Our mobile phones have become such a part of our lives that when they fail and their batteries die, it can come as a big surprise.
Phone batteries degrade when exposed to heat – including the UK’s sunshine – but there are ways to extend their life.
Phones sweat during heat waves because the heat from the sun’s rays can damage their internal circuits and batteries. Prolonged exposure to heat can even result in data loss or screen damage, among other performance issues.
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But there are failsafe strategies that will help cool it down and give your device an endless summer. This includes simple adjustments like removing the phone case.
Keep your phone away from other technological devices
When phones sit on top of another tech device like laptops or tablets, they are prone to overheating. This is because they are exposed to other heat in addition to sunlight.
Avoid using your phone while charging
Charging your phone can cause it to get warmer — as can running many apps at once.
When the phone is charging, using apps or even texting can make it hotter.
Also, do not place your device in places where it is too cold, such as in the refrigerator or freezer. Many of your phone’s materials can expand when it’s hot or contract when it’s cold, and sudden changes can cause wear and tear.
Turn off the phone
When idling, a car will run hotter than a car with the engine off.
Similarly, a phone will run cooler when it’s completely off, rather than staying on and idle. It may therefore be advisable to turn off your phone occasionally.
If you prevent all that current from coursing through your phone’s circuitry unnecessarily, you’ll avoid overheating.
Use a correct and undamaged charger
An inferior third-party charger, or even a good charger that has seen better days, can pump enough power into your mobile device that it contributes to overheating.
If you notice unusual heat from your phone, it’s always a good idea to check the cord, connector, and plug for damage.
Take off the cover
Your phone’s case can act as an extra layer of insulation on a hot day, trapping heat like a sweater.
If possible, give your phone a breather by leaving it alone since you don’t need to pack it tight in the heat.
Close unnecessary apps
You can also scan your phone for apps you’re not using and shut them down to provide help.
Each additional app you open requires more effort from your phone and increases body temperature.
No direct sunlight
Of course, direct sunlight will only make your device warmer and increase the risk of damage.
Place in a shady spot to reduce the effect of heat from above.
Delete unused apps
Some applications may be running in the background on your phone, making your central processing unit (CPU) work overtime to power your phone and heat it up in the process.
Uninstalling all unused apps reduces the load on your device, keeps the temperature down and increases processing speed.
Dim your phone screen
Your device’s CPU may overheat if your screen feels warm.
So try lowering the brightness of your phone’s touchscreen and give the CPU a much-needed rest.
Update the operating system and your apps
Mobile developers often think about how to make their software more efficient for your phone.
So when you’re running your apps and OS on the latest version, your device uses less power while staying cool.
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