11 Reasons Why Your Phone Gets Hot and Tips to Cool It Down

As our reliance on smartphones grows, we often spend more and more time on them. From browsing the web to streaming videos, our phones are now capable of handling a wide range of tasks, which can sometimes lead to overheating. In this article, we will explore why phones get hot and provide tips on how to cool them down.

Overheating is a common problem that affects many smartphones. When a phone gets too hot, it can cause damage to the battery, screen, and other components. In extreme cases, it can even lead to a fire or explosion. That is why it is crucial to understand why phones get hot and how to prevent it from happening.

There are several reasons why a phone might get hot. Below are some of the most typical causes:

Reason 1: Heavy Usage

One of the most common reasons why phones get hot is heavy usage. When you use your phone for extended periods, it can cause the processor to work harder, which generates heat. It is especially true when running resource-intensive apps like games or video editors.

Reason 2: Overcharging

Overcharging is another common cause of phone overheating. When you overcharge your phone, it can cause the battery to overheat, which can damage the battery and other components. That is why it is important to unplug your phone once it reaches 100%.

Reason 3: Running Too Many Apps

Running too many apps can also cause your phone to get hot. When you have too many apps running in the background, it can cause the processor to work harder, which generates heat. That is why closing apps you are not using is essential.

Reason 4: Software Updates

Software updates can also cause your phone to get hot. When a software update gets installed, it can cause the processor to work harder, which generates heat. That is why updating your phone is essential when you are not using it.

Reason 5: Malware or Viruses

Malware or viruses can also cause your phone to get hot. When malware or viruses infect your phone, they can cause the processor to work harder, which generates heat. That is why it is essential to install antivirus software on your phone and to avoid downloading apps from unknown sources.

Reason 6: Poor Ventilation

Poor ventilation can also cause your phone to get hot. When your phone is covered or placed in a tight space, it can prevent air from circulating the phone, which can cause it to overheat. That is why keeping your phone in a well-ventilated area is essential.

Reason 7: Battery Issues

Battery issues can also cause your phone to get hot. When your battery is damaged or worn out, it can cause your phone to overheat. That is why it is essential to replace your battery if it is not holding a charge or is swollen.

Reason 8: Hot Weather

Another reason your phone is overheated can be the hot weather or direct sunlight. Even if you leave your phone unattended in a high temperature, it tends to get overheated until moved to the normal temperature again.

Reason 9: Overloaded CPU

Another pretty obvious reason is overworked CPU. When you have been using the phone for way too long or using multiple apps at the same time, the CPU may get overworked and the phone will get overheated consequently. The best practice is to always close the unused apps and take breaks using phone. Not just to keep it at the normal temperature but spending too much time on your phone may not be good for you either.

Reason 10: Power Intensive Apps

Some apps take more power than others. Like gaming apps or video streaming apps as compared to a to do app or whatsapp for that matter. Using power intensive apps for too long can also overheat your phone.

Reason 11: Wireless Charging

Wireless charging causes more energy leaks in the form of heat that makes your phone warmer than usual. If your phone is getting overheated while charging only that means this could be the issue that needs solving.

It is crucial to remember that all mobile phones tend to heat up to a certain extent. However, it can be tough to determine when the temperature is a cause for worry. Generally, the average operating temperature of a phone's internal components ranges between 98.6 to 109.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are some pointers to remember to identify if your iPhone temperature is unusual.

If you are an iPhone user, obtaining temperature readings is impossible. However, you can use the Battery Health function to access details on how your battery is used and which applications are most responsible for draining it. To access this feature, follow the instructions below:

1. Open the Settings app

2. Select Battery

3. Click on Battery Health to view information regarding battery usage.

A helpful tip to remember is to check your battery's Maximum Capacity and Peak Performance Capability on the Battery Health page. It might require a replacement if the battery operates below 100% or does not function at peak performance.

If you're an Android user, you won't be able to directly measure the temperature of your phone from your device, just like with an iPhone. However, an app called AIDA64 can provide crucial information about your phone's hardware and software, including the amount of RAM you're using, your CPU's speed, and your phone's temperature. To view your Android's battery usage, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings menu.
• Click on the Battery option.
• Select Battery Usage to see your phone's battery status from the last 24 hours.

