Have you ever witnessed your mobile device suddenly shutting off, rapidly losing battery percentage, experiencing problems with the display, or any other unusual behavior when the temperature drops outside during the winter months? Yes? Well, it is probably because phones are not really made to operate in negative temperatures. Cell phones operating on iOS, for example, are advised by Apple to be used in environments where the temperature ranges between 0º and 35ºC (32º to 95ºF).

So, turns out that similarly as high-temperature conditions have negative effects on our smartphones, below-zero ambiance poses an equal risk to the lifespan of our device. This is mostly due to the fact that the majority of mobile phones have lithium-ion batteries, which degrade minimally at room temperature but degrade way faster in extreme conditions. That’s why we offer you a few tips and tricks on how to protect your phone in cold weather:

Keep It In A Warm Place

This might seem like an obvious solution but there are many people out there who still underestimate the power of cold climates and overestimate the capabilities of their devices. Putting your phone in your pocket, backpack, or handbag might be a simple, yet very effective fix that will help avoid rapid battery drain by keeping your phone closer to the suggested temperatures. You should also forget about leaving your phone in the car if you left it parked outside.

Try Using Accessories

We know that there are situations when it is inevitable to take your phone out of your pocket – sometimes even for extended periods of time. If this is the case then perhaps you should consider investing in a case that would prevent the heat from escaping from your device. There are various makers who offer cases that are waterproof and can withstand rain, cold wind, or snow. Most of them use some kind of insulation as well. Other accessories that can help you keep your hands off your phone and not take it out unnecessarily are wireless headphones that allow you to change songs or adjust volume with controls integrated directly into the headphones. Likewise, smartwatches allow you to check your notifications or make calls without touching your cell phone.

Charge Your Smartphone Correctly

Since harsh weather conditions can drain your battery much faster than an optimal climate, you should always make sure that your phone is fully charged before leaving your house. You should further note that actually charging a smartphone in freezing temperatures can inflict additional damage to it. If your battery drops drastically or your phone dies due to the cold, first of all, try to get to a warm environment so that your phone can be in optimal conditions again, and once adjusted you can proceed with charging it. Remember that the majority of phone malfunctioning issues in extreme conditions are just temporary. 

Adjust The Phone Settings

Ultimately, if you feel like your phone is dying on you really fast you can try to turn on the power-saving mode which is available for iOS and Android devices both. You can also adjust the brightness of your phone or disconnect any Bluetooth devices in case they are connected. 

If nothing helps you should turn off your cell phone altogether. This is the best way to protect it and steer clear of long-term damage. A phone that is turned off can withstand an additional 4º drop in temperature.