Heatwave Alert: How to Protect Your Smartphone in Extreme Heat

With increasingly frequent heatwaves, our smartphones are put to the test. These compact pieces of technology are designed to operate within a relatively narrow temperature range, typically between 0 and 35°C (32 and 95°F). Above these temperatures, the risk of overheating, slowdowns, or even sudden shutdowns increases. Here are some best practices to follow to avoid any unpleasant surprises during hot weather.

8 Tips for Helping Your Smartphone Withstand a Heatwave

Simple actions can extend the lifespan of your smartphone while avoiding the issues associated with high temperatures. If your device shuts down or slows down unexpectedly in the middle of summer, it’s probably not broken: it’s just trying to survive the heat, just like us. Here are some tips to help your smartphone get through the summer!

Avoid Direct Sunlight

A smartphone left on a garden table, a car dashboard, or behind a window in direct sunlight can quickly overheat. It’s better to keep it in the shade, in a bag, or under a light cloth, and away from surfaces that retain heat, like metal.

Keep It Out of Your Pocket

When tucked against the skin, in pants or a shirt pocket, a smartphone absorbs body heat and its temperature can rise. During a heatwave, this might be enough to cause it to slow down or shut off unexpectedly. It’s better to keep it in a loose bag or held away from the body.

Limit the Use of Energy-Intensive Apps

Video games, streaming services, and GPS navigation heavily tax your smartphone’s processor, causing it to heat up quickly. In times of high heat, it’s advisable to reduce the use of these apps or save them for cooler times of the day.

Avoid Charging During Peak Heat

Charging naturally heats up the battery. When combined with high ambient temperatures, this can lead to overheating. Therefore, it is recommended to charge your device when temperatures are cooler, such as early in the morning or in the evening.

Remove the Case if Necessary

Some thick or poorly ventilated cases can trap heat. If your smartphone is heating up unusually, removing the case can help it dissipate heat more effectively and ‘breathe’.

Enable Energy-Saving or Airplane Mode

Reducing the phone’s performance or turning off unnecessary connections (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data) can help limit heat production. In airplane mode, the energy consumption is minimal.

Never Cool It Down Suddenly

Though it might be tempting to turn your overheating smartphone into an ice-cold device, placing it in the refrigerator or in front of an overly cold air conditioner can cause thermal shock! The ambient humidity can also lead to internal condensation, which is hazardous for the electronic components. So, it’s best not to do it!

Prefer Temperate Environments

Whenever possible, use your phone in an air-conditioned or well-ventilated area. In a car, avoid placing it directly on the dashboard and never leave it in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes.

What if Your Smartphone Overheats Anyway?

Despite taking all precautions, your smartphone may still overheat. If the device becomes hot to the touch or starts to slow down, the first thing to do is give it a break. Close all running apps, place it in a shaded and well-ventilated area, and let it cool down naturally without any drastic interventions. If it shuts down automatically, wait a few minutes before trying to restart it, and try to be patient.

If the symptoms persist or become recurrent, it might be wise to have the battery or processor checked by a professional. Signs of overheating can sometimes conceal an existing hardware issue that is exacerbated by high temperatures. Keeping an eye on the health of your battery, especially through your phone’s settings, can also help you anticipate malfunctions before they worsen. Remember, in the summer, your smartphone needs attention too!