Overheating phones can be frustrating, and knowing how to cool them down is essential. If your phone is overheating, there are several things you can do to cool it down:

• Close all unnecessary apps: Running multiple apps can cause your phone to heat up. Close all the apps that you are not using. Examples: If you're playing a heavy game or using many apps simultaneously, your phone may heat up due to excessive usage. Closing these apps can cool down your phone.
• Turn off new connectivity options: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS can heat your phone. Turn them off when you are not using them. If you're not using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS, it's better to turn them off to reduce the phone's workload, which can cause it to heat up.
• Remove the phone case: Phone cases can trap heat and cause your phone to overheat. Remove the case and let your phone cool down.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause your phone to heat up quickly. Keep your phone in a cool place away from the sun.
• Reduce the screen brightness: High screen brightness can heat your phone. Reduce the brightness to cool down your phone.
• Turn off heavy features: Features such as animations, live wallpapers, and voice assistants can heat your phone. Turn them off to cool down your phone.
• Keep your phone software updated: Software updates can fix bugs and improve your phone's performance. Keeping your phone updated can prevent it from overheating. Example: If you have an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for any available updates.
• Please avoid using your phone while it's charging. When your phone is charging, it is customary to heat up a little, but avoid using it while charging, as it will generate more heat.
• Place your phone in a cool and dry place for a while
• Remove any unused data or apps from your phone.
• Uninstall heavy apps that take up much space and cause your phone to overheat.
• Clear cache and data of apps that are causing the phone to get hot  
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Turn on Airplane mode.

Are you tired of your phone overheating and shutting down unexpectedly? Well, you are not alone. Phone overheating is a common problem that many smartphone users face, and it can be frustrating, especially when you need to use your phone. The excellent point is that there are several techniques to prevent phone overheating and keep your device running smoothly.

• Firstly, avoiding using your phone for extended periods is essential, especially when running heavy applications like games or video streaming. Such apps consume a lot of power, which generates heat, making your phone hot. So, take breaks in between usage to let your phone cool down.
• Another way to prevent overheating is to unplug your phone once it reaches 100% charge. Overcharging can damage your phone's battery and generate heat, which can cause your device to overheat. So, be mindful of your phone's battery level and unplug it once fully charged.
• Additionally, closing apps you are not using can help prevent phone overheating. Running multiple apps can cause your phone to work harder and generate more heat, leading to overheating. So, close apps you are not using to reduce the workload on your phone.
• Updating your phone when not using it is also crucial in preventing overheating. Software updates often improve your phone's performance and fix bugs that may cause your device to overheat. So, ensure you update your phone regularly.
• Installing antivirus software on your phone is another way to prevent phone overheating. Malware and viruses can cause your phone to overwork, leading to overheating. So, install antivirus software to protect your phone from such threats.
• Keeping your phone in a well-ventilated area can also help prevent phone overheating. Avoid placing your phone on soft surfaces like a bed or couch, as they can trap heat and cause your phone to overheat. Instead, place your phone on a hard surface and in a well-ventilated area.
• Lastly, replacing your battery if it is not holding a charge or is swollen can help prevent the phone from overheating. A damaged battery can cause your phone to overheat, so ensure you replace it if it's not functioning correctly.

These tips and tricks prevent phone overheating and keep your device running smoothly. Be mindful of your phone's usage and take proper care of your phone to avoid overheating.

In conclusion, phones can get hot for various reasons, including heavy usage, overcharging, running too many apps, software updates, malware or viruses, poor ventilation, and battery issues. To cool down your phone, turn off resource-intensive apps, close apps you are not using, remove your phone case, place your phone in a cool place, or turn off your phone. To prevent your phone from overheating, you can avoid heavy usage, unplug your phone once it reaches 100%, close apps that you are not using, update your phone when you are not using it, install antivirus software on your phone, keep your phone in a well-ventilated area, and replace your battery if it is not holding a charge or if it is swollen. By pursuing these tips, you can keep your phone cool and safe.

Also Read: Top 10 Mobile Security Apps in 2024