iPhone overheating? Keep your computer and smartphone cool this summer

Check out this list of five ways you could ruin your phone, laptop, tablet, and TV.

While we’re talking money, I’ve compiled a list of free tech gifts you can get right now.

Now, some bad news: Your smartphone hates heat. Smartphones work best between 35 and 95 degrees. Colder or hotter, you risk hardware damage and shortened battery life.

So, what can you do when temperatures are record high?

Join over 500,000 people who get free daily tech news in their inboxes.

Steps to protect your phone

You can keep your phone happy, no matter the weather, with a few simple steps.

Stick to the shade. Be careful not to place your phone in the sun. Aim for shade if you’re outside — or even in the car. Do not place it on the passenger seat in the sun. This is a one-way motor for high temperature.

Take off your phone case. They trap heat, which can be more or less a problem depending on the material they are made of. Just be very careful not to drop it and break your screen. I keep one of these screen protectors for this very reason.

Stuck outside or in a warm room? You want to make your phone as lightweight as possible, in terms of practicality. Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and demanding apps. Graphics-heavy games, video streaming, and other resource-intensive tasks can put stress on your phone’s hardware and cause it to overheat.

How to keep phones and laptops from overheating

Keep your phones and laptops cool in hot weather with these tech tips.

Problem solved, USA TODAY

No more blurry selfies: How to take better photos with your phone

Your computer is also at risk

This can happen at any time of the year, but the hotter it gets, the more likely it is that your laptop or even desktop will overheat. And just like your phone, very high temperatures can cause some real damage to internal components. Try these steps.

Dust Bust: You’ll need a small screwdriver set, a can of compressed air (or an electric duster that never runs out) and some cotton swabs.

◾ Turn off your computer, unplug it and open the case.

◾ Use compressed air or a duster gently to clean the fan, vents and ducts.

◾ Gently wipe away any buildup with a cotton swab. Just make sure you don’t leave behind small strands of cotton.

◾ Replace the case and reconnect everything again.

Improve airflow for your laptop. Your computer can overheat if it cannot circulate enough air to stay cool. Make sure to place it on a hard surface such as a desk. If you place your laptop on a bed or blanket, the uneven surface blocks the ventilation holes and can cause overheating. Place it on a book, tray, or cooling pad to maintain airflow.

Close everything you can. Yes, heavy processes can generate a lot of heat in your computer or laptop as well. Dozens of tabs can heat things up more than you think. Restart your computer while you’re at it to close processes running in the background.

Real talk: Power outages during a heatwave can be deadly. I’ve written about steps to take now to stay safe.

Keep your technical knowledge going

My popular podcast is called Kim Komando Today. It’s 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Find it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, click on the link below for a recent episode.

Podcast selection: Nintendo Switch finds a girl, a $200,000 iPhone, and unusual leftovers on Airbnb

Additionally, I share reliable advice with a woman who needs help getting a patent for a product. Getting a technical support call? Beware, many new scams are emerging. How to book camping sites online and speed up your travel with this recommended mobile app.

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Commando.”

Learn about the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the country’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and offers advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data breaches. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website.