How do you fix a overheated phone?

Table of Contents

What causes a phone to overheat?

There are several potential causes for a phone overheating:

Using resource-intensive apps – Apps like gaming, video streaming or GPS navigation use a lot of processing power and can cause the phone to heat up.
Poor ventilation – If the phone doesn’t have proper airflow, heat can build up inside.

Direct sunlight – Leaving your phone in direct sunlight, like on a car dash, can rapidly overheat it.
Charging – Using fast chargers or charging while using the phone generates more heat.
Old battery – An aging battery may not be able to efficiently regulate temperature.

Hardware problem – Defective components like the processor or battery can overheat.
Too many background apps – Having many apps running simultaneously puts a strain on the phone.
Software glitch – Software bugs may cause resources to be used inefficiently, heating up the phone.

The most common reasons are using resource-intensive apps, poor ventilation and charging. Direct sunlight, old battery and hardware issues can also be major contributing factors to an overheated phone.

How do you know if your phone is overheating?

Here are some signs that your phone may be overheating:

It feels hot to the touch

Apps are sluggish or keep crashing
Battery drains faster than usual
Phone turns off by itself

You get a temperature warning on screen
You see a heat/temperature icon on the notification bar
The phone stops charging properly

You notice throttling of phone performance

If you notice any of these issues, it likely indicates overheating. The most obvious sign is if the phone feels hot when you hold it. Sluggish performance and unexpected shutdowns are also telltale signs.

What temperature is considered overheating?

Experts suggest the following temperature thresholds for an overheating phone:

Warm – Under 113°F (45°C) – Normal operating temperature
Hot – 113-131°F (45-55°C) – Performance starts throttling
Very hot – Over 131°F (55°C) – Risk of damage or shutdown

So temperatures up to 113°F are fine, but above 131°F is dangerous for the phone. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 113°F can also damage the battery and internal components.

How to check the temperature of your phone?

Here are some ways to check your phone’s temperature:

Use a phone thermometer app – Apps like ‘My Phone Temperature’ display the temperature.

Use an IR thermometer – Point an infrared thermometer at the phone’s surface.
Touch test – Carefully feel the phone’s surface to gauge if it feels warm or hot.
Battery apps – Some battery apps like AccuBattery show battery temperature.

Built-in options – Some phones have a CPU temp readout under Developer Options.

Apps and IR thermometers provide the most accurate readings. But the touch test also gives a rough estimate – if it feels very warm, the phone is likely overheating. Checking the battery temperature in apps can also reveal if there’s an issue.

What are the dangers of an overheated phone?

Here are some potential risks if your phone overheats:

Battery damage – High heat degrades lithium-ion batteries over time.
Component failure – The processor or other hardware can fail permanently from overheating.
Data loss – Overheating can corrupt storage and data on the phone.

Display damage – The screen and display layers can become damaged.
Meltdowns – In extreme cases, overheating can melt phone components and cause fires.
Shortened lifespan – Overheating reduces the overall lifespan of the phone.

Injuries – A severely overheated phone can cause burns if touched.

While moderate heating may just cause throttling and faster battery wear, severe overheating can destroy components, damage data, and even pose a safety risk in very extreme cases. Sustained high temperatures drastically reduce the phone’s lifespan.

How to cool down an overheated phone?

Here are 8 tips to cool an overheated phone:

Stop phone usage – Quit resource-intensive apps and let the phone rest to cool down.
Remove case – Take off any protective case to improve ventilation.
Go out of the sun – Move the phone into shade or an air-conditioned space.

Turn on airplane mode – This stops network usage which reduces processor workload.
Point a fan at it – Use a fan, A/C vent or other airflow to dissipate heat.
Place it on a cold surface – Lay the phone down on a cool counter-top or table.

Disable features – Turn off WiFi, Location, Bluetooth and other power-hungry settings.
Don’t charge it – Charging when already overheated can damage the battery.

Stopping usage and moving into a cool environment are the most important steps. Charging and using resource-heavy functions will make overheating worse. Pointing airflow at the phone helps dissipate heat faster.

How to prevent your phone from overheating?

Here are some tips to avoid overheating issues:

Close unused apps – Apps running in the background contribute to overheating.
Update software – Make sure to install the latest OS and app updates.

Turn down brightness – Lower screen brightness especially in hot environments.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure – Don’t leave your phone in the sun for extended periods.
Use phone case – A case can shield the phone from direct sunlight.

Limit gaming and video – These are resource-intensive and can heat up the phone.
Check battery health – Replace an aged or worn out battery.
Clean out vents – Use compressed air to clear dust buildup in vents.

Avoid overcharging – Don’t leave phone plugged in after it’s fully charged.

Proper phone maintenance goes a long way in preventing overheating. Avoid taxing the hardware unnecessarily by closing apps, limiting gaming, keeping software updated and replacing deteriorated batteries. Shielding the phone from direct sunlight also helps.

How to fix hardware issues causing overheating?

If overheating persists after software fixes, it may be caused by underlying hardware issues. Some troubleshooting tips:

Replace battery – If battery is old, replacing it can prevent overheating.
Clean ports – Clean out lint and debris from charging port.
Update firmware – A motherboard firmware update may help.

Check fan – If your phone has a fan, clean or replace it if faulty.
Replace display – A malfunctioning display can contribute to heat.
Replace motherboard – If no other hardware fix works, the motherboard may need replacement.

Start with simpler solutions like battery replacement. For persistent hardware-originated overheating, replacing the motherboard may be required in phones out of warranty. Back up data and visit a reputable technician for such advanced hardware fixes.

Best practices when phone overheats

Follow these best practices if your phone starts overheating:

Stop phone usage immediately and let it cool down.

Turn on airplane mode to stop radios that produce heat.
Close all apps, especially power-intensive ones.
Move the phone to a cooler spot out of direct sunlight.

