Cold weather and winter are upon us and that’s why it is imperative that you Don’t Charge your phone when it’s Been Below Freezing Temps. To put it simply If your device has a lithium-ion battery, and it is in below-freezing temperatures, do not charge it.
You could be out there enjoying the snow and making a snowman. Or trekking to the peak of a mountain or just having a job that requires you to work outdoors in freezing temperatures, no matter the reason. Because charging a low battery when it’s been out in the elements will make it stable and dangerous.
Don’t Charge your phone when its Been Below Freezing Temps
A lithium-ion battery has two sides namely the anode and the cathode. These two sides act like sponges for the lithium ions. Lithium moves from the anode to the cathode. When most of the lithium leaves the anode and rests in the cathode, the battery is “discharged,” and you’ll see your device power down.
During charging, the lithium moves from the cathode back to the anode. When most of the lithium makes it back to the anode, your device is charged up.
And when you charge a battery below freezing, the anode doesn’t “soak” up the lithium. Instead, the lithium coats the anode. This collection of lithium is quite stressful on the anode. And, as the anode naturally expands during charging, this coated lithium forces its way inside.
Charging lithium-ion batteries when they are below freezing permanently reduces their overall capacity. All batteries lose their maximum capacity over time due to chemical aging. However, charging a below-freezing battery will immediately lower its capacity.
It will make your battery seem like it’s much older than it really is. And no one wants a brand-new phone with reduced battery power.
And now the really dangerous bit. Charging a battery that’s been out in the cold makes it dangerous to use. Charging a battery below freezing essentially turns it into a ticking time bomb. And the battery could eventually explode in your pocket or while charging.
This information comes from an incredibly detailed electrical engineering forum post from user metacollin. The post offers an in-depth explanation of how it all works. Including a breakdown of how lithium-ion batteries function in the first place.