With the arrival of warmer weather and long-awaited vacations, our phones become our inseparable companions, whether for capturing the best moments, checking maps, listening to music, or simply staying connected. However, summer brings with it not only more hours of sunshine and outdoor activities, but also new health risks for our devices.
Extreme heat, humidity, sand and other factors can put any smartphone in trouble, affecting both performance and lifespan of the device. Knowing how to take care of your phone during the summer is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises and prolong its lifespan. Below, we'll tell you everything you need to know to protect your phone this summer in a simple and effective way.
The main dangers for your mobile phone in summer
During the summer, mobile phones face several enemies that can quickly take their toll. High temperatures are the main risk, capable of causing overheating on internal components, especially the battery and CPU. When temperatures rise above 35°C, the device's own technology begins to self-manage to prevent damage: it can reduce brightness, limit performance, and even automatically shut down in extreme situations.
However, Heat is not the only danger. The moisture and sudden changes in temperature can cause condensation, damaging delicate circuits. In addition, the sand It can scratch screens, get into ports, and render your phone unusable. And don't forget the water, whether from the pool, the sea or an unexpected dip.
Under extreme conditions, overheating can cause on-screen warnings, slow down the device, or even cause hardware failure. Ignoring these warnings increases the risk of irreversible damage, data loss and a significant reduction in the lifespan of the mobile.
Key tips to protect your phone from heat
To ensure your phone survives high temperatures, it's advisable to follow a series of preventive measures and use common sense. Here are the most effective recommendations:
- Avoid direct sunlight: Don't leave your phone exposed on the beach, on your towel, or in your car's glove compartment. Always look for shady spots.
- Store it when not in use: If you have to walk in the sun, it's best to keep it in your pocket or a bag, away from excessive body heat.
- Use appropriate covers: Thick cases make it difficult for the phone to dissipate heat. On very hot days, consider removing the case or using a lightweight silicone one.
- Avoid charging your phone under high temperatures: Do not charge your device in hot environments or under direct sunlight, as charging generates additional heat that can be dangerous.
Brands often recommend that the device is used between 0 and 35 ºC. If your phone displays a temperature warning or becomes uncomfortably hot, it's best to turn it off and leave it in a cool place until it returns to a suitable temperature.
How to avoid overheating during use
There are everyday actions that can cause your phone to overheat, especially on hot days. These are the most common ones and how you can reduce their impact:
- Reduce screen brightness: The higher the brightness, the more power your phone consumes and the more heat it generates. Adjust the brightness manually whenever possible.
- Activate dark mode: This mode reduces power consumption and therefore heat emission, especially on OLED or AMOLED displays.
- Turn off the screen when not in use: Don't leave videos or apps open unnecessarily. Turn off the screen when you're not using them.
- Close background apps: Many apps remain active, increasing the processor load. Close non-essential apps to reduce heat.
- Avoid demanding tasks: Gaming, video editing, or intensive processes will strain the processor and easily increase the temperature.
If your phone has a battery-saving mode, enabling it helps limit processes and prevent unnecessary overheating. You can also disable connections like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS if you don't need them; this can reduce the internal temperature by several degrees. Some manufacturers recommend turning off your phone if it gets too hot, until it cools down.
Loading Precautions: When and How to Do It
Charging your phone in summer requires special attention. The load generates heat and doing so in hot environments or in the sun increases the risk of battery damage.
- Do not charge your phone in the sun or in hot places (such as your car).
- Avoid fast charging on very hot days: This increases the battery temperature more quickly than a normal charge.
- Remove the case during charging to improve ventilation.
- Do not charge your phone under your pillow or between clothes., where air does not circulate and heat accumulates.
- If your phone is hot, wait for it to cool down before connecting it to the power source.
Some modern devices, such as iPhones and Samsungs, can automatically pause charging if they detect excessive temperatures, displaying a "Charging Waiting" warning. It's important to follow these recommendations and not force the charging process to avoid irreversible battery damage.
Protection against water, humidity and sand
During the summer, it's common for your phone to suffer accidents near water or get dirty with sand. Even if your phone is water-resistant, salt and chlorine can affect the internal components, even those with IP67 or IP68 certifications.
- Use waterproof covers when you go to the beach or pool, or a zip-lock bag in case of emergency.
- Avoid handling your mobile phone with wet hands or sunscreen residue, to protect the casing and touch screen.
- After exposure to sand or water, wipe your phone with a soft, dry cloth to remove any salt, sand, or sunscreen.
- If sand gets into the ports, turn off the device and blow gently to remove it without damaging it.
If your phone gets wet, the best option is to turn it off immediately and take it to a repair shop. Soaking it in rice isn't an effective method and can make the situation worse.
Battery and software recommendations
The battery is one of the most sensitive components to heat. When its temperature rises too high, its capacity and lifespan are severely affected. To take care of it during the summer, consider these aspects:
- Don't leave your phone charging all night. nor for prolonged periods.
- Activate energy-saving mode during long periods away from home.
- Keep software up to date. Upgrades typically optimize power consumption and heat dissipation.
- Kill non-essential background apps.
Be aware that apps that promise to cool your phone They do not physically reduce the temperatureMany only generate advertising or slow down the device and can be harmful.
Recommended summer accessories for your mobile phone
Some accessories help prevent damage and improve the summer experience:
- Lightweight and breathable covers: Materials that do not retain heat and are comfortable even at the beach or pool.
- Quality screen protectors: Essential to avoid scratches from sand or accidents.
- Small power bank: To avoid running out of charge without depending on the current.
- Headphones and selfie sticks: They facilitate leisure and photography without compromising the security of your phone.
Common mistakes when cooling a hot mobile phone
The initial tendency may be to try to cool down the phone in any way possible, but some practices can be harmful:
- Do not put your cell phone in the refrigerator or freezer., nor place it on excessively cold surfaces. It can cause internal condensation and major damage.
- Avoid extreme methods such as immersing it in cold water, even if it is water resistant; sudden changes in temperature can damage the screen and internal components.
- It is recommended to place the phone in a well-ventilated area, at room temperature, away from cold drafts or direct air conditioning.
What else can you do to take care of your phone in summer?
In addition to the above tips, there are details that make the difference between a well-maintained mobile phone and one on the verge of summer collapse:
- Clean your phone frequently, especially if you use it at the beach or outdoors, to remove dust and sand.
- If you carry multiple devices, avoid placing them too close together to avoid transferring heat between them.
- Keep pre-moistened wipes handy to clean the case and screen after using sunscreen.
- Make regular backups in case you suffer an accident, loss, or theft during your vacation.
Also, review security systems, such as apps to track your device, and consider purchasing insurance if you travel or engage in risky activities with your phone.
If you can do without your phone during the hottest hours, your device will thank you. Taking care of it helps avoid surprises and help you enjoy the summer and your phone for much longer.