As the days get colder in the UK we’re feeling the change in temperature, and so are our phones.
Most mobile phones have an optimum operating temperature of between 0°C and 35°C, so if this temperature increases beyond 35°C or substantially decreases or falls to subzero, the phone can become faulty or stop working altogether. And, with the current utility bill crisis, the last thing anyone needs is a big phone repair bill.
In winter, the average temperature in the UK ranges from between 2 and 7°C, with temperatures often dropping to just below 0 degrees Celsius, so it’s worth knowing how to protect your phone at this time of year, to keep it operating at its optimum best. Here are a few tips on how to do it.
1. Never leave your phone exposed… it’s snow joke ❄️
This may seem obvious, but leaving your phone exposed to the cold is a big no-no. Taking it out to use it is fine of course, but leaving it in the cold for extended periods can cause severe damage to its lithium-ion battery.
Forgetting phones left in car glove boxes and leaving them there until the morning is a common mistake. As the temperature rapidly decreases even further during the night, this is almost like housing a phone in a freezer. Always remember to take your phone indoors.
2. Wrap it up warm with a thermal phone sleeve 🌡️
One of the best ways to ensure your phone isn’t exposed to the elements is by getting a thermal phone sleeve. Covering your phone with an extra insulative layer protects it from cold temperatures, frost, ice and snow (just in case we get a white Christmas this year).
Phoozy phone cases are a great choice of thermal phone sleeve. Dubbed the ‘spacesuit technology for every adventure and every device’, the Phoozy brand uses a patented Chromium Thermal Barrier™, made from NASA technology, which helps to prevent overheating in the sun and extends battery life in the cold.
3. Freezy does it… take care of the battery 🪫
In colder weather, it’s common for phone batteries to drain faster the normal. According to Apple, “Using an iOS device in very cold conditions outside of its operating range might temporarily shorten battery life and could cause the device to turn off. ” And the average cost of replacing a smartphone battery ranges between £50 and £100.
To maximise the life of your battery in the winter, ensure that your phone is fully charged before you head out. Carrying a portable charger is a great way to combat the rapid decrease in battery power, as you have a way to recharge it if it runs out on the go. Be careful not to overcharge your device; only charge it if it’s truly low.
There are loads of portable chargers available online, such as Belkin and Anker, with prices starting from around £19.99 based on the battery size and number of ports.
4. Be aware of liquid condensation but know there’s a solution 💦
Many people don’t know this but smartphones can get liquid condensation underneath their displays if they are carried into the warm after being in cold weather for a long period of time.
If your phone has been exposed to icy cold temperatures, turning it off and allowing it to get back to room temperature before use is the best solution. Rushing the process by using a hair or hand dryer or putting it on a radiator to warm it up will only cause further damage and may even result in mass condensation and permanent, irreversible damage.
The average cost of replacing a smartphone screen is anywhere between £100 to £300 depending on the model, with an additional £50 to £150 to replace the camera lens on the rear.
5. Chill out and get some smart winter accessories 🥶
As much as freezing temperatures can cause damage to our smartphones, we still want to be able to use them when we are out and about. Using some smart tech can enable us to do so while keeping ourselves and our phones warm.
You’ll glove these ❤️
With touchscreen gloves, you no longer have to worry about choosing between having numb icy fingers and not sending that Whatsapp message; you can do both. As the fingertips of touchscreen gloves are made of conductive material, they absorb the electrical current produced by capacitive touchscreen devices allowing them to act just like a bare finger. Clever stuff!
There are tons and tons of touchscreen gloves available to purchase online. Take a look at the ones on offer here.
Go wireless 🌐
Did you know that you can get a Bluetooth hat? Yep. It’s actually a thing. With these hats, you simply pair it with your phone the same way you would with a Bluetooth earpiece or wireless earphones. The great thing about this is that not only does it keep your head warm, but you can also keep your smartphone tucked away from the cold. You can pick one up from JD Williams here for £29.99.
If a full-on Bluetooth beanie isn’t for you, going wireless is always a good thing to do in the winter for ease. With Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, you don’t have to worry about getting wires tangled in scarves and extra layers, and can keep your phone in your bag.
Getting insurance for your phone is the best way to protect it against falling victim to the winter’s wrath. With SO-SURE, you can get a speedy repair or replacement, so you can get back to taking pictures of your mulled wine and sending Christmas memes to your nan.
You can cover your phone with us here.
And if you’re super careful, you could get money back…
At SO-SURE, community = cashback rewards. Think of it as a piggy bank for careful customers. The more friends and family you connect with, the more money goes into the piggy bank. And then, if no one needs it, you all get it back. You can learn more about our Reward Pot here.