How to keep your tech protected from frigid temperatures: Video tutorial
No one likes getting into a cold car in the winter and immediately driving off, right? It’s easier to drive when your windshield is defrosted and the interior car is nice and toasty – and the same goes for your tech. Both extreme cold and heat can determine whether your devices work and how well they work.
The temperature shouldn't be a problem for devices kept inside your house. But the things you take with you on the go like your phone, laptop and smartwatch can be impacted by the outside temperatures. Leaving electronics in a parked vehicle is never recommended, especially when the mercury drops. The temperature in the vehicle can become colder than the tech is built to withstand. If you absolutely must leave your devices in your vehicle, make sure they're hidden and bundled up.
Watch this video for tips on protecting your tech in the cold weather.
Does cold weather drain batteries?
Cold weather can impact on your device's battery life, so keep a charger handy. It’s normal for the battery to drain faster than usual when operating in colder temperatures. However, the impact should be temporary and should not have any long-term effect on the battery life or capacity.
A cold device needs to warm up to room temperature before you power it up or plug it in. Let it slowly warm up and avoid using external sources, like space heaters or hair dryers, in an attempt to speed up the process.
If you notice your device isn’t holding a charge like it used to, check the device’s battery health. The exact steps for this vary depending on your device, but a quick search can help you find the right method.
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Can a laptop get too cold?
Yes, your laptop can get too cold. The same goes for other electronics, like your phone, tablet and smartwatch. Most devices work best when used at temperatures above 32ºF, however they can be stored at colder temperatures.
- If you use Apple products:
- Personal devices, like your iPhone, iPad and Watch work best above 32ºF.
- Laptops work best above 50ºF.
- When not being used, they can withstand temperatures as low as -4ºF.
- Google Pixel devices may shut down unexpectedly if the temperature is below 32ºF.
- Samsung Galaxy phones operate best between 32ºF and 95ºF.
- Some Dell Chromebooks can handle temperatures of -40ºF when not in use.
- Lenovo batteries work best above 41ºF.