Summer heat: how to protect your smartphone now

"Heat stress can lead to technical problems with smartphones - from a drop in performance to permanent damage to the battery or display," warns Dr. Sebastian Klöss, consumer technology expert at Bitkom. Bitkom has compiled seven tips to help your cell phone survive the hot days undamaged:

1. Reduce load
   If you use your smartphone intensively - for example for graphics-heavy games, videos, navigation or social media - it heats up even more. It is advisable to limit use to the bare minimum, especially when outside temperatures are high.
2. Removing the protective cover
   Covers protect against shocks, dirt and moisture - but at the same time hinder heat dissipation. If you notice that your smartphone is getting excessively warm, you should temporarily remove the case to allow better air circulation.
3. Switch on flight mode
   If the device is not in use, flight mode can help to protect it. "This deactivates wireless connections, which not only reduces energy consumption but also heat generation," says Klöss.
4. Store correctly
   A cell phone lying in the sun - for example on the dashboard of a car or on a towel on the beach - can quickly become dangerously hot. Body heat, for example in a trouser pocket, is also not ideal in hot weather. It is best to store the device in the shade, in a bag or under a cloth.
5. Do not charge hot
   If a smartphone that is already warm is connected to the power supply, the additional heat during charging - especially when fast charging - can become a problem. "Only charge the device once it has cooled down. Anything else will damage the battery in the long run," explains Klöss.
6. Moisture is also a risk
   Not only heat, but also high humidity or salty air near the coast can damage your smartphone. Even waterproof devices are at risk of corrosion. "If you want to be on the safe side, use special protective covers for outdoor use," recommends Klöss.
7. Device overheats - what to do?
   If the smartphone has already become too hot: close the apps, switch off the device and put it in a cooler place. But please don't go to extremes - the fridge or freezer are not an option. "Excessive temperature differences can cause condensation on the inside - with serious consequences for the electronics," warns Klöss.

With a few simple precautions, you can prevent your smartphone from not surviving the summer - even in temperatures that make us sweat ourselves.