How long does a USB flash drive last? All info on the service life

Thanks to mobile storage media such as the USB stick, you always have important data in your pocket. But hardware, such as hard drives, wear out after prolonged use - and so does the USB stick. But there are tricks and tips that you can use to extend the life of the stick.

Extend the lifespan - with these tips it works

To make your USB stick last as long as possible, there are a few tips that will help.

1. If you use your USB stick every day, it is important to make sure that you eject the stick safely before removing it from the computer. This avoids unnecessary defects to the hardware and the data.
2. When transporting the stick, also make sure that the contacts on the USB port are protected. Do you have the stick namely, for example, in the pocket or in the pencil case, dust and other dirt quickly accumulates on the contacts of the port.
3. Avoid contact with liquid at all costs. This can namely destroy the electrical components of the USB stick.

Also watch out that you do not lose the stick. This goes with the small size faster than you think.

Life of USB sticks

The life of USB sticks with flash memory is usually circa 10 to 30 years. To get the maximum out of it, it is important that you treat the device with care. If the stick is not in daily use and is only used for archiving data, the life span can also exceed the 30 years.