With summer holidays in full swing, many travelers are heading to hot and sunny destinations — and taking their electronic devices along.

But phones, tablets and other gadgets are highly vulnerable to extreme heat. Southern European nations like Spain, Italy and Greece have been baking under soaring temperatures, while forecasters have issued repeated heat advisories across the United States, particularly in the Southeast.

Here’s what device makers and experts say about keeping your electronics cool:

What heat does to a phone
Most devices work best within a specific temperature range. Apple says iPhones and iPads are designed for use between 32-95 degrees Fahrenheit (0-35 degrees Celsius).

In very hot conditions, Apple warns, battery life may be permanently shortened. Phones also tend to warm up during wireless charging, large downloads, video streaming or other power-intensive tasks. Samsung notes this is normal and does not affect long-term performance.

What happens if it gets too hot
If a phone becomes uncomfortably hot, Samsung recommends stopping use immediately.

An overheating iPhone will display a warning message until it cools down. Android devices show a similar alert, dimming the screen, closing apps and pausing charging.

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What not to do
Experts advise against leaving devices in hot cars or in direct sunlight for long. Apple also warns against using features like GPS navigation, graphic-heavy games or the camera in high heat.

Google, maker of Pixel phones, cautions against running resource-heavy apps while charging in hot weather.

How to keep your gear cool
The most effective solution is to turn off the device completely.

“Even background processes can generate heat,” said experts at British electronics chain Currys. “A full shutdown helps it cool faster.”

Removing protective cases can also help, since they trap heat. Devices should be kept out of direct sunlight and placed somewhere cool — like an air-conditioned room or in front of a fan.

But avoid overdoing it. “Never put your device in the fridge or freezer, as condensation can cause water damage,” Currys warned.

Source: Agency