Have you ever noticed your iOS or Android phone overheating up during a video call or while gaming, leading to unexpected shutdowns? This can disrupt your daily activities, drain the battery, and even cause long-term damage!
With the rapid advancement of smartphone technology, devices are now packed with features that demand more processing power, making overheating increasingly common.
Whether you’re out and about or relaxing at home, a hot phone can be a real nuisance, making it essential to understand why it happens and how to fix it.
Why is my phone overheating so quickly?
Common causes of phone overheating warning include:
- Intensive usage: Running demanding apps, playing graphic-heavy games, or streaming videos can cause your phone to heat up.
- Environmental factors: Using your phone in direct sunlight or hot environments can increase its temperature.
- Software glitches: Bugs or outdated software can lead to excessive CPU usage, causing overheating.
- Background processes: Applications running in the background can consume resources and heat up your device.
- Battery issues: A failing battery can also be a significant contributor to overheating problems
How do I fix my overheating phone?
1. Avoid direct sunlight
Keeping your phone out of hot environments is essential, as external heat can exacerbate overheating issues. Store your phone in a cool place, especially during summer.
2. Limit resource-intensive apps
Games and streaming services can significantly increase CPU load, leading to overheating. Close games or streaming services when not in use. Also, check if your phone is infected with a virus or malware and remove it!
3. Remove the case
Back covers for mobile phones can trap heat, exacerbating overheating issues. Remove the case during heavy use or charging to allow for better airflow.
4. Close background apps
iPhone
Running multiple apps can overwork your processor, leading to overheating. To prevent this, close unnecessary apps.
Steps: Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Disable Background App Refresh for apps you don’t use frequently
Android
Similar to iOS, multiple background apps can consume resources.
Steps: Settings > Apps > Running Apps > Swipe away the apps you want to close
5. Update the software
Outdated software can lead to glitches that cause your phone to overheat. Keeping your operating system updated is crucial.
iPhone
Steps: Settings > General > Software Update > Install any available updates
Android
Steps: Settings > System > Software Update > Download and install any updates
6. Check battery health
A failing battery can generate excess heat, impacting your phone’s performance. Monitoring battery health can help identify potential issues.
iPhone
Steps: Settings > Battery > Battery Health > If the battery is degraded, consider replacing it
Android
Steps: Download AccuBattery from the Google Play Store > Monitor battery temperature and health
7. Check charging accessories
Using non-certified chargers can cause overheating. Always ensure your accessories are approved by the manufacturer.
iPhone
- Use only Apple-approved chargers or MFi-certified accessories.
Android
- Replace any third-party chargers with the original.
8. Use a cooling app
Certain apps can overwork your CPU, leading to overheating. Using cooling apps can help mitigate this issue.
Android
Steps: Download Cryo Phone Cooler from the Google Play Store > Run the app to detect and close overheating apps
9. Factory reset (Last Resort)
If persistent overheating occurs, it may be due to software issues. Performing a factory reset can help.
iPhone
Steps: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings > Follow the prompts to reset
Android
Steps: Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset) > Confirm the action
Does overheating damage a phone?
Yes, overheating can indeed damage your phone, affecting both its performance and longevity. The impact of heat varies depending on the duration and intensity of the overheating, but it generally harms key components in the device.
- Battery: Heat accelerates the degradation of lithium-ion batteries, reducing their capacity and lifespan over time. In extreme cases, the battery may swell or even catch fire.
- CPU/Processor: Excessive heat forces the processor to throttle its speed, which leads to lagging and slower performance. Prolonged overheating can permanently damage the CPU.
- Screen: Overheating can cause discoloration or pixel damage on the display, particularly in OLED and AMOLED screens.
- Motherboard: The delicate circuits within the motherboard can warp or get fried, rendering the phone inoperable.
- Internal components: Excessive heat can also melt or weaken solder joints inside the phone, leading to permanent hardware failure.
Over time, these effects will reduce your phone’s overall lifespan, lower its performance, and increase the risk of catastrophic failure. Regular overheating also worsens battery life, causing the phone to require more frequent charging.
Preventing your phone from overheating is crucial for extending its lifespan and maintaining optimal performance. Regularly updating your software, closing unnecessary apps, and using certified chargers are key steps that work for both Android and iPhone.
Remember, as technology advances, more components and features are integrated into smartphones, and the devices become slimmer, cases of overheating will rise unless manufacturers put in some real effort.
Few startups have come up with solutions, but these ideas and gadgets don’t resonate with the masses, especially Apple and Samsung fans. So, we, as consumers, must ultimately raise our voices against these glaring loopholes in devices that underwent countless testing phases. Because it’s us who will ultimately bear the brunt!
While you are here, also discover expert tips to capture stunning photos from your smartphone!
