January 9, 2026, 4:19 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Just 50 percent charged and suddenly almost empty–winter takes a toll on smartphone batteries. They discharge faster in freezing temperatures, but why?
You’re out and about, pull your smartphone from your pocket, and notice it no longer works. The likely culprit is the battery, which has discharged in the cold. But why does this happen in low temperatures?
Particles Can No Longer Move
When it’s too cold, some smartphones even shut off on their own–even if the battery isn’t empty. Temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit are particularly harsh on batteries. The reason lies in the substance that makes up lithium-ion batteries. Lithium is a light metal. The electrically charged particles, or ions, move between the anode and cathode in an electrolyte solution within the battery.
The external temperature of the battery significantly affects the electrolyte solution. If it’s too cold or too hot, the electrochemical process in the battery slows down considerably because the solution becomes more viscous. This means the lithium ions move much more sluggishly between the cathode and anode, increasing internal resistance. When the smartphone demands a lot of energy from the battery, the voltage drops–which can lead to deep discharge. In the worst case, this can permanently damage the battery, so many phones shut off automatically for protection.
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Not Too Cold–But Also Not Too Hot
The ideal external temperature depends on the manufacturer. Apple specifies an optimal temperature of 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit for iPhone batteries. Generally, the battery should have minimal exposure to temperatures around freezing or colder. If you’re looking forward to warm summer temperatures, you might still be disappointed by your smartphone battery: At temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the processes inside the battery accelerate, causing it to “age” much faster.
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Don’t Expose Your Smartphone to the Cold
When temperatures are below freezing, smartphones should be protected accordingly. It’s best to carry your phone close to your body to keep it warm. A rubber case can also protect the smartphone from the cold. If you want to recharge the battery, wait until the phone has returned to room temperature. This way, the smartphone battery charges optimally.