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Why Does My Phone Get Hot?
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Common Causes and What You Can Do
A warm phone does not necessarily mean that something is wrong. The processor, screen, battery and charging process all generate heat while the phone is working. However, if your phone becomes very hot, displays a temperature warning or limits certain features, you should allow it to cool down.
Short answer: Your phone will usually become warm while charging, running demanding apps, recording video, using navigation, sharing an internet connection or downloading large amounts of data. Direct sunlight, a hot car, a weak mobile signal and poor ventilation can increase the heat. Stop the demanding activity, unplug the charger and move the phone to a cool, shaded place.
Is It Normal for a Phone to Get Warm?
It is normal for a phone to feel slightly warm during charging, setup, a system update, gaming, video calls or a backup. The temperature should decrease once the activity has finished.
It is not normal for a phone to regularly become uncomfortably hot during light use, display temperature warnings at a normal room temperature or disable the screen and charging without an apparent reason.
7 Common Reasons Why Your Phone Gets Hot
1. Demanding Apps and Games
Games, video editing, augmented reality and other graphics-intensive apps place a heavy load on the processor. High screen brightness and a high refresh rate can increase the temperature even further.
Close the app and allow your phone to rest with the screen switched off. If the same app repeatedly causes the problem, check whether an update is available.
2. Using the Phone While It Is Charging
Charging produces heat, and using the phone at the same time creates even more. Combining fast charging with gaming, streaming video or navigation can make the phone noticeably warm.
Allow the phone to charge without using it and use a compatible charger. Place it on a hard, dry and open surface – never beneath a pillow, blanket or pile of clothes.
If your phone is also charging slowly, you can read our guide to the most common reasons why a phone charges slowly.
3. A System Update, Restore or Backup
When a new phone is being set up or a large number of photos, apps and files are being synchronised, the device works intensively in the background. The same thing can happen after a major system update.
The increased temperature is usually temporary. Connect the phone to a stable network, allow the process to finish and check its temperature again later.
4. A Weak Signal, Hotspot or Large Data Transfer
When mobile reception is poor, the phone has to work harder to maintain its connection to the network. Using a mobile hotspot, making long video calls and uploading or downloading large files can also generate heat.
Switch to a stable Wi-Fi network whenever possible, turn off the hotspot when it is not being used and pause large data transfers if the phone becomes too hot.
5. Direct Sunlight or a Hot Environment
A phone left on the beach, beside a window or inside a parked car can quickly become very hot. If the device is also charging or being used for navigation, the strain increases further.
Move the phone into the shade or a cooler room. Allow it to gradually return to a normal temperature before using or charging it again.
6. Too Many Background Processes
An unresponsive app, continuous location tracking or intensive synchronisation can keep the processor active. Check the battery usage in your phone’s settings to see whether an app is consuming an unusually large amount of energy.
Close or update the app causing the problem and restart the phone. You should also install any available system updates, as these may contain important bug fixes.
7. The Phone Case or Location Traps Heat
A phone case is rarely the main cause of overheating. However, a thick case can make it more difficult for heat to escape when the phone is already warm. Poor ventilation – such as charging the phone inside a closed bag – can have a similar effect.
If recommended by the manufacturer, you can temporarily remove the case while the phone cools down or if it frequently becomes warm while charging. Once the temperature has returned to normal, you can put on a phone case designed for your model.
How to Cool Down Your Phone Safely
Stop gaming, recording video, using navigation or any other demanding activity.
Disconnect the charger and any other connected accessories.
Move the phone away from direct sunlight, a hot car or another source of heat.
Place it on a dry, shaded and well-ventilated surface.
Temporarily remove the case if the phone is very hot and the manufacturer recommends doing so.
Reduce the screen brightness or switch off the phone if the temperature warning remains.
Wait until the phone has returned to a normal temperature before charging it or using it intensively again.
Do not attempt to cool the phone quickly using water or by placing it in a refrigerator or freezer. Rapid temperature changes and moisture can damage the device.
What Happens When a Phone Gets Too Hot?
Modern smartphones have built-in protection systems. When the temperature becomes too high, the phone may temporarily:
charge more slowly or stop charging
reduce the screen brightness
lower its performance
limit the camera, flash, network connection or other features
display a temperature warning
switch itself off until it has cooled down
A feature that suddenly becomes unavailable does not always indicate a fault. It may be the phone’s way of protecting its battery and internal components.
How to Prevent Your Phone from Getting Too Hot
Avoid charging or using your phone in direct sunlight.
Do not place a charging phone beneath blankets, pillows or clothing.
Use a charger and cable that are compatible with your phone model.
Pause demanding apps if the phone already feels warm.
Keep your apps and operating system up to date.
Switch off your hotspot, GPS and other energy-intensive features when they are not needed.
Check battery usage if the problem keeps returning.
When Should You Contact a Repair Service?
Contact the manufacturer or an authorised repair service if your phone becomes very hot during light use at a normal room temperature, temperature warnings keep appearing, the charging port or cable becomes unusually hot or the phone frequently switches itself off.
If the battery is swollen or the device has started to bulge or change shape, stop using and charging the phone immediately. Do not try to press the battery back into place or remove it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Hot Phone
Why Does My Phone Get Hot While Charging?
Charging always produces some heat. Fast charging, wireless charging and using the phone while it is charging can increase the temperature further. Place the phone in a well-ventilated area, use compatible accessories and disconnect the charger if the device becomes very hot.
Why Does My iPhone Get Hot?
An iPhone may become warm during setup, restoration, charging, gaming, video recording and other demanding activities. If a temperature warning appears, move the phone to a cooler location and allow it to rest.
Why Does My Samsung Phone Get Hot?
Common causes include multiple active apps, gaming, streaming, a weak signal and charging. Close any apps you are not using, unplug the charger if the phone becomes very hot and allow it to cool down in a well-ventilated place.
Can a Phone Case Make the Phone Hot?
The case does not normally produce heat, but a thick case can trap more heat when the phone is already under heavy load or charging. Remove it temporarily if the phone becomes unusually hot and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Is It Dangerous If My Phone Gets Hot?
A slightly warm phone during intensive use is usually normal. However, a temperature warning, repeated shutdowns, a swollen battery or extreme heat are signs that you should stop using the device and contact a repair service.
Can I Put My Phone in the Refrigerator?
No. Allow your phone to cool down naturally in a dry, shaded and well-ventilated place. Rapid cooling can cause condensation and sudden temperature changes.