iPhone users are advised to avoid a particular hack that might initially seem helpful for cooling their devices but could ultimately cause serious damage.
During the sweltering summer months, it’s not only our bodies that feel the heat; our technology suffers too. Each year, many regions in the US are placed under extreme heat warnings, a situation that we can predict, though not gladly.
High temperatures often trigger those annoying temperature alerts on our phones.
According to Apple, iPhones are designed to operate at temperatures ranging from 32°F to 95°F. When a device’s temperature exceeds or drops below this range, it can become a concern for users.
These alerts indicate that our devices need to cool down, and in some instances, they won’t function until they do.
Faced with this, some individuals have considered placing their phones in the fridge for a brief period.
While this approach might cool the device temporarily, it poses substantial risks.
James Brown, the director at Protect Your Bubble, an insurance company, has highlighted the potential dangers of this trend and suggests safer alternatives.
Explaining why phones shut down in hot conditions, James mentions, “Our phones are very rarely away from our hands, but during a heatwave, it’s all too easy for these devices to get dangerously hot, which affects battery life and may cause the device to temporarily shut down.”
Placing your phone in the fridge could lead to internal issues, as condensation may form inside, damaging the device over time.
When the phone is removed from the fridge, the warm air meets the cold device, resulting in condensation inside, which can cause short circuits or corrosion. Furthermore, the battery is at risk, given that lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Cold conditions can degrade battery performance, slow down chemical reactions, and even lead to temporary or permanent capacity loss. Extreme cold could also result in the battery shutting down or behaving unpredictably.
Thus, it is best to keep your phone out of the fridge.
Fortunately, there are several safer methods to cool down an overheated phone.
Firstly, avoid leaving your phone in a hot car.
Another tip is to remove heavy phone cases that might trap heat.
If you’re inside, placing the phone on a cool surface like a kitchen countertop or in front of a fan can help until the warning message fades.
For outdoor situations, keeping your phone shaded and limiting screen time can not only protect your device but also let you enjoy the moment more.
Reducing phone usage might not be all bad; a little digital detox can help you enjoy the sunshine and be present.
James explains, “Playing high-performance games or streaming videos for extended periods can cause even the latest smartphones to heat up.”
This is also true for using GPS navigation over long distances.
“If you’re outdoors and need to check your phone, look for some shade and turn down your screen brightness,” he advises.
If the phone still feels hot after closing apps, try using the built-in power-saving mode.
As the expert points out, “This will shut down background activity, lower brightness, and activate quicker screen locking, all of which can help reduce heat.”