The intense heat of this summer has revived a behavior as viral as it is dangerous. On TikTok, some content creators are suggesting cooling down overheated smartphones by placing them in the refrigerator, a tip that is leading to a significant increase in repair shop visits. But why is this practice so harmful and what does science say?
The trend, spread through short videos with the hashtag #princetechtips, proposes the fridge as a quick fix to lower device temperature. Unfortunately, the results are often catastrophic. Humidity inside the appliance can cause condensation on internal components, leading to short circuits and irreversible damage. Moreover, the sudden thermal shock can harm the lithium battery, which is particularly sensitive to temperature changes.
Fridge-induced failures surge at repair centers
Technicians report a rise in devices damaged by this practice, especially during the hottest weeks. The United Kingdom, hit by a heatwave, has seen many users following the viral tip, resulting in failures to screens, batteries, and motherboards. Repairers welcome this trend with irony but warn about the high costs for consumers, who could avoid damage by following official recommendations.
Sponsored Protocol
Official guidelines to cool your smartphone safely
Apple, like other manufacturers, advises placing the device in a shaded area and letting it cool naturally. The company strongly discourages using the fridge or freezer, as well as leaving the phone in a car during summer, where temperatures can exceed dangerous thresholds, even causing the battery to catch fire. If your phone shows signs of overheating, it is essential to turn it off and wait for it to return to room temperature before using it again.
Sponsored Protocol
This episode highlights how viral social media advice can have concrete and costly consequences. Technology is designed to operate within specific temperature ranges, and forcing a rapid cooldown goes against manufacturer guidelines. For those struggling with an overheated device, patience and common sense are the best solutions. Additionally, it is worth noting that some dubious practices are not limited to cooling but extend to other aspects of device maintenance, as discussed in previous articles on extreme behaviors induced by online misinformation.
