Austria and Germany Advise Safe Handling of Smartphone Batteries in Heat

Lithium‑ion batteries in smartphones, tablets and powerbanks can overheat when exposed to high temperatures, increasing the risk of fire and damage. Austrian officials warn that devices left in direct sun, such as on a beach towel, can quickly exceed safe operating limits (0‑35 °C) and should be kept in the shade. They also stress proper disposal: batteries must not be thrown in regular waste, as crushing in waste‑sorting facilities can trigger fires.

German TÜV SÜD advises users to keep smartphone charge levels between roughly 30 % and 70 % and to avoid both deep discharge and keeping the battery fully charged, especially at temperatures above normal room range. Charging should be stopped when the device reaches about 70 % and resumed above 30 %. Low‑quality chargers and extreme cold or heat should be avoided, and devices should be stored half‑charged if not used for long periods. After 500‑2000 charge cycles, battery performance may decline and replacement by a professional is recommended.