Common Causes of Phone Overheating
There are several common reasons why smartphones can get hot and overheat quickly:
Using Resource-Intensive Apps
Playing graphics-heavy games, streaming videos, or using navigation apps can make your phone work harder and generate more heat. The processors have to work overtime to keep up with the demand of these resource-intensive apps, causing the phone to get hot. Games like PUBG Mobile, Asphalt 9, and Genshin Impact are some common culprits.
Charging
Charging your phone can generate excess heat, especially if using fast chargers over 15W. Fast charging allows your phone to charge quicker, but produces more heat in the process. This effect is further amplified if you use the phone while it’s charging. It’s best to avoid fast charging overnight when you don’t need the extra speed.
Poor Ventilation
Using your phone in areas with poor air circulation can prevent heat from dissipating efficiently. Closed spaces like pockets or bags trap heat being generated by the phone’s components. Try to avoid fully enclosing your phone when using it for extended periods.
Direct Sunlight
Leaving your phone exposed to direct sunlight for too long can cause it to overheat quickly. The infrared and visible light radiation from the sun heats up the phone. The darker your phone color, the more heat it will absorb. Use shades or keep your phone out of the sun when possible.
Older Phones
As phones age, the efficiency of heat dissipation decreases over time. Older phones with worn-out batteries struggle with thermal throttling. Upgrading to a newer phone can help manage overheating issues.
Too Many Apps Running
Having many apps running simultaneously, even in the background, can make the phone work harder than normal. Try closing out apps you aren’t using. Also check that you don’t have too many apps set to auto-start when you power on your phone.
Software Updates Issues
Buggy software updates are a common source of phone overheating. Install the latest OS and app updates for your phone, as updates often contain fixes for overheating issues. Avoid using beta OS versions which are more prone to bugs.
Defective Battery
A faulty or damaged battery can lead to severe overheating in some cases. If your battery is excessively hot to the touch, swollen, or damaged, stop using the phone and get the battery replaced immediately.
Heavy Phone Case
Thick, bulky phone cases can insulate heat and prevent efficient dissipation, especially if the case is not designed well. Use thin, ventilated cases specifically designed to prevent overheating issues.
How to Keep Your Phone Cool
Here are some tips to prevent and manage overheating on your phone:
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Keep your phone out of direct sunlight and extremely hot areas. Even leaving it on the dashboard of a hot car can cause overheating. Use shades, drapes or keep the phone in your bag when outdoors.
Close Unused Apps
Apps running in the background use up phone resources and generate heat. Close out apps you aren’t actively using by swiping them away from the recent apps view.
Limit Gaming and Streaming
Heavy gaming and media streaming make the phone work intensively. Take breaks in between longer sessions to let the phone cool down. Avoid playing graphics-intensive games on very hot days.
Remove Protective Case When Hot
Take off thick phone cases if the phone gets hot during use. Well-designed cases can help protect the phone without trapping heat.
Turn Down Screen Brightness
Keep screen brightness lower to reduce power consumption and heat generation. Enable auto-brightness so the phone optimizes brightness based on ambient light conditions.
Disable Unneeded Radios
Turn off Bluetooth, GPS, and mobile data when not needed. These radios generate some heat when scanning for signals. Disable Wi-Fi and mobile data when not in use.
Avoid Charging When Hot
Don’t charge your phone when it feels very hot to the touch. This can further increase the temperature. Wait for it to cool down before plugging it in.
Use a Fan or AC Vent
Point a fan at your phone or place it in front of an AC vent to help cool it down faster. This quick air circulation prevents heat buildup.
Avoid Overcharging Battery
Don’t leave your phone plugged in charging overnight after it’s fully charged. Stop charging once it hits 100%. Overcharging degrades battery faster.
Update Software
Install latest OS and security updates which often contain bug fixes for overheating issues. Avoid using beta OS versions prone to issues.
Use Lighter Apps
Try lighter alternative apps that require less processing power if certain apps make your phone run excessively hot. For example, use lighter web browsers or media apps.
Clean Phone Interior
Carefully clean any dust buildup from phone ports and interior using compressed air. Dust particles can obstruct heat dissipation from the phone.
When to Worry About Overheating
Minor heating during phone use is expected, but excessive overheating can damage components. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
Phone Won’t Turn On
If your phone feels very hot and stops responding or won’t turn on, it’s overheated to a serious level. Discontinue use and let it cool down before trying to power it back on.
Throttling and Slowdowns
Heat-related throttling will cause apps and functions to lag. If this happens frequently, it’s a sign of chronic overheating that needs addressing.
Battery Charging Slow or Not Holding Charge
An overheated battery charges slower and drains faster. This reduced performance indicates heat damage to battery health.
Phone Feels Burning Hot
It’s normal for a phone to get warm, but feeling burning or uncomfortably hot indicates a dangerous level of overheating that can damage circuits.
