With just a few weeks left in the summer vacation season, many of us are packing our personal devices and traveling to hot, sunny places.
However, keep in mind that devices such as phones and tablets are susceptible to excessive heat. Forecasters have continuously issued heat advisories throughout the United States, especially in the Southeast, while countries in Southern Europe, including Spain, Italy, and Greece, have been sweltering in the sun.
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Here are some tips from experts and gadget manufacturers on how to keep your electronics cool:
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What heat does to a phone
A certain temperature range is ideal for the majority of electronic gadgets.According to Apple, iPhones and iPads are made to function in temperatures ranging from 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 35 degrees Celsius).
Apple cautions that a device may alter its functionality to cope with extremely high or low temperatures. An iOS or iPadOS device’s battery life may be permanently reduced if it is used in extremely hot environments.
If you’re charging wirelessly, downloading large files, streaming high-definition video, or doing anything else that uses a lot of power or data, your phone may warm up for a while. According to Samsung, that is typical and won’t have an impact on battery life or performance.
What happens if the device gets too hot
According to Samsung, you should stop using your phone if it becomes too hot to handle.
An iPhone that is overheating will notify customers that it must cool down before it can be used. The user will see a similar notification for Android devices informing them that the screen will dim, apps will be stopped, and charging will be suspended.
What not to do with your phone in high temperatures
You can take certain precautions to shield your gadget from excessive heat.
Avoid leaving it in the car on hot days and avoid leaving it in the sun for extended periods of time.
Additionally, Apple cautions against using certain features—such as GPS navigation while driving, playing a video game with a lot of graphics, or utilizing the camera—in extremely hot or direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Users are advised by Google, the manufacturer of Pixel Android phones, to avoid using resource-intensive apps or functions while charging.
Keep your gear cool
Turning off your gadget entirely is the best course of action when it’s really hot.
According to experts at the British electronics shop Curry’s, heat can be produced by background activities as well. It cools more quickly after a complete shutdown.
If your phone or tablet has a case, take it off because they might retain heat.
Additionally, place it somewhere cold, such as in front of a fan or in an air-conditioned room, and keep it out of direct sunlight. However, take care when placing it in cool areas.
Curry’s advises against keeping electronics in the refrigerator or freezer since condensation can result in water damage.
