How to Keep Tech Safe in Winter
With summer behind us and winter arriving, it’s not just your hands, face and fingers that need protection from the cold — your tech does too. Freezing temperatures can cause battery drain, internal condensation and long-term hardware issues, making it just as important to keep your devices warm as it is to keep yourself wrapped up.
Here are five simple ways to keep your phone, tablet and other gadgets safe throughout the winter months.
For overheating advice too, check out our How to Stop Your Phone From Overheating guide.
Can the Cold Damage Your Phone?
Unfortunately, yes. Extreme cold affects devices in two major ways:
- Battery drain: Lithium-ion batteries struggle in low temperatures, causing your phone to die much faster.
- Condensation: When cold air meets warm air (like stepping indoors), moisture can form inside your device — risking short circuits or long-term damage.
To keep your device working properly, avoid exposing it to freezing conditions for long periods and follow the tips below.
If your phone is already slowing down in the cold, you may also want to read: Why Is My Smartphone So Slow?
1. Use a Thermal Phone Case
What is the best phone case for winter?
A thermal phone case insulates your device and helps maintain a safe temperature. These cases are designed to keep warm air in and cold air out, protecting your phone from both freezing and overheating.
They’re also thicker and more shock-resistant, giving you extra protection if you drop your device on icy ground.
2. Never Leave Tech in the Car Overnight
Is it bad to leave electronics in a cold car?
Definitely. Cars act like refrigerators in winter, and tech left overnight can suffer:
- Condensation forming inside the device
- Hard-drive and battery damage
- Potential data loss
If water or condensation reaches core components, laptops and tablets may never turn back on. Bringing your devices indoors at night is the safest option.
3. Keep a Portable Charger With You
Cold weather = faster battery drain. You might notice apps slowing down, load times increasing or your phone shutting off despite having battery left. This is simply your device struggling with the temperature.
How do I keep my battery from freezing?
Carrying a portable charger is the easiest solution. If your battery suddenly drops to zero while you’re out, you can top it back up without relying on public charging spots.
Here are some strong winter picks:
- Anker 521 — Best overall
- Iniu Portable Charger — Best budget option
- Apple MagSafe Battery Pack — Best for iPhone users
For similar tips in hot climates, see: How to Stop Your Phone From Overheating.
4. Warm Up Your Phone Before Turning It On
If your device has been outside in freezing temperatures, don’t switch it on immediately — this is one of the fastest ways to damage internal components.
Instead:
- Leave it at room temperature for 20–30 minutes
- Allow condensation to evaporate naturally
- Turn it on only after the device has fully warmed up
This simple step can prevent moisture from getting trapped inside the phone when it powers up.
5. Go Wireless to Keep Your Phone Warm
Using wireless earbuds or headphones allows you to keep your phone tucked safely inside your pocket or bag instead of holding it in the cold. This helps maintain battery temperature and reduces the risk of sudden shutdowns.
Winter-friendly accessories like AirPods, wireless headphones or Bluetooth beanies are all great choices.
Want to upgrade your gadget setup for winter? Explore our full range of refurbished tech — from phones to tablets and wearables — at Envirofone.
