It’s frustrating when your iPhone starts heating up for no apparent reason. A warm iPhone is usually nothing to worry about, but excessive heat can affect your device’s performance and battery life. Here are some of the main reasons an iPhone may get hot and tips to cool it down.
Using Processor-Intensive Apps
Apps that use a lot of processing power like games, video streaming, and navigation apps can cause an iPhone to heat up. This occurs because the processor has to work harder to run the app’s complex graphics, videos, and features. The heat generated is normal, but using these types of apps extensively can cause the iPhone to get uncomfortably warm.
Charging the Battery
It’s common for iPhones to get warm while charging. This is because powering up the battery generates heat. Using the iPhone while it’s charging makes it even warmer, as the processor is also working hard in the background. Avoid intensive activities like gaming when your iPhone is plugged in. Also, don’t cover your iPhone with bedding or cases while charging, as this traps heat.
Poor Air Circulation
Lack of air circulation is another culprit for an overheating iPhone. If the iPhone is in a pocket or bag pressed up against other items, heat can build up. Similarly, covering the device with bulky cases or protective covers can cause heat to accumulate. Make sure your iPhone has space to “breathe” so heat can dissipate.
Direct Sunlight
Extended direct sunlight exposure can cause an iPhone to get hot. The infrared and visible light in sunlight generates thermal energy that heats up your device. Avoid leaving your iPhone in the sun for long periods, like in a hot car. If you’ll be outdoors a while, try keeping your iPhone in the shade or cover it to reduce heating.
Background Activities
Apps, downloads, and syncing running in the background can make the iPhone work harder, generating excess heat. Check what tasks are using up processing power in Settings > Battery. Limit background activities, turn off auto-downloads, and close open apps you’re not using. This reduces workload and allows heat to dissipate.
Nearby Hotspot Connections
Using wi-fi or connecting to nearby devices via Bluetooth or hotspots requires some battery power. If your iPhone is actively scanning for and connecting to many hotspots, it can cause battery drain and heating. Turn off wi-fi and Bluetooth when not needed or disable the “Ask to Join Networks” feature in wi-fi settings.
Downloading Large Files
Downloading or transferring large files, like high-res photos and videos, can make an iPhone hot. This taxes the processor, screen, and cellular modem. Avoid doing this when your iPhone already feels warm. Pause downloads if it starts overheating, then resume when it cools down.
Low Power Mode Disabled
Having Low Power Mode disabled means your iPhone is working at full processing speed all the time. This constant peak performance can make the device run hot, especially if you’re doing processor-intensive tasks. Enable Low Power Mode to reduce energy usage and associated heat.
Software Update in Progress
Installing an iOS update uses a lot of processing resources. It may cause your iPhone to heat up more than usual. Avoid using your device during the update. Also, make sure your iPhone is sufficiently charged before updating and in a well-ventilated area to allow heat to escape.
Near Field Communication (NFC)
Making NFC payments with Apple Pay generates a small burst of heat from the NFC chip activating. While brief, a long session of contactless payments can cause heat buildup. Allow your iPhone to fully cool between each Apple Pay transaction to reduce cumulative heating effects.
Faulty Battery
In some cases, a worn out or malfunctioning battery can make the iPhone run hot. As batteries degrade over time, they become less efficient at supplying power. This makes the CPU and other components work harder, producing excess heat. Check your battery health in Settings. Replace the battery if it’s worn.
Hardware Issues
Rarely, hardware defects can cause inexplicable iPhone heating. For example, damage allowing dust or debris into the device can cause overheating. Light leaks into the camera module have also been known to heat iPhones up. If there’s no obvious software cause, get your device inspected for hardware faults.
Tips to Cool Down an Overheating iPhone
If your iPhone feels uncomfortably warm, here are some tips to cool it down:
- Turn on Airplane Mode to stop unnecessary wireless activity.
- Dim the screen brightness to reduce energy usage.
- Close open apps and background processes not being used.
- Turn off Location Services if not needed.
- Disable unnecessary background app refresh and auto-downloads.
- Quit processor-intensive apps like games or video streaming.
- Remove any cases or covers to improve airflow.
- Move the device away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Power down and let the phone rest if it’s very hot.
When to Worry About iPhone Overheating
As a rule of thumb, if you cannot comfortably hold your iPhone in your hand, it’s overheated. Other warning signs include:
- The iPhone feels hot after minimal use.
- It gets unusually hot while charging.
- The heat is concentrated in one area, like the battery.
- You get a high-temperature warning message.
- Apps are crashing or running slow.
- The iPhone stops responding or turns off unexpectedly.
If you notice these issues, your iPhone likely needs servicing. Persistent overheating can permanently damage iPhone components like the battery and logic board. Schedule a Genius Bar appointment or contact Apple Support to troubleshoot the problem.
How Hot is Too Hot for an iPhone?
Apple does not provide an exact maximum temperature threshold for iPhones. However, most electronics experts agree anything above 113°F (45°C) is concerning. At 122°F (50°C) or higher, the battery and other parts can sustain permanent damage.
As reference, here are approximate temperatures you can safely handle for short periods:
| Temperature | Feels Like |
|---|---|
| 113°F / 45°C | Very hot bath or shower |
| 122°F / 50°C | Hot cookware handle |
| 131°F / 55°C | Too hot to hold comfortably |
So in summary, your iPhone should never get so hot that it’s uncomfortable to hold. Any temperatures approaching 131°F (55°C) can damage iPhone components after prolonged exposure. Take steps to cool down your iPhone immediately if it feels excessively hot.
How to Check iPhone Temperature
It can be difficult to quantify precisely how hot your iPhone feels. Here are some ways to get an objective measurement of your iPhone’s temperature:
- Infrared thermometer – Point an infrared thermometer at the iPhone’s surface to get a non-contact temperature reading.
- Thermal probe – Attach a digital thermal probe to measure the iPhone’s internal temperature. Exercise caution not to damage any components.
- Weather station app – Some weather apps provide external temperature measurements from the iPhone’s built-in sensors.
- Thermal imaging camera – Use a thermal imaging camera to visualize and quantify hot spots on your iPhone.
Apps that display battery temperature are also useful indicators of your iPhone’s internal heat. iMazing and Battery Life Doctor are two options for gauging battery temp. Just note app readings may not be fully accurate.
Preventing iPhone Overheating
To help avoid overheating problems, follow these iPhone care tips:
- Update to the latest iOS version for performance improvements.
- Avoid exposing your iPhone to high ambient temperatures like direct sunlight.
- Don’t let the battery discharge fully to 0% too often.
- Only use Apple chargers and cables to avoid overcharging.
- Disable unnecessary background processes and Location Services.
- Close apps when not in use to reduce processor workload.
- Remove heavy cases periodically to improve ventilation.
- Keep the Lightning port debris-free to maintain charging airflow.
- Avoid charging while using processor-intensive apps.
- Replace an aging battery to restore power efficiency.
Conclusion
It’s normal for iPhones to occasionally get warm, but excessive heat can impact your device’s lifespan and performance. By understanding the reasons an iPhone heats up and how to cool it down safely, you can take steps to prevent overheating. Monitor your iPhone’s temperature and be wary if it feels uncomfortably hot for extended use. With proper care and maintenance, you can help keep your iPhone running smoothly even as processors and batteries become more powerful.
