February 3, 2022 at 5:21 p.m.
- All lithium-ion powered devices function best at optimal temperatures.
- Cold temperatures cause atoms to slow down, which is the root cause of smartphone failure in frigid weather.
- Keeping your iPhone warm may extend its operating time in cold temperatures.
- If your iPhone becomes very cold, special care should be taken before turning it on to avoid damage.
- Some iPhone cases, such as those constructed out of neoprene, provide limited insulation for cold climates.
It’s been a cold winter for many people across the globe. Extreme weather seems to be the new normal. Unfortunately, electronic gadgets, particularly those powered by lithium-ion batteries, are not suited for temperature extremes. The iPhone is no exception. According to Apple, the iPhone 13 series, along with most Apple devices, operate best at temperatures between 0° to 35° C. These devices are more robust when turned off and can withstand temperatures from -20° to 45° C.
Those living in cold climates may be familiar with this situation. If one takes out an iPhone on a cold day, the battery life diminishes quickly. Within a few minutes, the battery can lose enough power to shut down the device. It’s not actually discharging. Instead, the lithium-ion battery simply cannot function at extremely cold temperatures. The lithium ions slow down under cold temperatures, diminishing the flow of electricity.
This is not a flaw with Apple products. This happens to any lithium-ion battery-powered device. There are a few things you can do to keep your iPhone working and protect it from permanent damage.
Turn Off Your iPhone
If you are walking (or riding your snowmobile) outside and don’t need your iPhone, turn it off. As mentioned previously, when turned off, the iPhone can withstand a much greater temperature range. Make sure to turn it off, and not just put it to sleep.
How you shut off your iPhone depends on which model you own. Newer iPhones, such as the 13 Pro Max, present the shutdown switch when users press the lower volume and side buttons simultaneously. This applies to all models with a notch. Models such as the iPhone SE (first and second-generation), iPhone 7, and 8 only require the user to press and hold the side button. You can also tap on Settings > General > Shut Down to display the “slide to power off” switch.
When you return to a warmer environment, don’t turn on your iPhone right away. This is true of every electronic device, and also some forms of media, such as video and audio cassettes. Turning on a cold device can warm it quickly. The rapid change in temperature can expand components too quickly, causing damage. Furthermore, your device is at risk for condensation to form. Any moisture inside the device can cause electronic components to fail. Simply wait for your device to come up to room temperature. With the new, metal-encased iPhones, this should happen within a few minutes. Just make sure it doesn’t feel cold to the touch.
Keep Your iPhone Warm
If it’s cold outside, chances are you are wearing warm clothing. You may have a thick, down-filled parka. If so, put the iPhone in an inside pocket. Between your body heat and the jacket’s insulation, your phone should remain within operational temperatures. If you can’t do that, try to put the device as close to your body as possible.
Of course, this limits the use of your iPhone. The buttons on Apple’s headphones actually allow users to control some iPhone functions. For example, one can invoke Siri simply by pressing and holding the center button on the headphones. I wouldn’t advise taking the phone out and returning it to its warm location repeatedly. It will present the same problem of expansion, contraction and condensation.
There are some cases that may provide adequate insulation for your iPhone. Neoprene seems like a good option. It is inexpensive and is the same material used in wet suits. You could probably even make one out of a mouse pad, since most are constructed from neoprene. Neoprene is also a great shock absorber. For those with the financial resources, a new, high-tech thermal protection case is coming soon…
Use a Cold Weather iPhone Case
Don’t Leave Your iPhone in the Car
Given the operational and non-operational temperature range for the iPhone, it makes sense not to leave it in a cold car. If you do, at least make sure to turn it off and wait until it warms up before turning it on again. The most sensible thing is to take it with you. It may be colder outside your automobile, but if your iPhone is tucked in a warm pocket, it will fare better.
