Get Your Phone Ready for Winter

Why winter is hard on phones

Ontario winters test phones in three ways: cold that weakens batteries, temperature swings that cause condensation, and ice that makes drops more likely. A little preparation in late fall covers all three.

1. Get the battery ready

Lithium-ion batteries deliver less power when they're cold, so a phone may show plenty of charge and still shut off outside. A healthy battery handles this much better than a worn one. Apple, for example, lists an operating range of 0°C to 35°C for iPhone, and a Canadian January sits well below that.

• Check your battery health in Settings before the first cold snap.
• If the battery is already worn, replace it in the fall rather than on the coldest day of the year.
• Carry a small power bank on long days out, and keep it warm too.

Our phone battery guide explains what the health readings mean.

2. Keep the phone warm, not hot

• Use an inside pocket. A coat's inner pocket, close to your body, keeps the phone far warmer than an outer pocket or a bag.
• Limit long outdoor use. Taking photos at a tobogganing hill or a skating rink is fine. Long video calls at the bus stop drain a cold battery quickly.
• Don't leave it in the car. A parked car gets as cold as the outdoors overnight. Bring the phone inside with you.
• Never apply direct heat. No hair dryers, heaters, car vents on full blast or microwaves. Let it warm up naturally.

3. Avoid condensation

When a cold phone comes into a warm, humid house, moisture can condense on and inside it, just like a cold glass on a summer day. Over time, that moisture can contribute to corrosion.

1. When you come inside, leave the phone in your coat pocket or bag for a while so it warms up gradually.
2. Wipe off any snow or moisture with a soft, dry cloth.
3. Wait until the phone feels room temperature before plugging it in. Charging a very cold battery is hard on it, and most phones limit charging until they warm up.
4. Keep the charging port dry. If snow or slush got into it, let it dry fully before charging.

4. Use the right gloves

Phone touchscreens sense the electrical charge in your skin, so regular gloves don't work on them. Options that do:

• Touchscreen gloves with conductive thread in the fingertips. Look for both thumb and index finger coverage.
• Convertible mitts with a fold-back top for quick taps.
• Voice assistants for calls, directions and messages while your gloves stay on.

Avoid pressing hard with a non-conductive glove or using sharp objects on the screen. They won't work and can scratch the glass.

5. Protect it from drops on ice

Icy sidewalks, parking lots and transit platforms are prime places for a phone to hit the ground. A cold phone with stiff, cold plastic in its case isn't any tougher, either.

• Use a case with grip and raised edges around the screen and camera. Slippery cases and cold gloves are a bad combination.
• Replace a cracked screen protector before winter, since it's already used up its protection.
• Put the phone away while walking on ice. You want both hands free for balance.
• Consider a wrist strap or crossbody lanyard if you often use your phone outdoors.

Your winter-ready checklist

• Battery health checked, and battery replaced if worn
• Recent backup confirmed
• Grippy case with raised edges
• Intact screen protector
• Touchscreen gloves or mitts
• Small power bank and cable for your bag
• Emergency contacts and medical info set up on the phone

When to call a technician

If your phone keeps shutting off in the cold, has a crack you've been putting off or won't charge after a slushy day, a certified woman technician from Woman Wireless On The Go can come to your home, workplace or condo lobby anywhere in our service area, so you don't have to trek across town in the snow. You'll get a free quote before any work starts. See our battery replacement page, or call or WhatsApp (365) 351-4247.

Frequently asked questions

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