Technology Advisor Blog



It's COLD Outside And Your Electronics Don't Like It!

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 1/22/25 10:31 AM

Weather Map - January 2025 - NOAA / National Weather Service

It's COLD outside! 

We're in the midst of a Polar Vortex and this large mass of cold air is bringing record cold temperatures including wild weather like snow in Louisiana! Right now my computer is reporting that the outside temperature is 14°F here in the Boston area, Massachusetts.  The sun is out and the sky is bright, but it's COLD!

What is a Polar Vortex?

A polar vortex is a large, spinning mass of extremely cold air that sits over the North or South Pole. In winter, it can weaken and send icy air south, bringing frigid temperatures, strong winds, and snow to places that don’t usually get that cold. ❄️🌬️  

Your electronics are COLD too!

Did you know that your favorite devices like your laptop, iPad, and smartphone all struggle in the cold? Extreme temperatures can affect battery life, screen responsiveness and overall performance! ❄️📱💻

Apple, for example, recommends using iOS and iPadOS devices in temperatures between 32°F and 95°F (0°C to 35°C). Exposure to temperatures outside this range - whether too hot or too cold - can cause performance issues.

On these colder winter days (and hot summer days ahead), don’t store your electronics in your car.  If your device gets too cold your device may become temporarily disabled.

In very cold temperatures like we’re having right now, the very cold conditions might temporarily shorten battery life and could cause your device to turn off.   Your iphone and ipad may not charge or could stop charging if it's too cold and you may get a warning on your screen.

Your iphone may still be able to make emergency calls. 

Move your phone or laptop to a warmer environment to resume normal operations.

 

Impact of the extreme cold on electronics:

  • Shortened battery life
  • Inability to charge
  • Unexpected shutdowns
  • Reduced screen responsiveness

What can you do?

  • Don’t leave your device in a car
  • Keep your iphone warm – carry it in an inner pocket close to your body to retain warmth
  • Avoid charging in extreme temperatures

Take care of your electronics, and they'll take care of you

Keeping your electronics at the right temperature helps ensure they stay reliable, responsive, and ready when you need them! 🔋📱💻❄️☀️

 

Visit Apple Support for more information: https://support.apple.com/en-us/118431

About the author:

Ann Westerheim - Ekaru - Cybersecurity

Ann Westerheim, PhD is the Founder and President of Ekaru, a Technology Service Provider of cybersecurity and IT services for small and medium businesses in the greater Boston area.  Ann is an accomplished technology innovator and leader with three engineering degrees from MIT.  She has twenty years of high tech experience in research, advanced development, product development, and as an entrepreneur. Her career has spanned a vast range of technology endeavors including research in thin film semiconductors and superconductors, microprocessor fabrication, development of early Internet medical applications, and now focusing on the application of technology in business. She has an avid focus on the "last mile" of technology and decreasing the digital divide.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annwesterheim/ 

 

Topics: performance, operating and storage temperatures for electronics

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