Videos are rapidly spreading across TikTok advising users to cool down overheating smartphones… in the refrigerator. At first glance, the idea seems harmless, but experts warn that this “life hack” could lead to costly device repairs.
As Engadget notes, such advice is gaining popularity despite contradicting the recommendations of electronics manufacturers.
The main danger lies in the sudden temperature change. After placing the phone in the refrigerator, condensation can form inside the casing, which can damage electronic components. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries are extremely sensitive to thermal shock, which in some cases can shorten their lifespan or cause the device to fail entirely.
According to repair shops in the UK, where unusually hot weather has persisted in recent weeks, the number of smartphones with this type of damage has noticeably increased. Experts attribute this directly to the spread of viral advice from social media.
If a smartphone overheats, Apple recommends against using extreme cooling methods. It is far safer to move the device out of direct sunlight, stop using it for a few minutes, and allow it to cool down naturally. It is also not advisable to leave the phone inside a car, where temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels and damage the battery.
Experts remind us that viral videos do not always contain safe advice. Before trying the next trend from TikTok, it is worth making sure it will not harm your device.
