Personal Technology Information

(StatePoint) As winter vibes roll in and freezing temperatures take over many parts of the country, it’s important to ensure your tech stays resilient and frost-free.

Follow these tips from T-Mobile to keep your tech working so you can stay connected all winter long.

• Keep it Charged. Charging your phone, smartwatch and other devices in temperatures below 32 degrees can affect the battery by reducing its efficiency, causing slower charging rates and potentially leading to a shorter overall battery lifespan. Before plugging in, ensure your device reaches room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This simple step preserves battery life during the chilly winter months.

Activating your phone’s battery-saving mode can also help you get the most out of your device in frosty conditions. For iPhone and many Android users, find this option in your Control Center or Device Controls. Samsung users can access it under Device Care in phone settings.

• Bundle Up Devices. Winter is the season for cozying up, and your device’s battery loves warmth too! When heading outside, tuck your device inside your jacket or pants pocket. For quick calls, opt for using ear buds or headphones with Bluetooth, allowing you to keep your phone nicely nestled. This will also help keep it dry while you’re shoveling the walkway or building a snowman.

• Winterize Your Gear. Pick up some winter accessories like a thermal pouch or case to help protect your device. While thermal cases excel at temperature protection, they may not be waterproof. If you’re expecting snow or ice, consider doubling up with waterproof protection to keep your phone dry.

• Stay Safe on the Road. When navigating icy roads, it’s important to share your itinerary, including estimated departure and arrival times, with someone you trust, and enable location sharing to help stay safe in unpredictable conditions. It’s also a good idea to winterize your vehicle’s emergency go bag with some seasonal essentials. AAA suggests cold weather tools and gear including a collapsible snow shovel, tire chains and hand warmers.

• Reducing Winter Service Interruptions. For over two years now, T-Mobile has added more back-up power at more sites through a 30% increase in network hardening investments to reduce service interruptions. This means there are more fixed back-up generators at more towers, cell sites and other critical network locations across the country.

In 2023, T-Mobile also added 50% more heavy-duty disaster response satellite vehicles to its ready-to-respond fleet. All of this — along with portable generators, refueling trucks, command centers, community support trucks and more — allow T-Mobile’s emergency response teams to rapidly restore critical connectivity if a local power grid is hit during a storm.

And while T-Mobile’s widespread fleet of generators helps keep hundreds of thousands of people connected when it’s most needed, having your own generator at home can bring power and comfort when you need it.

For more information on how T-Mobile prepares for and responds to disasters, visit T-Mobile’s Emergency Response Hub.

While the winter months are often accompanied by ice, snow, storms and extreme temperatures, preparation can help ensure you stay cozy and connected.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Ivanko_Brnjakovic / iStock via Getty Images Plus