Keep a Car Charger for Emergencies
Given the iPhone’s vulnerability to cold weather, one must be prepared for emergencies. If you get stuck in the snow, a cold iPhone that doesn’t work can be a life-threatening situation. Even though the battery may not perform well, you will probably get some power if you plug it into a charger. Make sure to keep a car-compatible iPhone charger in your automobile at all times. Some of these can plug in to the cigarette lighter. Most modern cars have a standard electric or USB outlet, so you can use just about any charger.
Ideally, you should use the charger provided by Apple. Rapid charging with too much current can damage the battery from overheating. Even if you are in a cold environment, a rapid charger could exacerbate the temperature extremes, causing damage to your device.
Use an Old iPhone
Prior to the iPhone 5, Apple’s iconic devices were sandwiched between two sheets of glass. Glass is an insulator. Given this insulating property, the iPhone 4 and 4S should operate better under cold conditions.
Officially, Apple recommends the same temperatures for these older, glass-sandwiched iPhones. The laws of physics would seem to indicate they will perform better in cold weather, due to the insulation. Of course, if the device is left in the cold for a long time, it won’t matter. However, if you take it out of your pocket to use briefly, it should remain operational longer.
Being an old iPhone, you might not get too upset if the temperature extremes ruin the device. I wouldn’t go out and buy an old iPhone for this purpose. You may want to keep your old iPhone 4 or 4S to use outdoors in the winter. Many carriers will allow you to keep your old device activated for free.
Buy a New iPhone
Apple revisited the glass sandwich design from the iPhone 4 lineup. Starting with iPhone 8, Apple re-introduced the fragile-but-thermally-stable glass back design. All new iPhones, including the latest iPhone 13 lineup, feature a glass “sandwich” design. Since glass is an insulator and metal dissipates heat, the “new” configuration should fare better in cold climates.
Keep in mind that the newer glass-backed iPhones are much more fragile than their metal counterparts. In fact, with the latest iPhones, the screen is far more durable than the glass back. Using Corning’s new Ceramic Shield technology, Apple finally solved the problem of cracked screens. However, the company constructed the back of the device with much less durable material. If you happen to drop your glass-backed iPhone on a hard surface and the back shatters, repairs cost upwards of $400 because the entire back unit, including the camera module, must be replaced.
Needless to say, putting your iPhone in a case or protecting the back with a “screen” protector is a smart move. I opted for the latter option, purchasing a tempered glass overlay to protect the back glass on my iPhone 13 Max Pro. If you’re a klutz, it’s probably best to go for a protective case.
Use the Apple Watch to Access iPhone Functionality
The Apple Watch may function better in cold weather. The device’s operating temperature range is the same as the iPhone — 32º F to 95º F (0º C to 35º C). Certain aspects of the Apple Watch may enable it to fare better in cold weather. Since the Apple Watch is worn on your wrist, heat from your body will keep it from getting too cold. If you wear it under a heavy coat and expose it only for quick glances, it should operate in cold weather.
Its material design may also keep the Apple Watch from getting too cold. The front of the device is sapphire glass, which acts as an insulator. The back is either a composite or ceramic material (depending on model) and metal. Body heat should keep the device warm enough to use, even in cold weather. A metal-backed Apple Watch will fare better in cold weather, as body heat transfers through the material.
Buy a Samsung Phone With an Exynos Processor
Samsung smartphones feature one of two brands of processors — Qualcomm or Samsung’s own Exynos chip. The best and fastest Samsung devices use Qualcomm processors. Since the company can’t get enough Qualcomm processors, it puts its own Exynos chips in some of the same models at a lower price.
Exynos processors are decent chips, but they tend to have thermal issues. This is actually a blessing in cold weather. A Samsung S20 with an Exynos processor will fare much better in cold weather than the same phone equipped with a Qualcomm processor. Models with Exynos processors are typically a few hundred dollars cheaper too.
If you’re constantly in cold weather and need to use a smartphone, an Exynos-equipped Samsung phone should work well. In warm weather, the processor simply slows down to stay cool, so you can still use your device.
