Expert issues warning to anyone using their phone in cold weather amid concerns it could cause ‘permanent’ damage

Very cold conditions can cause our devices to malfunction

As parts of the US feels the effects of an ice cold snap, technology gurus have warned our devices are also at risk of freezing up and have outlined five tricks that will keep our phones safe when the temperatures drop.

Several States across the US continue to be battered by winter storms this January, with Maryland, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky all declaring a state of emergency due to snowfall reaching new heights in ‘at least’ a decade’, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

While residents are being encouraged to stay indoors for their own safety, experts have also issued a warning that our devices are at risk of suffering ‘permanent damage’ as a result of the cold – which isn’t ideal if you’re in an emergency situation like a killer snow storm.

Washington has had its fair share of snow this January already (Jon Cherry/Getty Images)

Tech firm Apple warns its iPhones and iPads could suffer shorter battery life and may even turn off when being used in ‘very cold conditions’.

Now, Richard Dowden, the tech guru of the comparison site, Uswitch, has revealed five things to think about in terms of keeping your devices in working order when it gets cold.

Don’t leave your phone in the car

Dowden says leaving phones in a cold car can cause permanent water damage once they are brought inside due to chemical reactions inside the device.

Charge your device before leaving home

Cold weather can hurt the battery life of most tech, with the lithium-ion batteries in smartphones being quite sensitive to the shock.

Since the battery might drain faster than normal when it’s blowing a snowy gale outside, the pro recommends giving it a full charge before you go outdoors.

Your phone may not survive being left in the cold (Getty Images)

Keep it warm with body heat

Another top tip is to keep the phone toasted, with either a protective insulated case or a secure pocket on your body as your temperature should keep it from getting too cold.

Low power mode

Conserving phone battery life in the midst of a freezing temperatures can make the difference between life and death in emergency situations.

You can help to achieve this by turning on low power mode, close down any apps running in the background and turn off location services.

Keep it warm and switch it onto a different mode (Getty Images)

To save battery even more, you could even use airplane mode, which will restrict your use to apps that don’t require internet connection.

Back up data

Finally, the tech wizard advises to back up all your devices.

As most tech can only operate at comfortable temperatures, between 0 degrees and 35 degrees, you run the risk of losing your data, like your photos and contacts if the device fails.

If you’ve been warned of a cold snap heading your way, it’s best to back up your devices to avoid any major heartbreaking losses.