What to do if the iPhone shuts down and won’t turn on in the cold?

Unexpected fact: in winter, the Eiffel Tower shrinks by 15 cm. It’s all because of thermal expansion: when the air gets colder, steel contracts, and when the temperature rises again, it returns to its original position.

What about the ultra-thin iPhone, which consists of many metallic elements and microchips! Moreover, it is equipped with a lithium-ion battery: it is sensitive to cold. We’ll tell you how low temperatures affect your smartphone and what to do about it.

Why does the iPhone shut down in the cold?

In most cases, the reason lies in the lithium-ion battery. In the cold, ions lose their properties, and internal resistance increases. As a result, the battery capacity decreases. Because the battery no longer delivers the necessary current for the smartphone to function, the iPhone shuts down. This happens even if it had 20-30% charge remaining.

Which iPhones shut down in the cold?

Any iPhone, if the smartphone is regularly used outside the temperature range. But older models suffer the most from the cold because their battery is more “worn out.”

In the article about iPhone batteries, we explained that a standard lithium-ion battery is designed for 500 charge cycles. This is about 2 years of active use. When this threshold is reached, the battery capacity decreases by 15-20%. And when it drops to 80%, the battery needs to be replaced: the current one no longer provides enough power to the processor. This is hard to miss: the iPhone shuts down in the cold, loses performance, and overall quickly discharges.

Therefore, all other things being equal, the hypothetical iPhone 11 will discharge faster in the cold than the new iPhone 15.

At what temperature does the iPhone shut down?

Apple claims that the operating temperature of the iPhone is from 0 to 35°C. If you use it at a lower (or higher) temperature, the device’s behavior changes. For example, even at -1°C, the performance may decrease, or the iPhone may start discharging rapidly and then shut down.

Fortunately, all these inconveniences are temporary. You just need to warm up the iPhone, and it will start working again.

Why does the iPhone shut down outside while other smartphones do not?

This is a misconception: all smartphones with lithium-ion batteries do not tolerate cold well. However, there is a caveat: iPhones are equipped with a thin metal and glass body. They look beautiful but quickly get cold. In contrast, many Android gadgets have plastic bodies. Plastic conducts heat worse than aluminum and glass, so these phones can withstand lower temperatures. Moreover, unlike Apple, there are many thick Android devices on the market: this is also a plus for cold resistance.

What to do if the iPhone doesn’t turn on?

You need to warm it up: when the phone reaches the optimal ambient temperature, its normal operation time will be restored. But remember: gadgets don’t like temperature fluctuations, so you shouldn’t put the “frozen” device on a heater or keep it next to the car heater – condensation may appear. Also, don’t immediately plug in the device for charging. If the iPhone shuts down and doesn’t turn on, give it 10-15 minutes at room temperature to “come to its senses.” And only then connect it to the charger.

iPhone “glitches” in the cold

Cold temperatures can change the device’s behavior, sometimes leading to its shutdown. However, users may also encounter other issues. At extremely low temperatures, the touchscreen may not function properly. Some owners experience difficulties with the camera in the cold, such as a black screen instead of an image or flash and focus malfunctioning.

Sound familiar? Warm up the phone, and its functionality should be restored.

How to prevent iPhone from shutting down in the cold?

1. Charge the device to 100% before leaving home. It’s simple: the more charged the device is, the slower it will discharge.
2. Use headphones for phone calls. Meanwhile, let the smartphone stay in a warm pocket.
3. Use phone cases. In winter, they not only protect the iPhone from impacts but also prevent it from freezing instantly.
4. Do not leave the smartphone in the car if it’s parked outside, even for a short time.
5. Keep the iPhone closer to your body: in the pocket of your jeans or in the inner compartments of your jacket. Do not put it in a bag or backpack.
6. Replace the battery in an old model if its capacity is below 80%. This can be done at an authorized iSpace service center in Armenia.

Conclusion

Now you know why the iPhone shuts down in the cold. The thin glass and aluminum body quickly freeze, slowing down chemical reactions in the battery. As a result, the smartphone may experience glitches and rapidly discharge until it shuts down. This particularly affects older models.

It’s difficult to say definitively whether all iPhones shut down in the cold. It depends on many factors: temperature, the age of the model, the level of charge, and even the materials of the case.

If your iPhone shuts down in the cold and won’t turn back on, take it to a warm place and let it warm up. The phone’s functionality will be restored. But remember: electronics don’t like sudden temperature changes, so don’t place the device on a heater or battery, and don’t connect a frozen iPhone to a charger.

What to do if the iPhone shuts down in the cold? The most effective solution is to replace the battery. Go to “Settings” > “Battery” > “Battery Health.” If the “Maximum Capacity” is less than 85-80%, it’s time to visit a service center.

We recommend contacting iSpace – an authorized Apple service center in Armenia. Its engineers work according to Apple’s standards, ensuring reliability and quality of repairs. Professional equipment and original components are used for repairs, sourced directly from Apple by iSpace.

In short, if you want your device to have the same battery as new iPhones from the factory, contact iSpace. The cost of the part depends on the phone model. You will also receive a warranty for the work done.

The contact information, stages of repair, and instructions on how to prepare your iPhone for service can be found here.

iSpace service center is located at:

7 Amiryan St., Yerevan.