What temperature is too cold for a phone? How to avoid it

Brits are used to temperatures plummeting in the winter months which leads to everything from tricky road conditions to debates on when to turn on the heating. 

If you've ever had your phone switch off without warning in the winter, there could be a clear reason why.

A technology expert at EarthWeb, Trevor Cooke, has explained why this happens, and what you can do to stop it.   

Why do phones die in the cold weather?

Smartphones use lithium-ion batteries which rely on chemical reactions to generate power, Mr Cooke explains.  

He continued: "These reactions slow down significantly in cold temperatures. 

"When the temperature drops below two degrees Celsius, your phone interprets this slowdown as a depleted battery. This leads to an automatic shutdown to preserve power and protect internal circuits".

What does the cold weather do to your phone?

Repeated shutdowns can gradually degrade the phone's battery health and overall performance, while also disrupting ongoing tasks and potentially causing unsaved data loss, the expert shares.

Your phone running out of charge unexpectedly is not only inconvenient but the temporary loss of communication can also be critical in emergencies, or when navigating unfamiliar areas.

How do I stop my phone from dying when it's cold?

Go Indoors 

If your phone shuts down, taking it inside will give it a chance to warm up to room temperature, according to the Earth Web expert.

He continued: "Allowing your phone to warm up slowly will stabilise the battery and internal components, increasing the likelihood of successfully turning it back on and preventing further damage."

Put It On Charge

Putting your phone on charge can help the battery recover, especially if the cold has depleted its charge, Trevor Cooke explained.

He added: "Always let the phone warm up to room temperature before plugging it in. This way, you can avoid thermal shock and ensure a safe, efficient battery recharge".

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Protect It Outdoors

The tech pro also suggested keeping your phone warm by storing it close to your body when you go outside.

This is because your body heat will help to maintain the phone's internal temperature.

You can also use an insulated phone case to provide an extra layer of thermal protection.

Trevor concludes, “In cold weather, keep your phone warm to avoid the inconvenience of it shutting off, or even worse, permanent battery damage. It’s also worth having a backup power source with you.”