Point a fan to blow cool air on the phone if available.
If possible, remove the phone case to improve air circulation.
Don’t charge the phone until it has cooled down.

If overheating persists, get the phone serviced for potential hardware issues.

Avoiding phone usage gives the processor and battery time to cool off. Charging and direct sun exposure makes overheating worse. Move it to a cool shaded area and point a fan to speed up heat dissipation. If it keeps overheating, have a technician inspect and fix any hardware problems.

When to avoid using the phone if overheated?

Avoid using your phone if:

It feels very hot to the touch for an extended time.
You get an on-screen high temperature warning.
Apps are continuously freezing or the phone turns off randomly.

The battery is draining much faster than usual.
You notice a burning smell or see smoke coming from the phone.
The phone has been exposed to high heat like direct high-noon sunlight for a long time.

You notice bulging or deformation of the phone battery.

Sustained high temperatures can damage phone components permanently. Avoid handling the phone if you see smoke or the battery bulging, as it poses a safety risk. Turn off the phone and let it cool down before trying to use it again if you notice overheating symptoms. Get it inspected by a repair professional if issues persist after cooling.

Is it safe to use phone while charging if overheated?

It’s not recommended to charge an overheated phone. Charging generates additional heat which can worsen the high temperatures. Instead:

Stop charging and let the phone cool down out of direct sunlight.
Close any apps that may be resource intensive.
Once cooled, restart phone and check temperature.

If temperature seems normal, resume charging while phone is idle.
If it starts heating up again, stop charging immediately.
Get the phone inspected for faulty battery if heating recurs.

So allow the phone to cool down before charging again. Charge while the phone is idle at normal room temperature. Do not charge an overheated phone continuously as it risks battery damage and further overheating. Get professional help if the issue persists after cooling and charging cautiously.

Is it normal for phone to get warm while charging?

It’s normal for a phone battery and surface to get slightly warm while charging. However, sustained high heat or temperature increases beyond 100°F (38°C) indicates abnormal overheating.

Some warmth under 110°F (43°C) is expected when charging due to the following reasons:

Conversion of electrical to chemical energy creates a small amount of heat.
Faster charging generates more heat due to increased power flow.
Using the phone while charging increases processor workload and heat.

If the surrounding environment is already warm, less heat dissipates.

So moderate warmth is expected, but rapid temperature spikes, excessive heat and phone performance issues signal a problem. Stop charging if the phone gets hot to avoid battery deterioration or damage.

Is it safe to use phone if battery is overheated?

It’s not recommended to keep using a phone with an overheated battery, as it poses some risks:

Damaged battery – Sustained high temperatures degrade lithium-ion batteries.
Reduced battery life – Heat accelerates capacity deterioration.
Swollen battery – Gases from heat accumulation may bulge the battery.

Fire hazard – In rare cases, an overheated battery can ignite.
Explosion – A severely overheated battery can potentially rupture.

Turn off the phone immediately if you notice the battery overheating. Let it cool down before trying to use it again. Do not charge the phone until the battery temperature normalizes. Replace the battery if overheating issues persist. Using an overheated battery risks permanent damage and safety issues.

How to improve airflow and prevent overheating?

Here are some tips to improve airflow and cool your phone:

Don’t block vents – Keep the top and bottom vents clear.
Remove thick case – Use a thin case or no case.

Avoid covering phone – Don’t stack things on top or wrap tightly.
Clean out ports – Clear dust from charging port and audio jack.
Use cooling pad – Place phone on pads with built-in fans.

Point external fans – Position AC vents or desk fans to blow over phone.
Keep space around phone – Improves passive convection cooling.

Ensuring no obstructions around or on the phone allows air to freely move and dissipate heat. Cases that tightly wrap the phone edges impair ventilation. Keep the phone’s surface clean and open for optimal cooling. Use fans and cooling pads for additional active cooling.

How to prevent battery from overheating when fast charging?

To avoid battery overheating when fast charging:

Use manufacturer approved chargers – Avoid cheap, incompatible adapters.
Don’t use phone while charging – This causes additional heat buildup.

Charge in cool location – Don’t charge in hot confined spaces.
Disable fast charging if getting hot – Switch to normal 5W charging.
Replace worn out battery – Old lithium-ion batteries overheat easier.

Check for debris in charging port – Prevent obstruction to charge contacts.
Update phone software – Latest OS fixes can improve charging behavior.

Charging when battery is already warm, using low quality chargers and charging in warm environments can cause overheating when fast charging. Switch to slower charging or pause charging if phone gets warm.

Can you fix an overheated phone with water?

No, do not use water to try and fix an overheated phone. While it may seem sensible to cool it down, water can damage the phone and make problems worse:

Short circuits – Water can short circuit and corrode electronic components.
Water damage – It can get into gaps and cause oxidation over time.

Electric shock – Using water on a charging/powered phone risks electrocution.
Thermal shock – Rapid cooling of high temperatures can crack glass or damage batteries.

The best way to cool an overheated phone is turning it off, removing any case, taking it into a cooler environment and blowing room temperature air over it. Never submerge it in water or spill liquid on it to cool down. This will likely destroy electronic components and make data recovery impossible.

Conclusion

Overheating is a common phone issue with several potential causes like intensive app usage, poor ventilation and hot environments. Sustained high temperatures above 113°F (45°C) can degrade the battery and damage internal components. Stop using an overheated phone immediately and let it cool down. Avoid charging it until the phone has reached normal operating temperatures again. Take steps like closing apps, updating software, using a case and limiting gaming to prevent overheating episodes. If high heat recurs frequently, get hardware issues like the battery or motherboard replaced by a professional. With proper precautions and timely fixes, you can extend your phone’s lifespan and performance.