerprint smudges are inevitable since your skin produces oils. Every time you pick up your phone, your screen will get fingerprints. The safest way to make your screen print-free is with a microfiber cloth. For a deeper clean, dampen the cloth with distilled water (never apply water directly to the screen) and wipe down the surface. This works for the back and sides of your phone as well.

Alternatively, try a microfiber screen cleaner sticker that sticks to the back of your phone for easy wiping.

Remove sand and small particles

Grains of sand and lint can easily get stuck in your phone’s ports and crevices. To remove it, we recommend you use Scotch tape. Press it along the creases and speaker, then roll it up and gently insert it into the ports. The tape will pull out any debris. You can then just simply throw away the tape for easy cleanup. 

For smaller speaker holes, use a toothpick gently or a small vacuum crevice tool to suck out the debris. These tools work well for other small appliances or hard-to-reach areas in your car too.

Cleanse makeup off your phone screen

When you wear makeup and skin care products, such as foundation and moisturizers, you’ll leave residue on your phone screen. While makeup remover works for your face, it’s not safe for screens due to potentially harmful chemicals. Instead, try a screen-safe makeup remover like Whoosh, which is alcohol-free and gentle on all screens.

Alternatively, use a damp microfiber cloth to clean your phone, then wash the cloth afterward. Make sure your cloth is only slightly wet to avoid soaking your phone in water. 

What if my phone is waterproof?

For waterproof phones (IP67 and above), it’s best to clean the device with a damp cloth instead of submerging or running it under water — even if the phone advertises that it can withstand submersion for a certain amount of time. 

Afterward, dry your phone with a soft cloth, ensuring all ports and speakers are patted dry. While your phone can withstand water, submerging it can lead to water in the ports, delaying charging. Remember, water resistance is meant for accidents, not swimming or regular cleaning.

Things to avoid when cleaning your phone

We’ve already covered why you should avoid makeup remover and rubbing alcohol, but those aren’t a comprehensive list of harmful cleaning agents. Here are a few other items and products you should never use to clean your phone: 

  • Hand sanitizer: Fragrances and ethyl alcohol found in many sanitizers can harm your phone. 
  • Window or kitchen cleaners: Harsh cleaners can strip the protective coating on your phone and leave it more vulnerable to scratches.
  • Paper towels: Paper can shred, making the debris on your phone much worse, and the rough texture can leave scratches on your screen. 
  • Dish and hand soap: Most soaps require you to combine them with water, and since you should keep water away from your phone, it’s best to stick to a damp cloth.
  • Vinegar: Like cleaners and alcohols, vinegar will strip your phone screen’s coating.
  • Compressed air: Blowing intense and direct air into your phone’s portals can cause damage, especially to your mic. Apple specifically warns iPhone owners not to use compressed air.

For more cleaning tips, explore how to clean your Apple Watch. 

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