UK snow: how your phone signal and WhatsApp is affected by freezing weather - how to protect device
Snow is causing much disruption ❄
- An Arctic airmass has caused a freezing start to 2026.
- The Met Office has warned of further snowfall and freezing temperatures this week.
- But can it cause problems with your phone?
An Arctic airmass has brought a freezing spell to the UK to start 2026. Subzero temperatures and snow have arrived, and a number of weather warnings remain in place this week.
The whole of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England remain under Yellow warnings for snow and ice, and an Amber warning is in place for snow in central Scotland.
Overnight into Tuesday (January 6), temperatures will once again fall below freezing for much of the country, with the lowest temperatures over lying snow possibly dipping to -12°C, the Met Office warned.
It is more important than ever to be able to stay in contact with the outside world when conditions take a turn for the worse. You might be wondering what - if any, impact the cold weather can have on your phone.
Do mobile phones still work in snowy weather?
If you’ve got a modern smartphone, it will likely have a lithium-ion battery inside the handset. Cold weather can actually have an impact on these devices.
TIME reports that Apple has said that its iPhones are made to operate in temperatures above 32F (0C). Freezing conditions are expected for many places in the country and could dip below zero.
The effects include, according to Roger Gurney, owner of Arctic Tech Solutions, causing lithium-ion batteries to stop discharging electricity in extremely cold temperatures. Top tips to protect your phone in this scenario include keeping it in your pocket and even switching it off.
Can you get a phone signal in a snowstorm?
If you are in an area that has been hit by a heavy snowstorm, it could cause your phone signal to be slightly disrupted. SureCall Boosters says that “snow and hail can impact your phone's signal, this typically only occurs during heavy storms”.
The website adds: “Strong winter weather can weaken your signal by damaging powerlines or cellular towers. If this occurs, your phone will struggle to find a proper signal, especially if there isn't another network tower around.”
Is WhatsApp disrupted by snowstorms?
WhatsApp sends messages via your WiFi or mobile data network - so if you lose access to the internet you will be unable to send or receive WhatsApps. WeBoost reports that heavy snow can have an indirect effect on 4G and 5G signals.
Have you been hit by snow - and have you noticed any impact on your phone? Share your experiences by emailing me: [email protected].