Expert warns people against using mobile phones in the sun
Is your phone feeling the heat on holiday just as much as you are? With the summer holidays in full swing, an abroad getaway may be on the cards for many, and whilst this means sunny days and alfresco dining, it also means you may be exposing your phone and battery lifespan to long-term damage.
Have you ever experienced the temperature warning on your phone which tells you your phone needs to cool down before using again? Martin Thorpe, mobile phone expert at Mobile Phones Direct[1], has revealed five simple tips to prevent your phone from overheating to avoid that dreaded warning and potentially causing long-term damage.
Keep your phone away from direct sunlight
Martin said: “It may seem obvious, but keeping your phone in a shaded area can prevent it from overheating and preserve its battery life. Sunbathing and listening to music or reading on your phone may seem like the perfect way to relax, but this could potentially cause long-term damage to the lifespan of your device.
“Popping your phone inside your beach bag against a cold drink or under your pool towel can act as simple precautions you can take to make the world of difference. By avoiding direct sunlight exposure you’ll help your phone stay at a safe temperature and ensure its optimal performance for years to come.”
Don’t charge your phone in direct sunlight
Martin said: “Charging your phone in direct sunlight will likely cause both your phone and charger to overheat very quickly. With your charger generating heat already, this combined with the heat from the direct sun can damage your charger's components. Stick to charging your phone in a sheltered area such as indoors or under a canopy for efficient and safe charging.”
Lower your screen brightness
Martin said: “The higher your screen brightness is, the more your phone battery will work harder and therefore cause overheating faster. You could also buy anti-glare screen protectors for those moments on holiday when you do need to use your phone in the sun.”
Avoid damaged or faulty chargers
Martin said: “Your damaged cable may be another factor in your phone overheating. Make sure your charger is of good quality and from a trusted manufacturer before plugging your phone in. A frayed cable can lead to unstable power delivery, causing your phone to heat up during charging and damage your battery over time.”
Close unused apps
Martin said: “We are all guilty of it, having numerous apps running that we haven’t used for days, but having unused apps open and running could cause your phone to overheat. Make sure you are checking to see what apps are running and if you really need them at that point in time. Letting your phone chill out may help the overall lifespan of your device, so whilst you enjoy a well-deserved break, why don’t you give your phone one too?”
References
- ^ Mobile Phones Direct (www.mobilephonesdirect.co.uk)