6 ways to protect your phone from freezing temps

As winter sets in, it's time to think about (and start changing) some of our everyday habits. Watch the weather to know if you need to dress warmer, leave for work earlier, carry an umbrella, etc. But other things that cold air effects are our electronics. You need to not only prepare yourself for winter weather but also your precious smartphone. Here are a few tips to help you and your best buddy stay safe until the thaw-out.

Never Leave It In The Car

Whether it's just for a few hours (or overnight, for sure), leaving your phone in your car during frigid temperatures can wreak serious havoc, all the way from just a dead battery to screen issues and even condensation build up inside your phone. Treat it like you would a loving animal: bring it inside where it's warm it's cold.

Watch How to Store It When Outside

So you've got some winter activity set up. Be it skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, ice skating, hiking, or any other cold weather-related outing, leave your phone inside. Not only do you risk breaking your phone or getting water inside it during your frolics, but it cannot really handle exposure to low temperatures. With all your layers, you might feel all warm and cozy when outside, but your phone definitely doesn't. If it's completely necessary to bring it with you for whatever reason you have convinced yourself, make sure you keep it in a waterproof, enclosed pocket, preferably something that has a fleece lining that allows your body heat help to keep it at the temperature as well.

Keep It Secure

Not like you ever want to drop your phone during any time of the year, but because of how cold air can weaken your phone's most delicate pieces, like your screen. You'll want to make extra sure that you have a firm grip on your phone. If you haven't already, get yourself a screen protector and a durable case, so that if you do drop it, the likelihood of parts breaking is a bit slimmer.

Wait It Out

If your phone has been exposed to the elements or left overnight in the car, let it warm back up to room temperature before you use it. Just like a car that you wait to warm up before you blast the heat, wait until your phone is good and ready to send that text. And do not think that you can get it back to proper temperature quicker by putting the phone near a heater or using a blow dryer or really anything of the sort; you'll likely do way more damage than good. Also, wait to charge it until it's back to normal temperature.

Use Your Hands-Free Device

If you've got to take it outside and you've got to take a call or answer a text while outside, use your hands-free device. This will ensure that your phone stays secure and out of the harsh elements. You can set up notifications for calls or texts and then only take your phone out if you need to. If all you're checking for is the time of day, any old watch can do that. Many smartwatches can give you other info like weather information and even directions.

Reduce Your Power

If your phone suddenly shuts down in the cold weather, know that this is a normal thing. Cold temperatures can cause the battery life to plummet without warning. If you have to have your phone out in winter weather, setting it to battery saver mode will help keep it alive. You can even dim your screen and shut off both your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which tend to drain power. And if you know that you are going to be out for the day beforehand, start yourself off with a fully charged phone. Better yet, get yourself a portable battery charger to use if you end up in a pinch.

It recommended that smartphones are not exposed to temperatures below 32 degrees or above 95 degrees. Be sure to always check the local forecast and temperature highs and lows for the day when deciding how to handle your smartphone. Just like you bundle yourself up for the cold or heed warnings about low temps, you'll want to know before you go when it comes to your smartphone.

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