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Winter Travel Tips: How To Keep Your Phone And Tablet Safe

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Headshot of Lyle Schrock, owner of The Lab Posted by: Lyle Schrock 2 days ago

As winter sets in and holiday travel plans come together, your smartphone and tablet become indispensable tools for navigating snowy roads, staying connected, and capturing precious moments.

However, winter weather poses unique risks to your devices.

At The Lab, we want to help you make sure your tech stays safe and functional throughout your winter adventures. Here are our top tips for cold weather phone protection and keeping your tablet functional and safe during cold weather travel.

Protect Against Extreme Cold

Extreme cold can significantly impact your device’s battery life and even cause hardware damage. To avoid this:

  • Keep Devices Warm: Use cold weather phone protection and store your phone and tablet in an inner pocket close to your body or in an insulated bag.
  • Limit Exposure: Avoid using your device outside for extended periods. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can cause your device to shut down or malfunction.

Use A Protective Case

Snow and ice can lead to slips and drops, so invest in a sturdy, weatherproof case. Look for cases with:

  • Shock Resistance: To protect against drops.
  • Waterproofing: To guard against snow and accidental splashes.

Watch For Condensation

Moving between cold outdoor temperatures and warm indoor environments can cause condensation, damaging internal components.

  • Warm Up Gradually: If your device has been exposed to extreme cold, let it acclimate slowly to indoor temperatures before turning it on.
  • Use a Dry Bag: Store your devices in a sealable plastic or dry bag to minimize moisture exposure.

Optimize Battery Performance

Cold temperatures can drain your battery faster than usual, so keep that in mind!

  • Carry a Portable Charger: This ensures you have backup power on hand.
  • Turn on Battery Saver Mode: Reduce background activity to conserve energy.

Avoid Charging In The Cold

Charging your device in freezing temperatures can damage the battery, be sure to follow this advice to protect it.

  • Charge Indoors: Wait until your device is at room temperature before plugging it in.
  • Use Quality Chargers: Ensure you’re using chargers from trusted brands to avoid potential damage.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Winter travel can be unpredictable, whether you’re flying, driving, or taking a train, so plan for the unexpected to be as safe as possible.

  • Keep Important Contacts Saved: Have emergency numbers stored in your phone.
  • Download Offline Maps And Apps: Stay prepared in case of poor signal or data loss during your journey.

Don’t Forget Your Tablet

If you’re using your tablet for entertainment during long trips, apply the same protective measures. Tablets are equally susceptible to cold weather issues, so make sure they’re kept warm and safe.

Visit The Lab In Warsaw for Expert Phone & Tablet Repairs

If winter weather takes a toll on your devices, don’t worry, we’re here to help! Whether you need a screen replacement, battery repair, or advice on the best winter-proof accessories, we’ve got you covered. Stop by our store on Center Street in Warsaw or click below to schedule a repair appointment.

At The Lab, we’re committed to keeping your tech running smoothly no matter the season.

Our Hours

Monday: 10am – 5pm

Tuesday: 10am – 5pm

Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: 10am – 5pm

Friday: 10am – 7pm

Saturday: 10am-2pm

Sunday: Closed