Odd Behavior, Crashes, Freezes
If your phone is randomly freezing, lagging, glitching or force closing apps, it could be a sign of heat-related hardware damage.
Screen Discoloration or Cracking
Visible screen discoloration from heat damage means components have reached unsafe temperatures inside the phone.
Smoke or Burning Smell
If you notice any smoke or burning odor coming from your phone, disconnect it from power immediately. This signals a dangerous electrical issue.
Swelling Battery
A swollen or warped battery that bulges the phone case indicates a faulty battery overheating internally. Stop using it to avoid safety risks.
How to Cool Down an Overheated Phone
If your phone feels excessively hot, here are some steps to cool it down quickly:
Step 1: Turn Off the Phone
Power down the phone and stop using it immediately if it feels burning hot. This prevents further overheating damage.
Step 2: Remove Protective Case
Take off any phone case so heat can radiate away from the body more easily. Cases can trap heat against the frame.
Step 3: Get Out of Direct Sunlight
Move to a shaded area or indoors. Direct sunlight hitting the phone magnifies the overheating effect.
Step 4: Point a Fan at the Phone
Use a fan, AC vent or any other source of directed airflow to actively cool the phone. Air circulation dissipates heat.
Step 5: Place Phone on a Cool Surface
Put your phone down on a counter or tabletop. Avoid hot surfaces like dashboards that could heat it further.
Step 6: Apply an Ice Pack If Needed
For extreme overheating, place the phone in the fridge for 10-15 minutes, or apply an ice or cold gel pack wrapped in a cloth. Avoid moisture contact.
Step 7: Wait for Phone to Cool Down
Let the phone sit powered off for at least an hour before trying to turn it back on. This allows internal components to cool.
Step 8: Charge Slowly and Minimally
Use a slow 5W charger and charge just enough to turn the phone on if needed. Avoid fast charging or overcharging.
When to Take Your Phone for Repair
If overheating issues persist after trying to cool your phone down and manage activities, it may require professional repair or replacement. Contact technical support if you notice:
Repeated Overheating
Frequent overheating during normal use means there is an underlying hardware issue that needs to be addressed.
Phone Won’t Power On
An overheated phone that won’t turn back on even after cooling off likely has internal damage and needs repair.
Cracked Screen or Camera
Physical damage like cracks point to components reaching excessively high temperatures internally.
Swelling Battery
A swollen or warped battery is hazardous and needs immediate replacement by a professional. Avoid charging it.
Smoke or Burning Smell
Strong smoke or burning odors indicate defective components at risk of catching fire or exploding.
Loose Ports or Housing
Heat damage can warp phone construction. Loose ports, gaps or detachment signal the phone needs repair.
Getting professional service can determine if specific hardware like the battery, mainboard or charging port needs replacement due to thermal damage. Software issues may also be fixed by updating or resetting the OS.
How to Prevent Phone Overheating
Here are some best practices to keep in mind to avoid phone overheating problems:
Don’t Use Direct Sunlight
Keep your phone out of prolonged direct sunlight. High ambient temperatures contribute to phone overheating.
Remove Heavy Phone Cases
Well-designed phone cases don’t trap heat. Avoid heavy-duty options that could act as insulation.
Limit Gaming and Streaming
These resource-intensive apps make phones work harder. Take breaks during long sessions to let phones cool.
Close Unused Apps
Apps running in the background use processor power unnecessarily. Close them to reduce resource load.
Maintain Software Updates
Regular OS and security updates often fix bugs causing overheating. Don’t use expired software.
Avoid Overcharging Battery
Only charge as much as necessary. Overcharging the battery accelerates wear and reduces lifespan.
Clean Out Vents and Ports
Use compressed air to remove dust obstruction in charging ports and vents to enable heat dissipation.
Monitor Phone Temperature
Be alert to any prolonged excessive heating during use. Take steps to cool the phone down immediately.
Replace Old Batteries
Worn-out batteries can no longer regulate temperatures well. Swap batteries over 2 years old.
Don’t Use While Charging
Avoid intensive activity while charging. The combination of fast charging and apps can overheat phones.
Conclusion
Phone overheating is a common problem with multiple causes, but can be managed by being mindful of phone use conditions. Direct sunlight, enclosed spaces, bulky cases, and demanding apps are key factors that elevate phone temperature. Try to limit gaming and streaming sessions, close unused apps, avoid direct sun, take off heavy cases, and turn off unneeded radios like GPS and Bluetooth to help phone stay cool. Keep your phone out of confined spaces like pockets or bags as much as possible. If you notice frequent or severe overheating, try cleaning your phone ports and vents of debris, updating software, and replacing aged batteries. Seek repair help for any persisting hardware problems leading to overheating. With some care and preventative habits, you can enjoy smooth phone performance without slowdowns from excess heat buildup.