How come phones like the Android don’t have this problem? I’m sick of not being able to use my phone due to temperatures. Thinking I’m going to have to switch to an Android.
They tend to overheat because the operating system isn’t as efficient as iOS. It’s the difference between compiled code and managed code.
Binaries compiled to machine language are more efficient than interpreted byte code that runs in a virtual machine (Java). Android went with Java, which is easier to develop and was already quite popular. The tradeoff with Java, be it in your pocket, or in the data center, is that it is less efficient. When you need to scale up the hardware in the data center, no problem — plop in another server. When you need to scale up the hardware in your pocket, there’s going to be a thermal problem.
You should go get an Android phone if cold is a factor. Maybe you need an Android in the winter and an iPhone in the summer?
Glad I live in California!
Like everyone else who has a problem with the iPhone battery shutting down, in the cold, as I was taking pictures, it did have that problem. I warmed the battery back to normal. But now I get error messages that I cannot share my pictures nor will they download the pictures. Why is that happening when I get an error message?
It’s possible that the device powered down as it was taking the picture. Perhaps, in the cold, your iPhone was unable to shut down cleanly and the images became corrupted.
Is it just the pictures you took outdoors in the cold that cannot be shared and downloaded? If so, and you can see them in Photos, try copying the photo. It may work. I cannot replicate this problem. It seems like an edge case.
I highly recommend reporting this issue to Apple. I just wrote an article about how to submit a bug report to Apple. They probably don’t even know this is a problem.
An interesting article, but reading it you can see why people’s comments are full of frustration. So yes, I’m one of those unlucky people who has a 6S that dies when the temperature goes below 10c. And yes, while I agree to the scientific facts about Lithium ion batteries, I question why my iPhone 8 doesn’t suffer the same fate as they use the same technology… It could be degradation of battery, but after reading a lot of comments and technical data I’ve come to the conclusion it’s not, it’s a design flaw. In the quest to get out technology quickly and be the best, Apple simply has over stretched, the efficiency of the phone then suffers. And yes then when in colder conditions it fails. Even more so now the newer updates are pushing the phone harder.
Where I live I do not consider extreme weather, it’s exceptionally -2C this morning while writing this waiting for a bus, on my iPhone 8… and yes the 6S is dead, 95% when I left home…and used them both to review bus/train service availability… would I change the way I use my phone or buy an expensive thermal case? No. But I’ve already made the decision that I wouldn’t buy a brand new phone when it hits the market like I did with 6s. I’ll be more selective with consumer testing, as the experience with the 6s has not been the best.
It could be the battery. Tap on Settings > Battery > Battery Health and check what the maximum capacity is. If it’s below 80%, the battery is not in good shape. I use the 80% number, because Apple (or any certified Apple repair shop) won’t replace a battery if maximum capacity is greater than 80%. (They don’t want service technicians to rip off Apple customers.)
Also, the iPhone 6S is an older device than the iPhone 8. You mention that you bought the iPhone 6S when it came out. The iPhone 6S launched on September 25, 2015. The device is about 3 and a half years old. If it has the original battery, it’s likely not in the best shape.
If you have an iPhone 8, there’s probably little sense in replacing the battery in your iPhone 6S. Apple had a $29 battery replacement program, however, it expired at the end of 2018. They have discounted the price of battery replacement in 2019. Battery replacement for an iPhone 6S only costs $49. They use the official Apple part. A lot of DIY battery replacement kits use very poor quality batteries. I recommend avoiding such schemes, as they could turn your iPhone into a fire hazard.
That said, I’m not 100% sure that battery replacement would fix the issue. The iPhone 8 has a much more powerful processor and battery. These will generate more heat. The layout and density of internal components also seems different. Apple seems to be packing the components much more tightly, which keeps them warmer, like puppies snuggling in the cold.
You could try battery calibration on your iPhone 6S. It can sometimes prevent unexpected shutdowns.
