As the sun shines brighter, many of us reach for our trusty sunglasses to shield our eyes from the glare. But have you ever tried to use your phone with sunglasses on, only to struggle with navigating the screen? It’s a common problem many of us face, especially during the summer months when sunglasses become an essential accessory. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges of using your phone with sunglasses and provide you with practical tips and tricks to overcome them.
The Challenges of Using Your Phone with Sunglasses
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s discuss the reasons why using your phone with sunglasses can be a frustrating experience.
Screen Glare and Reflections
One of the primary issues is screen glare and reflections. Sunglasses can create a mirror-like effect on your phone’s screen, making it difficult to see what’s on display. This is especially true for screens with high-gloss finishes or those that are not optimized for outdoor use. The glare can be so intense that it’s almost impossible to read texts, browse the web, or even take a decent selfie.
Polarization: The Culprit Behind Screen Darkness
Another challenge comes from the polarization of your sunglasses. Many sunglasses, especially those with polarized lenses, can block the screen’s light emission, making it appear dark or even black. This is because polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water or car windshields. However, this same technology can also interfere with the light emitted by your phone’s screen, rendering it unreadable.
Touchscreen Inaccuracy
Lastly, wearing sunglasses can affect the accuracy of your touchscreen interactions. The fingers of your sunglasses can inadvertently interact with your screen, causing unwanted taps, swipes, or gestures. This can lead to frustration, especially when trying to type out a message or navigate through a complex app.
Tips and Tricks for Using Your Phone with Sunglasses
Now that we’ve discussed the challenges, let’s explore some practical tips and tricks to help you use your phone with sunglasses more effectively.
Adjust Your Screen Brightness
One of the simplest ways to combat screen glare is to adjust your screen brightness. Most phones allow you to adjust the brightness level manually or set it to auto-adjust based on the ambient light. By increasing the screen brightness, you can counteract the glare and reflections caused by your sunglasses.
Use a Screen Protector with Anti-Glare Coating
Investing in a screen protector with an anti-glare coating can also help reduce screen reflections. These protectors have a special coating that diffuses light, reducing glare and making it easier to view your screen in bright conditions.
Tilt Your Screen or Phone
Sometimes, a simple tilt of your screen or phone can make a huge difference. By adjusting the angle of your phone, you can reduce the glare and find a sweet spot where you can view the screen comfortably.
Remove Your Sunglasses (Temporarily)
If all else fails, consider removing your sunglasses temporarily to use your phone. This might not be the most convenient solution, but it’s often the quickest way to get the job done.
Use Voice Commands or Assistants
Voice commands and assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, or Bixby can be a lifesaver when using your phone with sunglasses. By using voice commands, you can perform tasks without having to physically interact with your screen.
Choose the Right Sunglasses
Believe it or not, the type of sunglasses you wear can affect your phone-using experience. Look for sunglasses with lenses that are designed to minimize glare and polarization. Some sunglasses, like those with photochromic lenses, can adapt to different light conditions, reducing glare and reflections.
Use a Phone Case with a Built-In Screen Protector
Some phone cases come with a built-in screen protector that can help reduce glare and reflections. These cases can provide an added layer of protection for your screen and make it easier to use your phone with sunglasses.
Additional Tips for Specific Phone Tasks
While the above tips can help you use your phone with sunglasses more comfortably, there are some additional tips specific to certain phone tasks that can make a big difference.
Taking Selfies with Sunglasses
Taking selfies with sunglasses can be a challenge, especially when the glare from your screen is reflected onto your face. To overcome this, try using a selfie stick or a tripod to keep your phone at a distance. You can also experiment with different angles and poses to minimize the glare.
Reading and Browsing with Sunglasses
When reading or browsing with sunglasses, try to position your phone so that the screen is at a 90-degree angle to the sun. This can help reduce glare and make it easier to view the content on your screen.
Gaming with Sunglasses
Gaming with sunglasses can be a fun experience, but it does require some adjustments. Consider reducing the screen brightness or using a gaming mode that adjusts the screen’s color temperature to reduce glare. You can also experiment with different gaming angles to find one that works best for you.
Conclusion
Using your phone with sunglasses doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. By adjusting your screen brightness, using a screen protector with anti-glare coating, and tilting your screen, you can overcome the challenges of glare, reflections, and polarization. Additionally, using voice commands, choosing the right sunglasses, and using a phone case with a built-in screen protector can make a big difference. Remember to adjust your phone usage habits based on the task at hand, and don’t be afraid to remove your sunglasses temporarily if needed. With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy the sunshine while staying connected with your phone.
Why do my sunglasses interfere with my phone’s screen?
Polarized sunglasses can interfere with your phone’s screen because they filter out certain types of light, including the light emitted by the screen. This can cause the screen to appear dark or black, making it difficult to see. Additionally, some phones use polarized screens, which can also be affected by polarized sunglasses.
To mitigate this issue, you can try adjusting the angle of your phone or sunglasses to see if it improves the visibility. You can also try switching to non-polarized sunglasses or using a screen protector that is designed to work with polarized glasses.
How can I use my phone with polarized sunglasses?
There are a few ways to use your phone with polarized sunglasses. One method is to adjust the angle of your phone or sunglasses to find a sweet spot where the screen is visible. You can also try switching to a different screen mode or brightness setting to see if it improves the visibility. Another option is to use a screen protector that is specifically designed to work with polarized glasses.
Some phones also have built-in features that can help improve the visibility of the screen when wearing polarized sunglasses. For example, some phones have an “outdoor mode” or “high-brightness mode” that can help increase the screen’s visibility in bright sunlight.
What types of screens are affected by polarized sunglasses?
Most modern smartphones use LCD (liquid crystal display) screens, which can be affected by polarized sunglasses. Some phones, such as those with OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screens, are less affected by polarized glasses. However, even OLED screens can still be affected by polarized sunglasses to some extent.
It’s worth noting that some phone manufacturers have developed special screen technologies that are designed to work well with polarized sunglasses. For example, some Samsung phones have a feature called “Polarized Sunglasses Mode” that adjusts the screen’s brightness and color to improve visibility when wearing polarized glasses.
Can I use a screen protector to fix the issue?
Yes, using a screen protector can help fix the issue of not being able to see your phone’s screen while wearing polarized sunglasses. There are special screen protectors designed specifically for use with polarized glasses, and they can help reduce the interference caused by the polarized lenses.
When choosing a screen protector, look for ones that are specifically designed for use with polarized sunglasses. These protectors usually have a special coating or material that helps to reduce the polarization effect. You can also read reviews and do research to find the best screen protector for your specific phone model and type of polarized sunglasses.
Can I switch to non-polarized sunglasses?
Yes, switching to non-polarized sunglasses is another way to avoid the issue of not being able to see your phone’s screen. Non-polarized sunglasses do not filter out the same types of light as polarized sunglasses, so they will not interfere with your phone’s screen.
Keep in mind that non-polarized sunglasses may not provide the same level of glare reduction and UV protection as polarized sunglasses. However, they can still provide good eye protection and can be a good option if you need to use your phone frequently while wearing sunglasses.
Are there any phone settings that can help?
Yes, there are several phone settings that can help improve the visibility of your phone’s screen when wearing polarized sunglasses. One setting to try is the brightness setting – increasing the brightness of your screen can help make it more visible when wearing polarized sunglasses.
You can also try adjusting the color temperature or color mode of your screen to see if it improves the visibility. Some phones also have a “reading mode” or “night mode” that can help reduce the blue light emitted by the screen, making it easier to see when wearing polarized sunglasses.