As you slather on sunscreen this summer, remember that the sun can damage more than just the skin.
Computers, tablets and phones can overheat and suffer permanent damage.
The University of Michigan reports that “most laptops can operate comfortably at up to 95 degrees,” and phones at or around 100 degrees, but a good rule of thumb is that if your place is too hot, your devices are too hot.
In addition to turning off a phone, heat can distort the phone’s display. The plastic can fade and the internal components can even warp. High temperatures can also shorten battery life and slow down processors, so do your best to keep devices out of hot cars or direct sunlight.
If your phone is getting warm but that doesn’t turn it off, there are a few things you can do to cool it down.
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For example, take off the housing to allow more airflow and don’t put it in your pocket.
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Quit apps, turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and switch to low battery and airplane mode so the phone doesn’t have to work so hard.
Don’t do anything like putting the phone in the refrigerator or freezer to try to cool it down. Lowering the temperature too quickly can cause condensation to build up inside the phone, potentially destroying the phone permanently.
You can run the air conditioner or other fan blowing cool air on it to lower the temperature of the phone.
Protect your phone from overheating
You can also take preventive measures to keep devices cooler. Not only can these products help in the temperature department, but they can also keep that glare at bay.
A laptop sunshade can keep your computer screen out of direct sunlight, while also preventing other debris from getting onto your computer (think sand, dirt, and bugs).
The lightweight, durable SunShader clips to the top and sides of a computer and folds flat when not in use. It is available in two sizes and starts at $47.99.
You can find similar sunshades for cell phones under $20, whether you need a foldable sunshade that works horizontally for gaming or watching movies, or a sunshade that can help block glare when using your phone in the car.
For a more kitschy option, consider this phone umbrella. The small umbrella hook slides into a small pig-shaped holder with a suction cup for a head. Stick that on the back of your phone and the umbrella will be big enough to shield the screen. It can eliminate glare or make it safe to use your phone when it’s raining.
If the biggest annoyance of sunshine on your phone is the glare, an anti-glare screen protector may be your best option.
Zagg’s Glass Elite Anti-Glare screen protector has a matte finish to reduce glare and is five times stronger than a traditional glass screen protector. It’s also antimicrobial and has a surface treatment that disperses the oil from your fingertips, so the screen is always smudge-free when your phone is on.
When is it too hot to use your phone?
Apple does not recommend using your phone at all when the temperature is above 95 degrees.
If the phone gets too hot, you’ll see a warning telling you that the iPhone needs to cool down before you can use it. An emergency button still appears on the screen during this warning, and Apple says you “may” be able to use it while the phone cools down.
It’s better not to get to that point in the first place.
In general, avoid placing your phone in direct sunlight, whether you’re carrying it by the pool, at the beach, or on a phone holder in your car. And remember: a hot car can quickly cause phones to overheat, even if the phone is in the trunk or glove compartment.