Think it’s just iPhones that turn off when cold? I have had every iPhone from the start of the 3GS. I can’t take my phone outside this time of year and I work out side. My friend takes his Samsung out every time we’re in the cold all day and he doesn’t have any problem with his and he’s always making calls and taking pics. I think apple needs to change their batteries otherwise your customer base will keep declining. I know of 7 people that switch to Samsung this month and I am afraid I will be joining them soon.
You should get a Samsung phone.
How are we supposed to take pics in winter with our iphone! I also never had this problem with a samsung!
Guess what, I have an iPhone 6s which dies in seconds in -5C, while my wife is chatting away for half an hour with her Sony Xperia XZ in the same weather. Both have Li-Ion battery. So what does Sony know what Apple failed so badly? Shall I find someone with an Xperia when I am lost in the snow storm to get help? Honestly this is a serious design flaw which puts people with iPhone in cold weather in danger!
The Sony Xperia XZ is notorious for overheating. It’s actually a humorous read. They keep releasing patches to fix the issue, but over the span of a few years, it’s still a problem. They can’t fix it with software, as it is a fundamental problem with the OS.
Apps are developed in Java, which is compiled to byte code, not machine language. Apps run in a virtual machine. VMs have come a long way, but apps running in a VM will never be as efficient as code compiled to machine language (as with iOS). This means that the Sony Xperia has to use more CPU cycles and battery power in order to run the equivalent iOS app. This generates more heat.
The physical design of the phone also seems to be ignorant of material science. It almost seems like they intentionally designed the phone to overheat. But they designed it that way because gorilla glass and plastic are cheaper than high grade aluminum alloys.
This is such a huge problem with the phone, just typing in Sony Xperia XZ in Google, will autocomplete the search query with “overheating” and “overheating 2018”. The thermal issues with this phone are epic!
The iPhone, as a physical device, is designed to dissipate heat. Heat is a far bigger issue than cold. Apple employs democratic design. It would be fair to say that, if you spend a lot of time outdoors in cold weather and need to physically hold your smartphone to make calls (as opposed to using headphones and keeping the device pocketed), then the iPhone is not a good choice. It would be easier to buy another phone than to persuade Apple to put a heater or insulation in the iPhone. If they did that, I wouldn’t buy an iPhone, and neither would hundreds of millions of people.
Yes, you could find someone with an Xperia when you are lost in a snow storm. Or, you could keep your iPhone inside your parka and control it with headphones, using Siri. Maybe you need to get two phones — one for summer and one for winter.
The Sony Xperia XZ doesn’t fare well in warm weather, or room temperature weather, for that matter. But you can just turn the thermostat down and put on a heavy coat, hat and ear muffs at home when you need to use your Xperia.
Thanks for getting me to research this Sony Xperia XZ smartphone. It makes me appreciate the iPhone even more.
I do not understand people who complain so passionately about the batteries. I found this article because it was suspicious that my battery life shortened so quickly during winter. The iPhone 6S is a very thin phone with a glass screen and an aluminium back…… Of course it will instantly get cold outside unless you buy a better case than a 0.2 inch plastic layer…
In return this is my first phone (I switched from Samsung) which doesn’t overheat during summer.
@ the people complaining about the price of the phone: if you had so much money for a new iPhone model I’m sure you can afford a cheap case that keeps it warm.
I love my phone and I’ll buy a case like you mentioned, thank you so much for explaining the mechanics I didn’t understand.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. In addition to a insulating case (neoprene), keeping the iPhone in one’s pocket and using Siri through the headphones should allow for emergency calls. If you have the device inside a parka, it should still work on the coldest day.
Much of the anti-Apple backlash is due to one (probably more) of their competitors hiring trolls. They actually got busted for this in Taiwan, where it is illegal. It’s legal in most of the world. They call it marketing! I also get offers from time to time to write some article about some crappy product I wouldn’t use myself. I never go for those opportunities. My time is better spent writing an evergreen “how to” article. I also dislike the payola that’s rampant on the WWW. I hate it when I buy a product based on fake reviews, so I don’t want to roll around in that slop, like a pig. But this is why there is so much anti-Apple garbage. Some of it is disgruntled customers. Most of it is hired trolling and payola.
