For years we’ve been scratching our heads and wondering. Does the cold weather really play havoc with our mobile phones, or is that just an old wives’ tale?
Well guess what folks, as we head into a week of snow flurries and artic temperatures (one last hurrah before spring, WE HOPE), experts have confirmed that the rumours are true.
Plummeting mercury can cause your phone to start playing up. According to HuffPost, cold weather can prompt a whole range of annoying issues, including a faster depleting battery, a touch-screen that fails to recognise your touch and – worst case – your phone switching off all together.
When it comes to iOS devices in particular, Apple recommends they should be used in temperatures between 0oC and 35oC. Not wildly helpful this week.
So what can you do?
Mobile experts Envirofone believe that keeping your phone toasty is just as important as wrapping yourself up before heading out the door.
A spokesman said: ‘Do your battery – and hands – a favour in the bitter cold and keep them in pockets, avoiding exposing them to the cold unless absolutely necessary.
‘We know it might be tempting to check your phone to distract yourself from the freezing conditions, but if you want to keep your phone working, those texts and Facebook notifications will have to wait.
‘If you haven’t already, ensure your iPhone also has a case – we wouldn’t dream of going out in the cold without a coat after all.’
Richard Mavers, the company’s director of group marketing and online strategy, added: ‘People often speculate about whether or not the cold really does affect the iPhone’s battery. Now we know it does, it is important to avoid subjecting your iPhone to extremely cold conditions.
‘Minimise the use of your phone outside when temperatures drop, and keep it warm in a pocket or bag where possible.’
So there you have it. Wrap up warm, people – and phones.
