As winter sets in across the Northern Hemisphere, it’s important to take care of your smartphone to ensure it runs smoothly despite the cold weather. T-Mobile has shared some helpful tips to keep your device in top shape during the winter months.

The battery is one component of the phone that can be significantly impacted by cold temperatures. Charging your phone in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can reduce the battery’s efficiency, lower charging rates, and shorten its lifespan. To avoid this, T-Mobile suggests letting the phone warm up to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before charging.

T-Mobile also recommends activating Low Power Mode on an iPhone (Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode) or enabling Battery Saver mode on an Android device (Settings > Battery > Battery Saver) to get the most out of your phone during extremely cold days.

When going outside in the cold, it’s essential to protect your phone from the weather. Stash it in a pocket inside your clothing, such as your jeans or jacket, to shield it from the elements. True Wireless Bluetooth earbuds can help you keep your phone warm in your pocket while still enabling you to take calls.

In terms of network protection, T-Mobile has made extensive investments to harden its network against service interruptions. The company has increased backup power at its sites, added more heavy-duty disaster response satellite vehicles to its fleet, and established emergency response teams to restore critical connectivity in the event of a power grid outage during a storm.

While winter brings its own set of challenges for smartphone users, warmer weather will be on the way before you know it, and soon you’ll be worrying about how to keep your phone cool during the spring and summer. It’s all part of the annual cycle of seasonal phone care.