With rising temperatures, especially in summer, many electronic devices are more prone to overheating problems.Of all of them, the mobile phone is probably the most exposed and vulnerable. Continued use, hot environments, the type of case used, the way we charge it, the number of apps running, and even the age or condition of the device itself can directly influence the internal temperature of the smartphone.
Preventing overheating is critical to maintaining the integrity of your phone, preventing damage to key components, protecting your data, and ensuring the best long-term performance.Here you'll discover the main causes, the risks of excessive heat, and, above all, tips, tricks, and practical solutions to keep your phone cool and safe even in extreme heat.
Why does a mobile phone overheat?
Overheating of a mobile phone is a common phenomenon that can have multiple causes.Although weather and direct sun exposure are important external factors, there are many other internal variables that can also cause temperatures to rise above the recommended level:
- Intensive processor usage: Running demanding applications, high-resolution games, video editing, rendering, or intensive multitasking forces the CPU/GPU to work at maximum performance, generating heat.
- Battery chargeCharging your phone, especially with fast charging technology or while it's in use, is another time when it generates the most heat.
- Hot environment and sun exposure: The environment in which you use your phone (beach, car, terraces, etc.) directly influences the internal temperature of the device, as it accumulates not only its own heat but also ambient heat.
- Background app buildup: Having too many apps open or processes running uncontrollably increases resource consumption and heat generation.
- High screen brightness: Keeping the screen at maximum brightness for long periods of time forces the battery and screen to work harder and therefore heats up the phone.
- Old or defective battery: Degraded batteries may become hotter than usual, especially if they are overcharged or damaged.
- Prolonged use of cameras or video: Long photo or recording sessions can heat up the processor and camera.
- Inadequate covers that prevent heat dissipation to the outside.
- System updates: After a major update, your phone may optimize apps in the background, temporarily increasing the temperature.
Risks and consequences of mobile phone overheating
Excessive heat can have negative effects not only in the short term, but also in the long term on your device.The main consequences and risks of overheating are:
- Reduced performance: The operating system may automatically slow down the processor (throttling) to prevent damage and the experience will be less fluid.
- Accelerated battery wear: Prolonged heat shortens battery life and may cause swelling or loss of capacity.
- Unexpected restarts or shutdownsMany phones have thermal protection systems that turn off the device when the temperature is dangerous.
- Damage to internal components: chips, circuits, screen or solders may be affected, causing irreparable damage.
- Data loss: A sudden power outage or shutdown can cause file and app corruption.
- Physical risk to the user: A very hot mobile phone can cause minor burns or discomfort.
- Loss of waterproofing: Gaskets and adhesives may deteriorate, allowing dust or moisture to enter the interior.
Therefore, it's essential to take preventative measures and act quickly as soon as you notice your phone getting too hot.
Tips and habits to prevent your cell phone from overheating
- Keep your phone away from direct sunlightDirect exposure to sunlight can raise your phone's internal temperature by an additional 8 to 10 degrees. Try to keep your phone in the shade, in a purse, backpack, or somewhere cool when you're outdoors. If you use your phone as a GPS in your car, place it on a surface of the dashboard away from direct sunlight, using ventilated mounts.
- Beware of thick or poorly breathable coversUse thin silicone cases or materials that facilitate heat dissipation. If you're performing demanding tasks like gaming, video recording, or rendering, remove the case to promote ventilation. Padded, leather, or dual-shell cases can insulate excessive heat. If your phone feels warm after an intense session, remove the case and place it on a cool, ventilated surface.
- Charge your phone on smooth, solid, and cool surfacesAvoid charging on beds, chairs, or fabrics, as these prevent heat dissipation. Opt for surfaces like wood, glass, or even the floor if it's cold. In warm rooms, place your phone near a fan or where there's air conditioning. Make sure the charging cable isn't too taut to avoid straining the connection or the battery.
- Control apps in the backgroundClose all apps you're not using. The more open apps and active processes you have, the more strain your processor puts on them and the more heat they generate. Check Settings > Apps to see which apps are open and use the "Force Stop" or "Disable" option if necessary. On some devices, you can manage automatic app startup to reduce the workload.
- Disable unnecessary functions: Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, NFC, and mobile data left on can strain the antenna and heat up your phone. Only turn them on when you need them.
- Avoid using demanding games and apps in hot environmentsVideo games, especially those with high-performance graphics, are a common cause of overheating. Try to play only in cool or cooler locations, and take breaks between long sessions.
- Do not use your phone while charging, especially for games or videoCharging generates enough heat on its own. Using your phone intensively while charging can be very damaging to the battery and internal circuitry.
- Update the operating system and applicationsNew versions often optimize resource use and improve energy efficiency.
- Don't leave your phone charging for too long.: Once it reaches 100%, unplug it to avoid overcharging and prolonged heating of the battery.
What to do if your phone overheats: Steps to cool it down safely
- Turn off your smartphoneTurning it off completely is the most effective and quickest way to stop heat generation and allow the internal components to cool. Simply locking the screen or putting it in airplane mode isn't enough.
- Remove the case, bumper or accessories: Removing anything that impedes ventilation helps heat dissipate faster.
- Place it on a cool, dry surface.Choose a table, floor, or countertop away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid fabrics or surfaces that retain heat.
- Do not charge or connect headphones or other accessories.: Wait for it to return to room temperature before plugging it back in.
- Never cool it with freezer, ice or water: Drastic changes can cause condensation and irreversibly damage the terminal.
Are there any miracle apps to lower the temperature?
There are several apps on the market that promise to lower the temperature of your phone or act as "coolers.". The truth is that none can physically cool the deviceTheir usefulness lies in notifying you about CPU and battery temperatures or displaying alerts, but they can't do anything you can't accomplish by closing apps or manually letting your device rest. Use these apps to monitor, but don't rely on them to fix the root cause.
Special situations: video games, photos, GPS navigation and updates
- Video Games: Try to play only in cool environments, set the resolution or graphics to low levels, close background apps before playing, and take breaks.
- Video and photo recordingAvoid long sessions in the sun, rest your device after long recordings, and do not charge the battery while recording.
- GPS navigation: Use GPS on essential journeys, keep the brightness low, and keep your phone in well-ventilated areas of the car.
- After updatesA temporary increase in temperature due to app optimization is normal. If it persists after a few hours, restart your device.
How to identify hardware overheating
If your phone heats up without intensive use, at rest, after a fall, contact with water, or for no apparent reason, it could be a hardware problem. Check if the battery swells, the screen becomes discolored, it restarts constantly, or some components stop working. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a specialized technical service immediately.
What should you never do if your phone is hot?
- Do not refrigerate or expose it to extreme temperature changes.
- Do not put it in contact with water, ice or cold packs.
- Do not continue to use it intensively until the temperature drops.
- Do not ignore operating system warning messages.
By adopting sensible usage guidelines and applying the recommendations mentioned above, you can protect your phone from overheating, extend its lifespan, and avoid unexpected malfunctions, data loss, or irreversible damage. Always be vigilant for signs of abnormal heat and act quickly if you notice any signs.