Aio Wireless Tips on How to Protect your Mobile Devices from the Elements

This Spring Break whether you’re hitting the slopes or traveling to a beach destination, your mobile device must be in tow! But as you take photographs and share your moments using your favorite photography apps, beware that the elements (sun, sand, water, and snow) leave your smartphone useless.

Nothing is worse than realizing your mobile device is ruined when you’re on vacation. To help you keep your constant companion safe, Aio Wireless has created a list of tips to keep your devices protected whether you’re soaking up the sun in Florida or enjoying Aprés-Ski with your friends and family in Colorado.

 1. Temperature

Going from one extreme temperature to another (hot to cold, or vice-versa) can impact your phone’s battery life. Try and keep your device at room temperature:

• If you’re lounging by the pool or beachside store your device in a shaded area
• If your device overheats, allow the phone to cool down gradually. If you have access to a refrigerator place it inside for 3-5 minutes.
• Use headphones or Bluetooth in order to keep smartphones put away while out in the cold. 
• If you will be on the slopes, use warming gloves when handling a smartphone in the cold.

2. Physical Protection

Arm your device by investing in a case and a screen protector. Typically there are a lot of minerals whipping around in the wind. So even if you don’t drop your device in the sand or snow, minerals can accumulate in/on your device.

• If your device is working but there just seems to be some sand particles in the crevices, use a bulb syringe to blow out the particles. They’re available at most drug stores. Don’t use a can of compressed air.
• Placing your device in a Ziploc bag will protect it from the elements, however be careful when you bring it back inside to a cooler room – moisture can build up in the bag and damage the device.

 3. Keep it charged

We don’t always have access to electric outlets while on vacation – and there is nothing worse than having your phone turn-off when you are about to take that once-in-a-lifetime picture or need to use your navigation system to locate an address. The following are a few, simple tricks for protecting your battery life:

• Allow battery to partially discharge. A good rule of thumb is to charge it when it reaches 50% of life.  
• Do not charge battery fully. Charge until battery life reaches 90-95%.
• Let battery discharge completely once every 30 days.
• Charge your device at least 40% before storing for long periods of time.
• If you want extra security in knowing you will not miss a special moment, consider a phone case that not only protects your device, but will also charge your battery (not available for all devices).