Mr_Sentry

Q: What happens if I leave an iPhone in a hot car every day?

Hi there!

My car has a USB connection and I have a couple old iPhones, both with my music on them. Rather than plugging my phone in (an iPhone 6) every time I enter the car, I was thinking it would be more convenient to have one plugged in all the time. My question is, if I were to do this, would there be any major downsides? I don't really care about damage to the device itself (it would either be a 3GS or 4S, pretty old), but more concerned if the battery could catch fire or something like that. Obviously the car shouldn't be too hot when the device would be charging (since I would be in the car at those times), but I know that parked cars can get extremely hot. I live in New England, so while it's not the desert, it can reach the low 90s here and frequently hits the 80s. Any suggestions as to whether this is a good idea or whether I should rethink my options? Thanks for the feedback!

iPhone 6, iOS 9.2.1, null

Posted on Aug 29, 2016 8:41 PM

Close

Q: What happens if I leave an iPhone in a hot car every day?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by ckuan,

    ckuan ckuan Aug 29, 2016 8:46 PM in response to Mr_Sentry
    Level 7 (33,190 points)
    Aug 29, 2016 8:46 PM in response to Mr_Sentry

    Not recommended.

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Aug 29, 2016 8:56 PM in response to Mr_Sentry
    Level 9 (53,622 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 29, 2016 8:56 PM in response to Mr_Sentry

    http://www.apple.com/iphone-6/specs/

    Environmental Requirements

    Nonoperating temperature: -4° to 113° F(-20° to 45° C)

     

    http://heatkills.org/how-hot/

    “When temperatures outside range from 80 degrees to 100 degrees, the temperature inside a car parked in direct sunlight can quickly climb to between 130 to 172.”

     

    I.e., don't leave an iPhone in a car.

  • by Jonathan UK,Apple recommended

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Aug 30, 2016 1:58 AM in response to Mr_Sentry
    Level 7 (30,158 points)
    Apple Watch
    Aug 30, 2016 1:58 AM in response to Mr_Sentry

    Hi

     

    Apple advises against leaving your iPhone in a parked car, because temperatures can exceed the operating and storage temperature ranges.

     

    Keeping iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch within acceptable operating temperatures - Apple Support

  • by JimmyCMPIT,

    JimmyCMPIT JimmyCMPIT Aug 31, 2016 7:47 AM in response to Mr_Sentry
    Level 5 (6,926 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 31, 2016 7:47 AM in response to Mr_Sentry

    you will likley get an overheat warning and the device will effectively shut down.

    I know because FMM shut off when I lost my phone and when I found it in the car with the windows shut I had this on my screen.

    all-that-you-need-to-know-about-iphone-overheating-and-ways-to-fix-this-issue-3_172.jpg

     

    it is estimated that if the outside temperature is 80-100F the inside of a parked car can range from 130 - 170F which exceeds a safe temperature for most consumer electronic devices regardless of if they are powered or not.

     

    So for you New Englanders out there It gets wicked hot when ya leave you caah pahhked outside, so grab a a cold Narragansett an go watch a sox game in doohaz with tha Aye Cee on and bring your phone inside with ya.


    I can say this proudly and often do!

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Aug 31, 2016 8:00 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT
    Level 6 (14,244 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 31, 2016 8:00 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT

    So this may also mean those with a 'travel pet' left in a vehicle

    could be in dire straits - without similar coolness - and a drink.

     

    However avoid setting iPhone next to a water reservoir; so as

    to not temp him to jump in, as they are allergic to swimming.

     

    {Blue frozen gel packs and zip top freezer bags may help one,

    but not so much the other. ~ Depends... if a pet gets air holes.

    And condensation may be appreciated by a pet, not iPhone.}

     

    Now, there should be a pet collar with

    temperature indicator built-in, that can

    can send message to iPhone; so Siri

    can sweetly say: Your Pup is So Hot!