Low-temp tech tips - expert issues warning to avoid tech damage in cold weather

As the country heads into the first cold snap of the winter, experts at Uswitch are warning Brits to check their tech as dropping temperatures can lead to issues with mobiles and broadband devices.

Usually, these effects are only temporary, however, prolonged exposure to the cold can cause permanent damage to your tech if not handled correctly.

Tech expert, Richard Dowden at Uswitch.com, shares his tips to help your devices cope as the mercury drops:

1. Don’t leave your phone in the car: This can cause permanent water damage to your phone once you bring it in from the cold, due to chemical reactions inside your device. If you do leave your phone out in the cold for a prolonged period, be sure to allow it to come back up to room temperature before you charge it again.

2. If you’re cold, your tech is cold: Don’t leave your router in an unheated area like a garage or on a window sill, and be mindful of condensation that can form around the device which could seep into the unit. If you need to place your router in a colder space, try placing it in a box for insulation with holes for airflow.

3. Charge before you go: Colder weather hurts the battery life of many tech devices. The lithium-ion batteries found in smartphones are known to struggle in cold temperatures, so be mindful of this and give it a full charge before you take it outdoors, as you may find the battery will drain faster than normal.

4. Put a jacket on it: One of the best ways you can keep your phone warm and avoid battery drain is by keeping it in a protective case that’s insulated from the elements. Keeping it in a secure pocket can also help, as it will benefit from your body temperature.

5. Power down: If you’re going to be exposed to sub-zero temperatures, help conserve your phone battery by turning on low power mode, turning off location services and closing down apps running in the background. You could also put it on Airplane Mode, which will still give you access to apps that don’t require an internet connection.

6. Get them backed up: Most consumer tech is designed to operate at temperatures between 0℃ and 35℃. So if your devices are exposed to colder temperatures than this, ensure your data is backed up to avoid any loss or damage to the battery life.

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