How to Fix an Overheating Smartphone: Android & iPhone Leave a comment

Whether you use an Android or iPhone, excessive heat can slow down performance, drain battery life, and even damage internal components. Overheating issues often arise due to intensive app usage, charging habits, background processes, or environmental factors like high temperatures.

From gaming and video streaming to multitasking and fast charging, various factors can push your device beyond its thermal limits. Ignoring overheating can lead to unexpected shutdowns, battery wear, or long-term damage. Understanding the root causes and effective cooling solutions is key to maintaining your phone’s health.

In this blog, we’ll cover the best ways to fix and prevent smartphone overheating, including practical tips, software tweaks, and hardware solutions to keep your phone cool and running smoothly.

Key Takeaways

• Overheating in smartphones happens due to gaming, streaming, running many apps, direct sunlight, or faulty chargers. Most devices work best at -4°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C).
• Quick fixes include removing the case, closing unused apps, turning on Airplane Mode, and moving the phone to a cool place. Avoid putting it in extreme cold like a freezer.
• Prevent overheating by avoiding charging whilst using heavy apps and keeping your phone out of sunlight. Use manufacturer-approved chargers and update software regularly for better performance.
• Signs of overheating include sudden battery drain, sluggish performance, excessive heat around the screen or back, and unexpected system alerts.
• If issues persist despite attempts to fix them or if your battery appears damaged (like swelling), seek professional help immediately to prevent permanent damage or hazards.

Common Reasons for Smartphone Overheating

Smartphones can heat up unexpectedly due to various habits and conditions. These issues often arise from heavy usage or environmental factors, leading to performance problems.

Gaming for extended periods

Intensive gaming heats up your device quickly. Graphics-heavy apps push the processor and graphics processing unit (GPU) to their limits, raising internal temperatures. Prolonged gaming can cause overheating, battery drain, or even sudden shutdowns.

Most smartphones operate best between -4°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C), but extended use often exceeds this range.

To reduce smartphone heat during gaming, close unused background apps before starting. Lower display brightness or switch on power-saving modes for better control of energy usage. Avoid charging while playing as it worsens heating issues in Android phones and iPhones alike.

Streaming videos or music

Streaming videos or music can overwork your smartphone. The CPU and GPU handle heavy tasks, causing the device to heat up. Prolonged streaming raises the phone’s temperature quickly, especially if combined with high brightness or background apps.

The normal range for a smartphone is 36–43°C (96.8–109.4°F). Exceeding this harms performance and battery life. To avoid overheating, pause streaming sessions regularly. Adjust video quality settings on platforms like YouTube to reduce strain on the system while enjoying content safely.

Running multiple apps simultaneously

Running too many apps at once overworks your smartphone. Each app running in the background adds to battery usage and heat generation. For example, switching between games, social media, and messaging apps can push the phone temperature beyond 43°C (109.4°F).

Background activities from various apps also strain the processor. This makes devices like Androids or iPhones sluggish while draining power quickly. Close unused applications or use “Battery Saver” mode to ease pressure on lithium-ion batteries and avoid overheating problems.

Direct exposure to sunlight

Direct sunlight can heat your smartphone beyond safe levels. The ideal operating range for most devices is -4 to 113°F (-20 to 45°C). Prolonged exposure may cause overheating, leading to sluggish performance or even system shutdowns.

Your screen and battery suffer the most damage under these conditions.

Move your phone out of direct sun if it feels hot. Avoid leaving it on a car dashboard or outdoor table where temperatures rise quickly. Protecting your device from extreme heat helps maintain its lifespan and avoid overheating issues in Android and iPhone models alike.

Charging with faulty equipment

Damaged chargers or cables cause major overheating issues in Android and iPhone devices. Frayed wires, exposed metal, or loose connections increase heat while charging. Low-quality chargers from untrustworthy brands add to this risk by not meeting safety standards.

Always inspect your equipment for signs of wear and tear. Choose manufacturer-approved chargers to avoid overheating risks. “A safe charger is just as important as the device itself.” Stick with trusted options to protect your phone and battery life from damage.

