Phone in the winter

It is freezing outside. Hopefully, you all get ready for it. But does your phone ready for the cold weather? Here is something you need know about phone in the winter.

Know your phones temperature range.
Take the Apple iPhone, for example. When it’s turned off, the iPhone 7 can withstand temperatures between -4° and 113° Fahrenheit. When it’s turned on, the range is much more narrow. Apple suggests 32° Fahrenheit as the lowest operating temperature. Most cell phones or smartphones will list the optimum range of temperatures in their technical specs.

When outside, keep your phone close to your body.
If you have to venture outside with your phone during a cold winter storm, keep your phone in inside pockets closest to your body where they can absorb some of your body heat. Also, don’t leave your phone behind (i.e. in a parked card) if you don’t have to..

Keep Your iPhone Warm.
If it’s cold outside, chances are you are wearing warm clothing. You may have a thick, down-filled parka. If so, put the iPhone in an inside pocket. Between your body heat and the jacket’s insulation, your phone should remain within operational temperatures. If you can’t do that, try to put the device as close to your body as possible.

Use a High-Tech Thermal Protection Case.
There are some cases that may provide adequate insulation for your iPhone. Neoprene seems like a good option. It is inexpensive and is the same material used in wet suits. You could probably even make one out of a mouse pad, since most are constructed from neoprene. Neoprene is also a great shock absorber. For those with the financial resources, a new, high-tech thermal protection case is coming soon…

Turn Off Your iPhone
If you are walking (or riding your snowmobile) outside and don’t need your iPhone, turn it off. As mentioned previously, when turned off, the iPhone can withstand a much greater temperature range. Make sure to turn it off, and not just put it to sleep.

When you return to a warmer environment, don’t turn on your iPhone right away.
This is true of every electronic device, turning on a cold device can warm it quickly. The rapid change in temperature can expand components too quickly, causing damage. Furthermore, your device is at risk for condensation to form. Any moisture inside the device can cause electronic components to fail. Simply wait for your device to come up to room temperature. With the new, metal-encased iPhones, this should happen within a few minutes. Just make sure it doesn’t feel cold to the touch.

Don’t Leave Your iPhone in the Car
Given the operational and non-operational temperature range for the iPhone, it makes sense not to leave it in a cold car. If you do, at least make sure to turn it off and wait until it warms up before turning it on again. The most sensible thing is to take it with you. It may be colder outside your automobile, but if your iPhone is tucked in a warm pocket, it will fare better.

If you have any question about phones, First Technology is always here for you.