If a smartphone sinks into a snowdrift, do not rush to warm it up or charge it right away. Jumping into heat can stress the device and damage its components. This guidance comes from hardware specialist Kirill Sitnov, a teacher at the Moscow School of Programmers (MSP), in an interview with socialbites.ca.
Water is among the most hazardous liquids for smartphones. In winter it is present everywhere, though its state shifts with the cold. It still acts as a destructive force on the internal parts of the phone. When snow forms, easily reachable areas such as connectors, speakers, and microphones are especially vulnerable to its effects. Sitnov stresses this risk and explains why the device should be treated with care after a fall into snow.
If a phone ends up buried in snow, resisting the urge to heat it immediately is crucial. Warming it too fast can turn any residual moisture into a more clingy form, potentially trapping water inside. The first step is to remove as much snow as possible from the device, paying careful attention to the charging port, headphone jack, the speakers, and the microphone. This gentle clearing helps reduce moisture exposure and stops further seepage through vulnerable openings.
For cleaning, non-metal tools are recommended. Ear cleaners or wooden toothpicks can help dislodge debris from connectors, but metal objects should be avoided to prevent scratching the surface or harming contacts. Patience matters here; a careful, careful wipe can protect long-term functionality.
Rushing to dry and warm the device is a common mistake. A gradual warming process is safer, as it minimizes the formation of condensation inside the casing. Quick heating can drive moisture deeper into crevices, which is what users want to avoid in the cold weather environment.
Another caution from Sitnov concerns charging after exposure to moisture. Charging during cold spells should be approached with extra care, and not immediately after a snow incident. Heating can provoke internal condensation and accelerate corrosion of metal contacts under electrical load. If the device is not thoroughly dry, charging can be risky and may cause lasting damage.
Practical protection advice for cold-weather smartphone use includes allowing the device to return to ambient temperature gradually, avoiding rapid temperature swings, and keeping the phone away from direct heat sources. If moisture is suspected inside, seeking professional assessment rather than DIY repairs can prevent permanent harm.