Electronic devices are among the most vulnerable products ordered online. While many buyers expect fast and convenient delivery, few consider how heat, cold, or sudden temperature changes can harm a parcel. Experts warn: even a few hours in an inappropriate temperature can have long-term consequences for a device, especially one with a battery.
Lithium-ion batteries, used in most smartphones, tablets, and laptops, are sensitive to both high heat and cold. In low temperatures, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, causing shorter usage times or even total discharge failure. Meanwhile, heat can damage chemical components. A common sign of this is a swollen battery or significantly reduced battery life.
According to Vytautas Jonas Taraila, IT product group manager at the online store BIGBOX.LT, temperature fluctuations most often affect batteries. Cold reduces their efficiency, while heat gradually damages their capacity. However, the real issue often lies not in the temperature itself, but in moisture condensation, which can form when a device is suddenly exposed to a warmer environment.
“Moisture causes corrosion hotspots – their effects often become visible only later. So even if everything seems to work fine at first, over time certain components may start malfunctioning or battery life may significantly shorten,” explains V. J. Taraila.
The best practice is to unpack an electronic device but not use it immediately: allow it to reach room temperature first. If possible, it’s also advisable to remove the battery and wait a few hours.
Not only electronics are at risk
Although phones, tablets, and laptops are the most talked-about, other products can also be sensitive, according to Justas Januškevičius, Head of Sales for the Baltic countries at SmartPosti. For example, food supplements and cosmetic products may also be affected. Incorrect temperatures can change their texture, color, or even trigger chemical reactions that make the product unusable.
This is why parcel safety is increasingly becoming the responsibility of consumers too. By choosing indoor parcel lockers or home delivery, buyers help protect their items from invisible but very real threats.
Currently, SmartPosti has 395 indoor parcel lockers and pick-up points across Lithuania. These are usually installed in shopping centers, office buildings, or residential complexes, where the temperature remains stable throughout the year.
When should you suspect your device was affected?
According to V. J. Taraila, some electronic device malfunctions may be immediately noticeable – for example, a rapidly draining battery or irregular performance. However, in many cases, defects become apparent only after some usage. Moreover, not all malfunctions are directly related to temperature – so it’s important not to panic.
Common symptoms include the device overheating even during simple tasks, screen flickering, the device not charging or charging very slowly. This may indicate damage to the power management module or microcracks in the connectors caused by thermal shock.
The best prevention, according to the expert, is to follow basic rules: “Only turn on the device for the first time when you're sure it has warmed up and shows no signs of moisture. And to avoid such situations altogether, it’s worth choosing not only reliable manufacturers but also safe delivery options. It’s also worth checking the manufacturer’s instructions – they often specify the recommended conditions for storing or transporting the device.”