With the mobile phone well through the winter

The IZMF Information Centre for Mobile Communications gives advice how to use and keep safe mobile phones during the cold season. 

Berlin, 13.01.2012 - Do snowflakes cause damage to a mobile phone? Does the battery get empty more quickly in winter? Does the display freeze at minus degrees? One thing is for sure: bone-chilling cold (extreme temperatures), snow and wet affect mobile phones and can lead, in the worst case, to expensive repairs or make it necessary to buy a new device. However, those who know how to winterize the mobile phone, get well through the winter months. TheIZMF Information Centre for Mobile Communicationsprovides some good advice for a safe use of mobile phones in winter.

Use of mobile phones in winter

Especially low temperatures can affect the functionality of mobile phones. For example, the battery loses up to one third of its capacity when exposed to cold weather.  As a result, the stand-by time, likewise the conversation time drops significantly. At sub-zero temperatures performance and response time, as well as readability of the display can possibly get worse. Consequently, it is more difficult to utilize smart phones via touch screen. Wetness is also not good for the device: if using a mobile phone outside when it´s snowing, moisture can get inside the device and impair electronics. Condensation can have similar consequences. It happens, for example, if one comes back into a warm flat after a prolonged winter walk. Such temperature fluctuations may also cause cracks on the display.

Therefore, many manufacturers do not recommend using mobile phones at temperatures below zero. However, only a few simple precautions help to remain available by mobile phone even during the cold season.

The best ways to keep mobile phones warm and dry

• The inside pocket of a coat or a jacket is the best place to keep the device. Alternatively, bags or rucksacks are also suitable, provided they are warm and waterproof.

• With a headset and an activated automatic call acceptance signal there is no need to take out the phone inconveniently out of the winter clothing each time when someone calls.
• It takes a mobile phone about a half an hour to become acclimatized from the cold to the warm. The device should never be put on the heating, as it may lead to damage through condensation.
• One should also wait until the mobile phone has got adjusted to room temperature and only then charge the device. This way the battery´s full performance will be achieved.

Press contact:

Informationszentrum Mobilfunk e. V.
Daniela Rechenberger, Press officer
Hegelplatz 1, 10117 Berlin
Fon: + 49 (0) 30 / 209 1698 – 23
Fax: + 49 (0) 30 / 209 1698 – 11
E-Mail: daniela.rechenberger@izmf.de