Prolonged heat in Florida creates problems not only for people, but also for electronic devices. According to the US National Weather Service, on 12 August, 64 of the state’s 67 counties were under a heat advisory, with the heat index there reaching 105–110 degrees Fahrenheit every day. In such conditions, smartphones can overheat and switch off automatically to protect their internal components.
Journalist C. A. Bridges for the USA TODAY Network – Florida has compiled basic tips to help reduce the risk of overheating and extend your phone’s lifespan.
1. Keep your phone out of direct sunlight
Smartphones do not cope well with direct sun. On the beach, it is better to keep your device in the shade, for example in a pocket, in the shade of your body, under a towel or T-shirt, and use it as little as possible. If you are taking photos or video in direct sunlight, regularly place your phone somewhere shaded so it can cool down. In the car, you should not leave it on the dashboard or anywhere it will be exposed to the sun, even if the interior feels cool.
2. Do not leave your phone in a baking-hot car
The temperature inside a car can rise to 125 degrees Fahrenheit within a few minutes. Apple recommends storing phones within a range from -4 to 113 degrees. If you really have no choice and need to leave your smartphone in the car, it is better to put it in the glove compartment or cover it, but if possible do not leave the device in the vehicle at all.
3. Reduce the load on your phone
In hot weather, it is worth cutting energy use so that the battery and internal components heat up less. It is recommended to:
- turn down the screen brightness to the lowest comfortable level and, if necessary, switch off automatic adjustment;
- close unnecessary apps, especially games and programs that are actively running in the background (such as social networks);
- avoid using your phone as a mobile hotspot;
- if possible, switch on Airplane Mode or at least turn off Bluetooth until you are back in the shade;
- activate power-saving mode (Low Battery Mode on iOS or Power Save Mode on Android);
- use recommended chargers, as some cheap third-party chargers can cause additional heating.
4. Take the case off
Plastic, metal or silicone cases can trap heat and hinder the cooling of the battery and other components. If the phone starts to overheat, it is worth temporarily taking the case off so it can cool down more quickly. Those who are often out in the sun and cannot do without a protective case are advised to choose models designed with better heat dissipation in mind.
5. Cool your phone down gradually
You must not put an overheated smartphone in the fridge or freezer. A sudden drop in temperature can damage internal components or cause moisture to form inside the device. It is safer to cool it down slowly: move it into the shade, place it by a fan or an air-conditioning vent in the car, put it next to a cold surface (for example, against the side of a chilled drink), and, if possible, simply switch it off and leave it in the coolest place available.