Using your headphones and earbuds in winter conditions

A clear blue sky and a bright winter sun are fantastic for a refreshing walk outside with headphones or earbuds. However, it's important to know that cold temperatures can impact their performance.

How cold weather affects your headphones

Design & Specifications

Our headphones and earbuds are designed to work best in certain temperature (refer to product's Help Guide or operating manual for details). Although they can and will function beyond this temperature range, the cold weather may impact their performance in different ways.

Touchpad responsiveness

Touchpads on your headphones (used to control volume, skip tracks, etc.) may respond unpredictably in freezing temperatures. Sudden temperature changes (like moving from a warm room to below-freezing weather) may cause inconsistent touchpad reactions, such as unintentional volume changes or track skipping.

Faster battery drain

Cold weather also impacts rechargeable batteries, including the lithium-ion batteries in your headphones or mobile phones. Low temperatures slow the chemical reactions inside the battery, reducing its ability to deliver power effectively. Therefore, subzero temperatures can lead to shorter battery life or difficulty charging fully.

Even vehicle batteries struggle in winter—so it's no surprise that your headphones might, too.

Does that mean I can't use my headphones in freezing weather?

Yes, you can use your headphones when it's freezing, but you should take the necessary precautions and know their limitations:

1. Keep them warm:

   • Store your headphones in a warm pocket or insulated case when not in use.
   • Wear a beanie or hoodie over earbuds or headphones for extra insulation. However, be aware that rubbing against fabric might also cause involuntary touchpad actions.

2. Limit exposure:

   • Keep outdoor listening sessions short to minimize the impact of the cold.

3. Warm them gradually:

   • After coming indoors, allow your headphones to return to room temperature before charging or using them intensively.

4. Touchpad issues:

   • If the touchpad acts up due to the cold, try turning the headphones off and on again. This may temporarily resolve the issue, but remember—it's caused by the weather.

By following these tips, you can chill and enjoy your favorite music or podcast, even on a cold winter day!