It’s frustrating when your Samsung phone starts getting hot unexpectedly. A warm phone can be uncomfortable to hold and can even cause performance issues. Fortunately, there are usually some simple steps you can take to cool down your overheating Samsung device.
Quick Summary
Here are some quick potential reasons a Samsung phone may get hot and possible solutions:
- Using resource-intensive apps – Close unused apps and limit high-demand app usage
- Charging phone – Use original Samsung charger and avoid using phone while charging
- Poor signal strength – Move to an area with better signal
- Direct sunlight – Keep phone out of direct sunlight
- Older device – Replace battery if phone is aged and getting hot often
- Hardware issue – May need repair if overheating persists in safe mode
Using Resource-Intensive Apps
One of the most common reasons for a Samsung phone getting hot is using apps or features that take up a lot of processing power and device resources. Apps like 3D games, video streaming or editing apps, and other graphically intensive programs can cause a phone’s processor to work much harder, resulting in more heat output.
Try closing any apps you aren’t actively using by swiping them away from the recent apps screen. Also monitor which apps seem to correlate to your phone getting hot, and limit your usage of those intensive apps when you notice overheating.
You can also go to Settings > Device care > Battery to put apps to sleep that you don’t need running in the background. Restricting background data and activity for unused apps will lighten the load on your processor.
Tips for managing intensive apps
- Close unused apps in your recent apps view
- Restrict background data for apps you aren’t using
- Force stop apps that cause overheating issues
- Reduce screen brightness to lower GPU demand
- Disable unnecessary system animations
Charging Your Phone
It’s very common for Samsung phones to heat up while charging. The battery generates heat as it receives power, and charging coils and other components heat up as higher energy transfers into the device.
Use the original Samsung charger that came with your phone if possible, and avoid using third-party chargers. Samsung’s official chargers are designed to deliver an optimal charge to your specific model.
Also consider charging your phone when you aren’t using it as much, such as overnight. Doing graphically or processor intensive tasks while charging up accelerates heating.
You can also try disabling fast charging if your phone supports it. Fast charging allows your phone to charge up quickly, but generates more internal heat in the process.
Charging tips to prevent overheating
- Use official Samsung charger for your model
- Avoid intensive device use during charging
- Charge phone when not in active use
- Disable fast charging if supported
- Don’t cover phone or charger during charging
Poor Signal Strength
Weak cell signal is another culprit for increased device temperature in Samsung phones. When your phone can’t get a strong signal lock from nearby cell towers, it has to work harder by boosting its own radios and amplifiers trying to connect.
Check if you’re in an area with only 1 or 2 bars of reception. Move closer to a window where signal is often better, or step outside if you’re in a building with thick walls that block signal.
You can also try turning on Airplane mode for a while to let the phone cool down, then reconnect to the network. Turning your phone off completely before powering it back on can also help reset the connection.
Improving cell signal to reduce overheating
- Move closer to windows or go outside
- Toggle Airplane mode on and off
- Turn phone fully off and on again
- Check for carrier signal issues in your area
- Avoid using phone in basements, elevators, etc
Direct Sunlight Exposure
Leaving your Samsung device in direct sunlight can cause it to get hot very quickly. The sun beating down directly on the phone raises the temperature inside the chassis.
Try keeping your phone shaded as much as possible. Don’t leave it on car dashboards or exposed surfaces in the sun. Even resting it screen-down in sunlight shining through a window can increase heat absorption.
Using a sun shade in your car windshield and keeping the phone inside a bag or purse helps block sunlight exposure during transport. Seek shade under trees, umbrellas or awnings when using outside.
Avoiding sun exposure to prevent overheating
- Keep phone shaded as much as possible
- Use sun shades in vehicles
- Put phone in bag or purse when traveling
- Seek shade when using phone outdoors
- Face screen inward if leaving on surfaces in sunlight
Older Phone Batteries
As Samsung phone batteries age through repeated charge cycles and natural deterioration, they become less efficient. An older battery may not supply steady electrical current as efficiently, causing the phone’s processors to work harder to draw power.
Check if your overheating issues coincide with when your phone battery is running low. Does it feel hot right before shutting down from low charge? This can indicate the battery isn’t outputting enough current.
You can try replacing the battery if your phone is more than a couple years old. Newer batteries provide much better current flow and heat efficiency. Note that some models require professional battery replacement.
Signs of aged phone battery
- Battery life decreasing over time
- Phone shutting down before 0% charge
- Consistent overheating when battery low
- Swollen or expanded phone chassis
- Random device reboots or shutdowns
Hardware Issues
In some cases, consistent overheating of your Samsung device even in idle or light usage scenarios may indicate an underlying hardware problem. Defective voltage regulation, leaky capacitors, and faulty heat dissipation modules can all cause a phone to run hot.
Try booting your phone into Safe Mode by holding the power button and pressing “Safe Mode.” This will disable third-party apps and services. If heating persists even in Safe Mode, it likely indicates a hardware problem.
Other signs of hardware issues may include random reboots or shutdowns, crashes or freezes, camera failures, and problems charging properly. Your best bet is to take it in to a Samsung authorized service center for diagnosis.
When to suspect hardware issues
- Heating happens absent of any usage or apps
- Phone stays hot even in Airplane mode
- Safe Mode doesn’t resolve overheating problem
- Associated battery life, camera or charging issues
Conclusion
An overheating Samsung phone can definitely be annoying and concerning, but is usually fixable. Close intensive apps, ensure proper charging practices, stay out of the heat and sunlight, and watch for aged battery issues. Persistent heating may require professional diagnosis for hardware faults or battery replacement in older models.
With some diligent monitoring of usage conditions and a few adjustments, you should be able to resolve that surprising Samsung phone heat and get back to normal functioning.