Signs Your Smartphone Is Overheating

Your smartphone might be struggling if it feels unusually hot or starts losing battery quickly. These signs can signal an underlying issue that needs your immediate attention.

Increased heat around the back or screen

Heat around the back of your smartphone often points to battery issues. Overheating can occur if apps overwork the device or updates are overdue. If the heat is at the bottom during charging, check for faulty cables or chargers.

Using unofficial accessories may damage components and cause heating problems.

Watch for excessive heat when using demanding Android apps from Google Play Store or iOS apps from Apple’s App Store. Malicious software like cryptojacking tools can also strain your phone, making it hot while draining its battery faster than usual.

Stop such threats by updating software regularly and scanning for malware with mobile security tools like Norton.

Sudden battery drain

Sudden battery drain often signals smartphone overheating. Heat from the phone causes your battery to work harder, draining it faster than usual. Overheating can degrade the battery over time, shortening its lifespan.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures may even lead to permanent damage.

Running demanding apps or using augmented reality features can worsen the issue. Charging with faulty equipment or leaving your device in direct sunlight adds strain on your cell phone’s power system.

To avoid rapid drain, stop heavy usage during charging and use manufacturer-approved chargers only.

Sluggish performance

Sluggish performance often follows overheating in smartphones. High temperatures cause your device to slow down as a self-protection mechanism. Apps may lag, freeze, or take longer to load.

Decreased processing power can make games stutter and browsing tedious.

Overheating also shortens battery life further, making matters worse. For instance, devices like the Galaxy Note 7 faced similar issues due to heat-triggered malfunctions. Avoid running multiple apps while charging or using intensive tasks—this reduces strain on the hardware and prevents heat build-up.

Unexpected system alerts

Unexpected alerts can signal that your smartphone is overheating. These warnings often appear as pop-ups, urging you to cool down the device immediately. In some cases, your phone may shut off certain features or reduce performance to prevent damage.

Pay attention if you see frequent crashes, strange notifications, or system errors. Malicious apps like fake antivirus software or android malware might also cause these issues while overloading the processor.

Ignoring such alerts could lead to hardware failures or battery damage.

How to Cool Down an Overheating Smartphone?

Take simple steps to cool your overheating phone—small changes can make a big difference.

Remove the phone case

Phone cases trap heat. This makes it harder for your smartphone to cool down. Take off the case immediately if your device feels too hot. Without the case, heat escapes faster through its surface.

Some materials like rubber or thick plastic can worsen overheating issues in Android devices and iPhones alike. Removing these barriers improves airflow, protecting components like the battery from damage caused by excess heat.

Turn on Airplane Mode

Airplane Mode stops Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data. This reduces background tasks that heat up your phone. It helps cool your device faster if it overheats.

Using Airplane Mode can save battery too. Switch it on during charging or while troubleshooting overheating issues in Android or iPhone models like the iPhone 15 Pro or Samsung Galaxy devices.

Close unnecessary apps

Closing unused apps reduces your phone’s workload. Open apps running in the background stress the CPU and drain the battery. This creates heat, making your device overheat faster.

Shut down heavy apps like games or streaming platforms if you’re not using them. Pay attention to bloatware—pre-installed programmes you don’t need—they use system resources without adding value.

Closing these unnecessary processes helps cool down your smartphone quickly and prevents further heating issues while saving power.

Move the phone to a cool environment

Place your phone in a shaded spot or an air-conditioned room immediately. Direct sunlight can quickly increase its temperature, leading to overheating issues. Avoid putting it in extreme cold areas like freezers, as this may cause moisture damage inside the device.

Maintain the phone around 35 degrees Fahrenheit lower than when overheating starts. A cool environment helps stabilise performance and prevents further battery strain. This simple step is one of the best smartphone overheating solutions you can apply anytime.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Overheating

Keep your phone cool by adjusting how you use it daily. Simple steps can stop the heat and protect its lifespan.

