Last Updated on November 17, 2023 by Dominic
With cold temperatures just around the corner, it’s your seasonal reminder that the winter is not a friend of your smartphone.
Old Man Winter’s deep freeze disrupts the way popular lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries power phones today. Below freezing temperatures reduce their function, making it hard to keep a charge — and they could even drain a full battery in seconds.
Is There Anything You Can Do?
Yes and no — it depends on how much your battery suffers in the cold.
If a full battery drains to 0% within minutes of being outside, this might signal the end of your smartphone. Consider upgrading your phone to a model that scores higher points in cold-weather battery performance.
Of course, it’s easy to say you should upgrade your phone. But one look at the most recent flagships’ prices is an entirely different matter. If you’re short on funds, you might not be able to upgrade as quickly as you want.
If you need a phone that works outdoors for work or personal safety, you might consider an installment loan for help. A financial platform like MoneyKey makes it easy to research and apply for installment loans online. You can see if you qualify for installment loans through MoneyKey with a short and simple virtual application.
You can reduce how much you need to borrow by looking at older models. While most flagships costs more than $1,000 these days, you can find some phones for less than $500. Look at refurbished or certified pre-owned options for even greater deals.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Battery in the Winter
A total replacement isn’t necessary unless your phone turns off as soon as you step outside. If your smartphone simply needs to be charged more often than usual during the winter, you can try these tips to prolong your battery life.
- Turn on your battery-saving mode. You can usually find this option in your phone’ settings. Some models, like newer iPhones and Samsungs have multiple batter-saving modes.
- Close unused programs. Exit out of any unnecessary programs when not in use.
- Carry your phone on your person. When out and about, keep your phone close to your body underneath your clothes. Your body heat will keep your phone warm, and your coat will protect it from inclement weather, including chilling winds and snow.
- Dress your smartphone in a thick case. You can find cases that provide waterproof seals to ensure snow, sleet, and ice rain don’t damage your phone. This way, your device has an extra layer when you need to use it while outside.
- Charge your battery with caution. You can keep a portable charger on you to top up your battery whenever you need. However, charging while your phone is still cold to the touch can damage your battery. Wait until your phone naturally warms to room temperature — either with a portable charger or traditional wall plug.
Get Ready for Another Battery-Draining Winter
The winter is tough on phone batteries, but it doesn’t have to drain yours to zero. Follow these tips to maintain power even during the worst deep freezes.