You can see a few hired trolls in the comments on this page. Some are rightfully disgruntled customers taking out their frustration with the laws of physics on Apple.
I have iPhone 6s, first one was bought in december 2015, next winter when it turned cold start shuting down, took it to authorized service, they replaced it with new one since many were complaining worldwide and they said it was a bug…
The new one again turns off in cold. I was in Denmark on temp. around 0, needed it for emergency call, couldn’t use it….
There is absolutely no excuse for this failure and nothing you can say can make us, who have experieced the problem, convince that this is “ normal”. I am giving up on Apple, told everyone I know it is not worth the price and will replaced it for any other brand, since it seams others have the technology that can keep up with climate conditions….
It’s normal because they disclosed this and it happens with virtually every lithium ion powered device. You’re from the nation that gave us Nils Bohr. It’s a fact of physics. Lithium ions sieze when it is too cold. If smartphone manufacturers insulate their devices, they will overheat when it is warm.
Some smartphones fare better in cold temperatures because their operating systems and apps run on managed code, as opposed to compiled code. Hardware needs to be scaled up to run a less efficient software architecture. Their components generate heat exactly because they run inefficient operating systems.
The best way to make an emergency call is to leave your iPhone in your pocket and use the headphones. You can click the button on the headphone control bar and ask Siri to dial a number. I mention this in the article.
Why not just sue Apple over this? It seems de rigueur these days…
I am quite critical of Apple, but these are the laws of physics. If one phone works better in cold weather, it will overheat in warm weather. You can always put a neoprene case on a phone or leave it in your pocket. The phones that run warm? What can you do when it is warm? Rip the chassis off? Turn up the air conditioning and stay indoors?
The last time I was in Aalborg, I bought a HH puffy down jacket. If I put my iPhone in the inside pocket, I could be in Antarctica and still use the phone, although it would be hard to find a cell tower.
My Samsung Galaxy has NO problems ever in minus temperatures yet my partners way more expensive iPhone shuts down immediately. He needs it for his work, which is outdoors, so makes it a big waste of money. WHY isn’t this information made available when buying??? Apple needs to do better.
They should mention it under specifications, but since other manufacturers do not, they don’t either.
The iPhone will fare better in warm weather than other phones. The consequence is that it can shut down in very cold weather.
My iPhone 6s has shut down twice in temperatures around 50°C
I previously had an iPhone 6 which never shut down despite being out in subzero temperatures.
So this iPhone 6s does not meet Apple’s claims regarding the operating temperature minimum of 0°C. It is less than 1 year old.
🙁
The battery is probably failing. I strongly recommend getting a replacement before the end of December 2018, as it is only $29. I’m not sure if this offer is available in the UK and how much it would cost in GBPs. (I notice your email address is from the UK. I am not snooping. I am compliant with all of the ridiculous, paranoid UK/EU cyber laws.)
One thing I should mention. Apple normally requires a battery to have below 80% “health” to be eligible for a replacement. They have waived this requirement for the $29 battery replacement deal. This is very important, because I went to Best Buy to have the battery replaced, and they refused to do it. I called Apple, and they said Best Buy was wrong. Apple agreed to replace the battery for $29, even though it was at 97% health. (I replaced it because it is 4 years old and I like to keep iPhones a long time — spares, car music player, security cams, etc. I just couldn’t pass up a $50 discount on battery replacement.)
Even though you may have bought your iPhone 6S a year ago, this phone is actually 4 years old. It may have been manufactured years before you bought it and the lithium battery wears down with age.
I am not apologizing for Apple. I just think the battery may be in bad shape. Go to Settings > Battery and see what the “health” is. Personally, I would replace it even if it was in the 90% range, because you can keep your iPhone longer that way.