Avoid charging and using demanding apps at the same time

Charging your phone already creates heat due to the charging circuit. Using demanding apps like streaming, gaming, or cryptocurrency miners during charging adds even more strain. This combination can cause overheating and damage your battery over time.

Pause heavy tasks while plugged in. Let your phone focus on either charging or handling power-hungry apps—not both at once. Protecting your device this way helps avoid overheating issues common in Android and iPhone models alike.

Update apps and software regularly

Software updates improve performance and fix bugs. They also help your smartphone run smoothly and avoid overheating issues. Outdated apps or systems can strain your device, causing it to overheat while charging or performing tasks.

Automatic updates save time and keep everything current. If an update is available, install it promptly to reduce risks from spyware or malware like ransomware. Regularly updating ensures compatibility with newer features in iOS 18 and Android systems.

Use only manufacturer-approved chargers

Faulty chargers can damage your smartphone and cause overheating. Manufacturer-approved chargers lower this risk by ensuring safe, efficient charging. They are tested to match your phone’s specifications, protecting both the battery and internal components.

Using cheap or third-party chargers may lead to short circuits or overcharging issues. These problems can harm devices like Android phones or iPhones and shorten their lifespan. Stick to trusted accessories for a safer experience and fewer overheating troubles.

Optimise brightness and settings

Lower the screen brightness to reduce heat and save battery. High brightness makes your phone work harder, especially outdoors. Use adaptive brightness settings for better control.

Adjust performance settings to match your needs. Turn off unused features like Bluetooth or GPS when not needed. These tweaks can prevent overheating issues in Android and iPhone devices alike.

Keep the phone out of direct sunlight

Direct sunlight can cause your phone to overheat quickly. Temperatures above 113°F (45°C) may harm internal components. Keep your smartphone in a shaded area, especially during sunny days.

Avoid leaving it on car dashboards or windowsills where heat builds up fast.

Excessive exposure to sunlight drains the battery and slows performance. Use protective cases designed for heat resistance if you must be outside for long periods. Moving your overheating device into an air-conditioned room can help cool it down safely without damaging hardware.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your phone keeps overheating, it might need expert attention. A professional can check for deeper issues like damaged hardware or battery problems.

Persistent overheating issues

Persistent overheating may signal hardware or battery problems. Internal components, like the processor, could fail due to prolonged stress. Faulty batteries—common in older phones or those exposed to heat—can swell and cause damage.

If your device overheats regularly, it might have deeper issues needing professional repair.

Unchecked overheating risks permanent damage. Software bugs or outdated apps may also overload the system, causing excessive heat. Avoid delays; a technician can identify underlying causes and prevent potential hazards like battery leaks or explosion risks seen in devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

Potential battery damage

Overheating can harm your phone’s battery permanently. Extreme heat makes the battery components degrade faster, leading to shorter lifespan and slower performance over time. If your smartphone gets too hot frequently, it might cause the battery to swell or even leak.

Phones overheating while charging is a common sign of potential trouble. Using poor-quality chargers or cables increases this risk. Inspect the device if issues persist—professional help ensures safety and checks for damage you can’t see right away.

Hardware malfunctions

Damaged hardware can cause persistent overheating. A faulty CPU might overwork, generating excess heat that spreads through your phone. Broken internal fans or cooling components make it harder for the device to release this heat.

Signs of damage include recurring overheating even after cooling measures and sudden shutdowns. Hardware issues like a defective battery can risk further harm if ignored. Seek help from qualified technicians to fix or replace damaged parts safely before long-term problems occur.

Conclusion

Fixing an overheating smartphone is simpler than you think. Avoid heat triggers like direct sunlight and demanding apps during charging. Use quick tips such as removing the case, closing apps, or activating Airplane Mode to cool it down fast.

Keeping your phone updated and using approved chargers can stop problems before they start. If issues persist or your battery seems affected, professional help might be necessary. Act now to protect your device and keep it running smoothly!

FAQs for Fixing Overheating Smartphone