What The Tech: Why your phone should avoid summer heat
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Tech Reporter
Summer Heat Can Destroy Your Phone. Here’s How to Prevent It.
Summer officially begins this weekend, and much of the country is already dealing with soaring temperatures. Most of us know not to leave a smartphone sitting in a hot car or baking on a poolside table. But some of the biggest threats to your phone happen while you’re actively using it.
If you’ve ever seen a warning that says your iPhone or Android device needs to cool down before it can be used, you’re not alone. Smartphones are essentially small computers, and heat is one of the biggest enemies of both performance and battery life.
The Road Trip Problem
One of the most common overheating scenarios happens during summer travel. Picture this: your phone is mounted on the dashboard, running GPS navigation, streaming music, connected to Bluetooth, and charging at the same time. Even if the air conditioner is working overtime, direct sunlight coming through the windshield can quickly raise the phone’s temperature. The phone isn’t just sitting there. It’s performing several demanding tasks at once.
I tested this by connecting a phone to a portable charger while streaming music. In just 30 minutes, the phone’s temperature climbed from 81 degrees to 96 degrees. If you’re using navigation and streaming music, consider skipping the charger unless your \battery is running low.
Dashboard Mounts Can Be a Problem
Dashboard mounts are convenient, but they often place the phone directly in the sun. If your mount is near an air conditioning vent, point the vent toward the phone. That small amount of airflow can make a surprising difference during long drives. You may also want to move the phone lower on the dashboard if possible, where it receives less direct sunlight.
Be Careful With Cheap Chargers
Not all charging accessories are created equal. Cheap charging plugs and cables sold at gas stations, convenience stores, and discount bins may not meet the same safety standards as certified accessories. Poor-quality chargers can
generate excess heat while charging and place additional stress on your phone’s battery. Look for chargers from reputable manufacturers and replace damaged cables that become unusually warm during use.
What To Do If Your Phone Overheats
If you see an overheating warning, don’t panic.
1. Move the phone out of direct sunlight.
2. Turn it off.
3. Remove the protective case.
4. Let it cool naturally in a shaded, air-conditioned location.
One thing you should never do is put the phone in a refrigerator or freezer.
I’ve seen social media posts recommending this, but it’s a bad idea. I placed an old phone in a refrigerator for ten minutes and when I removed it, condensation immediately formed on the outside of the device. If moisture can form on the outside, it can potentially form inside the phone as well. Water
damage is far more dangerous than a few extra minutes of cooling time.
Heat Damages Batteries Over Time
One overheating incident probably won’t ruin your phone. The real problem is repeated exposure to high temperatures. Every overheating episode takes a
little life out of the battery. Over time, you’ll notice the battery doesn’t last as long between charges, and eventually the phone may need a battery replacement or an upgrade sooner than expected.
As temperatures climb this summer, keeping your phone cool isn’t just about avoiding an annoying warning message. It could help your phone last another year or two before it’s time for a replacement.
