Experts warn the unexpected damage to phones and laptops that hot temperatures can cause and how to protect against it

As Europeans endure unexpectedly hot temperatures during this week’s record-breaking heatwave, experts warn that the extreme heat could seriously damage phones, laptops, and computers.

While most people are focused on keeping themselves cool, many everyday devices are quietly struggling in the background as temperatures continue to rise.

Experts say overheating can cause phones and laptops to slow down, freeze, crash unexpectedly, and even suffer long-term internal damage if users are not careful.

Fortunately, there are a few simple ways people can protect their devices and avoid expensive repairs during hot weather, and if your phone feels suspiciously warm, there may be a reason for that…

Hot temperatures do not pair well with phones and laptops

Maintenance experts at Ailsa have warned that excessive heat creates ‘perfect conditions’ for tech failures, particularly when devices are already generating heat through charging, streaming, gaming, or multitasking.

According to Kane Taylor at Ailsa, many people unintentionally make the problem worse during hot weather.

“Most people know to keep themselves cool during a heatwave, but many forget their phones and laptops are struggling too,” Taylor explained.

“Devices generate heat naturally while they’re being used, and when you combine that with record-breaking temperatures, it can quickly become dangerous for the internal components.”

Taylor warned that overheating can have serious long-term effects.

“Overheating can cause devices to slow down dramatically, freeze, crash or even permanently damage batteries and processors,” he said.

“In some cases, phones and laptops will automatically shut down to protect themselves, but repeated overheating over time can seriously reduce the lifespan of the device.”

How to protect your devices during the heatwave

One of the biggest recommendations from experts is to keep devices completely out of direct sunlight.

Phones and laptops left on garden tables, windowsills, or inside parked cars can heat up surprisingly fast, even when they are not being heavily used.

Experts also recommend removing bulky phone cases while charging, as thick protective covers can trap heat around the battery.

Another common mistake involves using laptops on beds, couches, or other soft surfaces that block air vents and cooling fans.

“Hard, flat surfaces are always the safest option,” Taylor explained.

Experts also suggest closing unused apps, browser tabs, and programs to reduce the strain on processors and batteries, which naturally produce more heat during heavy use.

And while some people may be tempted to place overheating devices in a fridge or freezer, experts strongly advise against it.

“Sudden temperature changes create condensation inside the device, which can lead to moisture damage and corrosion,” Taylor warned.

Instead, experts recommend turning the device off, moving it into a shaded area, and allowing it to cool down gradually.

While having a device outside during hot temperatures may help your Instagram feed look fire, it’s better to avoid starting a small fire altogether with some of these tips and tricks!