How to Protect an Overheating Phone During a Heat Wave

Just like humans, most smartphones function best within a certain temperature range. For devices made by Apple and Samsung, it’s 32°F-95°F (0°C-35°C), while China’s Xiaomi boasts an upper threshold of 104°F. As extreme heat becomes more common, more phones are spending time outside that comfort zone.

Once a phone exceeds its normal operating temperature, built-in thermal sensors trigger a series of actions that can include temperature warnings, slowed operations and even shutoff. That’s a feature designed to keep the phone intact while it cools off. But frequent exposure to heat distress can also reduce the lifespan of a smartphone’s battery ...